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Original poster

Nanny kitty

30 replies

BrandyAlexander · 25/11/2013 11:40

Hi everyone, I just want to run something by you to get a few opinions. Our nanny has a kitty that we usually put in about £100 at the beginning of the month. She's been with us for a few years, and the system has always been that she she has an expenses book and puts the receipts etc with the book. Sometimes I look at them, mostly I don't. All the dcs activities etc are paid for by me, so the kitty is for any extras. She has always put little "extras" through the kitty, e.g. she goes to pick up stuff at the supermarket, she might put in her newspapers, a snack or treat for herself. I have never said anything as that is absolutely fine with me.

Yesterday, I had reason to look at the receipts and noticed that there are a lot more extras being put through the kitty. Not just her newspaper, but some more expensive treats for herself, and sanitary pads. Out of the last £100 I put in, about £20 of it went this way.

I am somewhat irritated but as she is our much treasured nanny, I was going to remind her to make sure she uses the kitty for work related stuff rather than personal expenses.

As I said, just wanted to get others opinions. Am i right/wrong to be irritated? Is what she's doing normal? Has anyone else come across this scenario. Thanks!

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OutragedFromLeeds · 25/11/2013 13:18

If she is using your money to buy her stuff she is taking the piss. Are you sure she is though? If I do a shop I put my stuff and the families through together (so all on the same receipt). I only charge them for their stuff though, not mine. If it's a small amount I might charge them for all the shopping, but then when we stop for snack, pay for that myself instead of charging them. Swings and roundabouts. Luckily they trust me.

'So sorry for the derailment - but this is a normal way to handle nanny expenses isn't it?'

No, I don't think so. Keeping receipts for big spends is normal, but I don't know any nanny who is expected to note down every penny they spend. Your friend is right, it is about trust. If you don't trust them not to steal from you, you almost certainly shouldn't trust them with your children!

Nannyme1 · 25/11/2013 13:15

I think it's very normal! My boss doesn't care, I do it to cover my back if she did ever turn around a say where did all the money go (which she never would but she would be fair to do so as it is her money). And also to not down dates kitty went into my bank I case HMRC ever things I'm being paid more.

Saying that my MB would think the same as you! I work 7-7:15 I don't have time to grab bits after work so if I think it when I'm doing their food shopping running errands I will grab anything I need too. It's all on the one receipt but I add up work stuff then take that off kitty.... Really should cross off my stuff and write new total incase she ever does check and things I'm stealing hundreds of pounds from her each month :/

I think a reminder that kitty is only for things for DC is needed otherwise it might just get worse.

Original poster
BrandyAlexander · 25/11/2013 13:10

Thank you both. I started off fuming last night but I am calm today. Sometimes emotions get the better of me so I just wanted to check whether others would be happy for these expenses to go through the kitty or was I being a tightwad.

Yes, she has definitely taken the money out of the kitty as the full cost of the receipt is what is in the book. In the past, she would adjust the receipt, but none of the receipts I looked at yesterday have been adjusted.

I understand that it is normal to have this system, it was discussed at interview and if she didn't like it, she need not have accepted the job. She had also had this system with previous jobs. In my job, I have to submit expense receipts for everything and so to me, it is normal so I don't think anything of it.

OP posts:
Leopoldina · 25/11/2013 12:31

are you sure that she's put the whole lot down as expenses, not just that she's expensed some things on the same receipts as her personal items? if she is claiming from you, then she's taking the P*ss almightily.
On the flip side, someone did say something to me the other day that made me really question the way I handle nanny expenses (identical to you) - she told me that her nanny had said how very badly treated XXX's nanny was. Really? but she's been with them years, how bad can it be, I asked. "Oh, well she's made to keep receipts and note down every single expense she incurs, it's just such a lack of trust" was the answer. Not only did friend think that was an appalling way to treat an experienced nanny, but so did her nanny (god only knows what kind of system they run). So sorry for the derailment - but this is a normal way to handle nanny expenses isn't it?

Ebb · 25/11/2013 12:27

That is taking the piss and I'd be fuming tbh although just check she didn't just buy the items with stuff for you and then put 'her money' in to cover her bits iyswim? Definitely say something.