Hah, well, yeah. I did learn in high school that if brought Starbucks to the front office staff and my first period teacher nobody ever marked me tardy :-P

That was an important (and transferrable!) life lesson learned. :)

That having enough money lets you get away with things?

That being nice to people gets you farther than being a dickweed.

Yeah, you need the money, but you also have to do the thing. Useful lesson.

But is it compatible with the Categorical Imperative?

Oh my god, critiquing pure reason is so 300 years ago.

I find such investments often have unexpected returns. At worst, I did something nice for someone.

I know you're being snarky, but yes. Having money and being genuinely generous towards people will put you on good terms with them. Just like being nice and polite and friendly and considerate, same thing.