The Rebates and lying to pollsters
Feb 17th, 2008 by Nut
Slate makes a good point in this article about what people are going to do with their rebate checks. I guess people are saying that they will be saving that money or using it on essential items. The experts (and history) beg to differ with that one—most Americans will treat like free money and blow it on something they probably don’t need.
This is the same phenomenon political commentators are seeing with the disparity between exit polls and the actual voting results—voters are saying they wouldn’t mind having a black president but their votes are saying something else. It turns out people have shame after all—they won’t even lie to complete strangers anymore.
Isn’t the Internet perfect for this type of thing? I mean this is the place where pervs from around the world traffic in images of young children to satisfy their sick urges. Anonymity is continually cited as the PROBLEM with the Internet, but can’t it be used to get people to be honest? I think so.
Why not establish a really well-organized site that people will trust enough to be honest and anonymous at the same time? If we can file our taxes online then we can answer questions honestly and candidly too.
As for me, I was going to drop my check into my ING account and let it contribute to my financial resolution of saving for a down payment. But I may decide to only send half of it that way and finally start trading stocks in my Scottrade account. I did it once before but have been focusing mostly on my Roth IRA as of late. I may be able to turn that $600 into $1000 and increase my down payment fund that way. I’ve also been thinking of taking a trip to Men’s Warehouse and blowing it all on clothes, of which I need as much help as I can get.
OK, honestly, are you planning to inject that money back into the economy or are you saving it? NO LIES!
Open an ING account and get a $25 bonus!
The Wire, Season 4
It’ll probably help me get my goals for the year done, just like any other income that our house receives. 2 years ago though, it would have been for a trip or improvements on our home.
What’s changed is my view of money and the desire to reach the financial cross-over point.
I really AM going to use it for credit card debt reduction. If I’ve managed to get the card paid to a point that there will be some left over, it’s going to the 14 year olds braces or to pay more on the minivan.
I’m just sick and tired of debt. If I cold get rid of just my consumer and student loan debt, I would free up over $1,400 per month. THAT would make a huge difference in my family’s life and I’m determined to make it happen.
Thanks for asking.
Way to go to the both of you, and congratulations on doing the responsible thing!