Blogging for Change

Bailout sale?

by Kim McGrigg on
10/2/2008
in Budgeting and Building Savings

At 1:36am, I received an email with the subject line “Bailout Approved.” I opened the email expecting to find information about the bailout—seems logical, right? Instead I found an advertisement from a retailer who “unanimously approves of the bailout bill” and proves this by offering me a coupon that is only valid if I spend more than $400 in the next four days.

This is very similar to the kind of advertising that pops up the second the government approves a tax rebate: instantly, consumers are encouraged to part with it. Because I expect to see more of the same over the upcoming weeks, I would like to encourage you to be aware of the effects of advertising on the financial decisions you make. While overall consumer spending is good for our nation’s growth, it is not wise for individuals to simply follow the pack. Your personal economy is what dictates your ability to spend.

Have you ever been surprised by the way you are encouraged to part with your hard-earned money? If so, please share your experience through comments section.

Kim McGrigg is the former Manager of Community and Media Relations for MMI.

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