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Ok, I just have to complain a little bit. Being frugal, I really hate waste. I mean I know there are times it may be inevitable, but, mostly it can be avoided.
So, the Census is coming, right? Well I got a pre-Census letter the other day – saying the Census is coming – this isn’t the Census, but, it’s coming! So, they sent that out to the whole country? Paper, ink…to tell us it’s coming? It’s been on TV, and the Radio, and in the newspaper… Ok, so I laughed it off.
But today, I got a postcard, giving me a number to call if I need help filling out the census! Who are these people?! The ones who can’t figure out how to fill it out, and would want to call and surely be put on hold for who knows how long to be told how to fill it out?!
Ok, I know, I understand its importance, but 2 pre-Census mailings? C’mon! I think that’s a waste! Thanks just my 2¢!
Laura @ Frugal Follies says
There was an article about this very issue in my local paper today. It said that the mailings cost $85 million. Ouch! But, the article quoted a census bureau spokesman as saying that sending out these reminders in 2000 boosted the percentage of households filling out the census compared to 1990. And, for every 1% more that filled out the census through mail, it would save the government $90 million in labor costs for workers to go door-to-door.
.-= Laura @ Frugal Follies´s last blog ..Freezer cooking saves the day! =-.
Dian says
Laura,
Those are very interesting statistics. Maybe, I’m wrong – it just looked wasteful to me to have 2 Pre-mailings.
Thanks!
DIan
Samantha says
I’m with you there! No one knows how to waste money & materials like the government.
Dian says
Samantha,
This is very true! lol
Dian
.-= Dian´s last blog ..My Frugral Rant! =-.
crystal says
aaaaaaaaaaaaahaha this is a topic my husband and i were just talking about! we got that letter!
Dian says
Crystal! lol I bet alot of people are talking about it!
Dian
.-= Dian´s last blog ..My Frugral Rant! =-.
Leslie says
I got the same letter. Total waste of paper and postage. Wonder how much money they could have saved. Not to mention paper!
Dian says
Leslie,
That’s what I’m wondering, we all know it’s coming and we have to fill it out… I don’t know.
Dian
.-= Dian´s last blog ..Don’t Forget Daylight Savings Time! =-.
Jess @ This Frugal Life says
Oh my goodness, I thought the SAME thing when mine arrived in the mail! Surely that money to remind us a week ahead could have been brought to better use. I couldn’t believe it when I saw it. Such a waste of money AND time. Plus, how much gas was used by the post office & extra pollution did it cause? So unnecessary.
.-= Jess @ This Frugal Life´s last blog ..Evening Printable Coupon Round-Up =-.
Dian says
Jess,
I think you’re right. I could not believe I got another postcard today, that means double the cost! The postcard was for a number to get help filling it out. They can’t put that number on the census?
Dian
.-= Dian´s last blog ..Don’t Forget Daylight Savings Time! =-.
Nancy says
I received a phone call from my handicapped son’s case worker, asking me to fill it out. She apologized for calling on a SUNDAY, but they were required to call all of their clients before the end of February. Hmm, overtime for governement workers, just to make useless phone calls. Then, I received the letter.
Dian says
Nancy,
Wow! I also saw a commercial on TV last night! A song was written, so they paid a writer and musicians and recording studio and I don’t even know what else, but all of that must have cost a fortune, too!
Dian