UTICA, New York—Just 17% of Americans who have already received or are anticipating a 2008 federal tax rebate say they plan to use any portion of that money to splurge on something they wouldn’t normally buy—the vast majority will use the money primarily to pay bills or cover other everyday expenses, a new Zogby Interactive poll shows.
Younger Americans are most likely to have plans to spend at least some of their rebate check on a splurge—24% of those 18 to 24 say they will do so, while just 14% of those older than 65 said the same. Men (20%) are more likely than women (15%) to say they will use at some of their rebate funds to purchase something they would not normally buy.
Those with the least household income are more likely to be planning a splurge with their rebate check than those from wealthier households—22% of those with less than $25,000 in household income anticipate using some of the funds for a splurge, compared to 16% of those with more than $100,000 in household income.
Most plan to spend bulk of rebate on bills, everyday expenses
A far cry from a launching a nationwide shopping spree, 30% of those who have already or expect to receive a rebate check said they plan to use most the money to pay down credit card bills and other loans, while 24% will spend the majority of their check on every day expenses such as gas food and utility costs...
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