Saying "No Thanks" to $100

This was not an easy decision.  I am signed up to receive emails from Plaza Research.  They conduct surveys and focus groups in several major cities.  The emails are generally very specific, like Mothers of 4-5 year old girls, or caretakers of individuals with advanced ALS.  Recently, they sent out an email looking for owners of PDA/Cell Phones.  I have a Treo 650, issued by my company, so I responded.  They called to confirm that I use it to receive email, etc. and I qualified.  I agreed to go to their office near LAX at 7:30pm for 2.5 hours and walk out with $100!  Not a bad deal right?  So, why did I decide this morning that I will say "no thanks" to their $100 offer?

Well, as I have mentioned on here before, I am studying for the CFP (Certified Financial Planner).  I am on the self paced program, but I am piggy backing with others who are on the accelerated program with web conference instruction.  I decided at the beginning to work at the same schedule with them, otherwise my "self paced" will become "I'll study later."

We are near the end of class number one, and I just found out that I have two fewer weeks than previously thought.  Well, not only could I really use those 2.5 hours now, but our study sessions are on Monday nights.  I was planning on sneaking out early, but plans have changed.

I have decdided to forgo $100 today for the longer term, albiet intangible, benefit of being better prepared for my exam.  If you are not familiar with the Book, "Don't Eat the MarshMallow...Yet!" I recommend picking it up at your local library.  It's a very fast read, but it remind us of the value of delayed gratification.  Belived me, I would love to go collect my $100, but I don't think leaving my study session early is the better decision for me in the longer run.  

Comments

[jim]

Probably a lot better choice in the long run... unless you invested the $100 for 60 years at 11%.

[lamoneyguy]

haha, too true. I suppose if the alternative to the $100 was sitting in front of the tv, the better choice would be clear.