Politics on the Hudson

The state Consumer Protection Board is advising recipients of federal rebate checks to buy “necessary, long-term use items, especially those that will help reduce future costs.”

Here are some of there recommendations:
•        Pay down credit-card debt.
•        Make a payment towards a hybrid or more-fuel efficient car.
•        Purchase energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs.
•        Buy household items that have long shelf lives, like laundry detergent and toiletries, in bulk to reduce weekly shopping bills.
•        Prepay membership and/or association fees if consumers belong to these groups, or make a payment to defray other monthly expenses.
•        Make a payment toward the principle on a mortgage.
•        Prepay school tuition.
•        Prepay for heating for next year.
•        Purchase government bonds and CD’s to save money.