REDMOND, Wash., Nov. 21, 2000 — Before buying that extra stocking stuffer this holiday season, consumers should consider giving themselves the gift of financial health. According to a recent survey conducted by Yankelovich Partners on behalf of Microsoft Corp., 39 percent of Americans do not prepare a budget for the holidays, and of those that do, 28 percent prepare one off the top of their head and oftentimes while they are in the store. It is estimated consumers are going to spend 8 percent more during the holidays than they did in 1999,* making budgeting a must for a stress-free and happy holiday season.
Proving the old holiday expression that good things come in small packages, the Microsoft® Money 2001 financial organizer provides the financial help that will enable consumers to take the first steps toward personal financial success. By allowing consumers to easily track and calculate their expenses, Money 2001 will help them develop a savings plan to stay within their spending goals this holiday season. Money 2001 also allows consumers to develop long-term money-management skills while effortlessly handling day-to-day finances.
“The spirit of giving is sometimes lost during the holidays as people get caught up in trying to find the perfect gift at the perfect price,”
said Robbie Cape, product unit manager at Microsoft.
“With Money 2001, consumers can achieve greater control over their personal finances because it allows them to plan and budget for expenditures such as holiday season shopping.”
The survey revealed that the majority of Americans (71 percent) say they spend most of their money during the holiday season on gifts. In addition, 50 percent of consumers will spend between $100 to $499 on other holiday expenses such as food, entertaining, travel and charity.
Consumers also are building their debt by not paying off those holiday bills. Twenty-six percent of those surveyed are still paying for holiday expenses one month after the holidays are over.
Developing a Holiday Spending Budget
Money 2001 makes it easier than ever for consumers to achieve and maintain total financial well-being during the holidays and all year round. Money 2001 provides tools such as the Setup Assistant, in which consumers can identify goals for holiday season expenditures and other budget matters, and the Feedback Pane, which will display how well an individual is adhering to his or her budget and projected cash flow.
Pricing and Availability
Microsoft Money 2001 is available in three versions: Microsoft Money 2001 Deluxe for an estimated retail price of $64.95 (U.S.) with a $20 rebate;** Money 2001 Standard for an ERP of $34.95 (U.S.) with a $10 rebate;** and Money 2001 Deluxe + Business (in December 2000) for an ERP of $84.95 (U.S.) with a $20 rebate.** All of the rebates apply to products acquired before Nov. 30, 2001.
To order Money 2001, consumers can visit http://www.shop.microsoft.com/ or their local retailer.
About Yankelovich Partners
Yankelovich Partners is a premier international public opinion and marketing research firm headquartered in Norwalk, Conn. Interviews for the study mentioned herein were conducted by telephone among a regionally representative sample of 1,026 U.S. adults age 18 or older between Nov. 3 and Nov. 6. The margin of error is plus or minus 3.1 percent.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq
“MSFT”
) is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software – any time, any place and on any device.
* Source: 2000 American Express Retail Index
** Mail-in rebate coupon available inside the Money 2001 box. One rebate per coupon. Offer good in the 50 United States and the District of Columbia only. Offer not valid in U.S. Territories, including Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands or Guam. Offer void where prohibited, taxed or restricted by law. Offer expires Nov. 30, 2001. All qualifying coupons must be received by Dec. 31, 2001. Only original coupons will be accepted. Rebate is not valid if the product was acquired directly from Microsoft and amount of rebate was deducted at time of purchase; in conjunction with other Microsoft offers or rebates; or for upgrades from or on Academic Edition product; not-for-resale product; or Microsoft products preinstalled or supplied by an OEM.
Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
Note to editors: If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft Web page at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/ on Microsoft’s corporate information pages.
