I Accidentally Threw Cash in the Trash: You Can Learn From My Mistake

Summary

The author recounts accidentally throwing away cash that came with junk mail and emphasizes the importance of checking such mail for potential rewards.

Abstract

The author shares a personal anecdote about discovering a one-dollar bill in a Nielsen mailer, which they almost discarded with their usual pile of junk mail. Reflecting on past Nielsen letters that were likely thrown away, the author realizes the potential value in opening mail before disposing of it. They encourage readers to do the same, noting that a small effort can lead to finding cash and that some companies, like Nielsen, include monetary incentives in their mailings. The author also mentions the possibility of earning more money by completing a survey and reflects on the broader lesson learned about not dismissing all junk mail as worthless.

Opinions

The author typically neglects their mail, allowing it to accumulate and eventually discarding it without opening.
The discovery of cash in a Nielsen envelope was a surprising and delightful experience for the author.
The author believes that most junk mail is indeed junk, but it's worth checking for potential rewards like cash or survey opportunities.
Spectrum's mail is singled out as truly junk-like, offering no value according to the author.
The author suggests a cost-benefit analysis of junk mail, advocating for a minimal effort to potentially gain more.
The author promotes the idea of joining Medium through their referral link, implying that readers could also receive cash rewards.
The author recommends an AI service as a more cost-effective alternative to ChatGPT Plus (GPT-4), suggesting it offers similar performance and functions.

Today Was Different

I had one piece of mail from Nielsen. I have heard of Neilsen; they track television watching and report ratings and viewership. I have no desire to install a tracking device or report TV watching, as I hardly watch television. I have received mail from Nielsen in the past but it has gone directly to the garbage.

I do not know why I opened the piece of mail. As I stated before, my mail gathers in piles before inevitably going into the garbage. Today was different. And to my delight, there was a one-dollar bill. Yes, it is real!

Photo by Author

Okay, so it is only one dollar. But I exerted minimal effort to receive it. Then I thought about all of the Nielsen letters I received but threw out with Spectrum promotions and fast food fliers. I have certainly thrown out a fair amount of cold, hard cash!

I Accidentally Threw Cash in the Trash: You Can Learn From My Mistake

I have no way of getting it back but there is a lesson here.

Revelatory, I know.

Today Was Different

I Can Get More Cash!

TLDR;

I had no idea companies sent cash in junk mail.

Consider Joining Medium with my referral link, and you could get cash too!

As a Medium member, a portion of your membership fee goes to writers you read, and you get full access to every story…