IRS + Linkbait: What Are Two Words I Never Thought Would be Together

When I say “IRS” what’s the first word that comes to mind? Maybe: Taxes. Audit. Scary. Perhaps: I’d rather not say….

Did anyone think of: Sarcastic. Fun. Linkbaiters? Probably not. Well it looks like that all is about to change with this article they put out: 10 Reasons to Put Off Saving for Retirement. The article is a top 10 list (we know they work) and is completely sarcastic. Here’s the list (without their witty explanations for each):

1. There are so many important things I need that money for NOW.

2. There’ll always be time to save later.

3. Maybe I won’t live long enough to retire.

4. I love a challenge.

5. Social Security payments alone will take care of my needs.

6. I don’t know how to begin.

7. I don’t know how much I need for retirement.

8. Planning for retirement is such a big, complicated undertaking.

9. I might get lucky.

10. Taking care of me financially will provide wonderful character-building opportunities for my children.

Considering the source it’s funny and it will have some people look at them in a different way (kinder, gentler IRS) but there is one part that concerns me. There is no mention on this page that it is written in a completely sarcastic manner and that they really don’t want you to follow this advice.

Say I stumble on to this page and I read through the list, it seems strange to me but then again – it is the official website of the IRS – so I take their word for it and start following the advice here… Now you might say “Who is going to think this is real?”. Don’t forget how many people fall for fake IRS phishing schemes or think they just got $40,000,000 from a Nigerian prince…. My point is that you have to know your audience and think about any possible adverse effects before putting out a viral piece.

Found Via Mint

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