"Complimentary Gourmet Meal.......Deal or No Deal?

[JDgreen227]

I got yet another official-appearing letter in yesterday's mail offering us such a "free" dinner at a local seafood restaurant, provided we listen to the sales pitch delivered by the "Lifeplan Financial Design Fiduciary Advisor" who will tell us how to maximize our Social Security Benefits, etc. Having dined at said restaurant in the past, I will attest it's a fairly good place to enjoy a meal, and you could normally expect a check of about $25 per person, minimum, inclusive of tax and tip.

Of course there is NO OBLIGATION at all to purchase any services by the advisor, but I'm curious if any other members have attended such a presentation, and if you did was it actually worth the "Complimentary Gourmet Meal" that costs you nothing except your time? Call me skeptical, but I have my doubts lobster would be one of the menu choices to choose from. I suspect the repast would be a bland combination of catered sandwiches, appetizers, and coffee.

Anyone care to advise me otherwise?

 

[Bird]

We get those letters quite frequently, but ours are invitations to a fairly expensive steakhouse. And they've all gone in the trash; never went to one of those "free" meals.

 

[MoKelly]

Don't take the bait (get it - a joke)! It will not be an enjoyable meal and you will be hounded by the sales people.

MoKelly

 

[Western]

Don't take the bait (get it - a joke)! It will not be an enjoyable meal and you will be hounded by the sales people.

MoKelly

X's 2,
M wife talked me into something similar 20 years ago and I'd pay twice for the meal to have peace and quiet next time. After they get you in once, the junk mail flows like a river since you let them know you're a "mark".

 

[Gary Fowler]

They hook a lot of folks with those free meal as many feel obligated to return the favor. Even if you don't take the bait and buy, as already posted, they hound you with emails and letter for eternity. DONT DO IT>

 

[kevin37b]

No such thing as a free lunch , you will regret it .

 

[smstonypoint]

No such thing as a free lunch.

You think like an economist -- and I mean that as a compliment.

Steve

 

[rekees4300]

"Lifeplan Financial Design Fiduciary Advisor" - translation: Somebody who wants to sell an annuity that will make him rich and you poor.

 

[Larro Darro]

Sister and BIL sat through a sales pitch for time shares when they were on vacation in Mexico in exchange for an afternoon of deep sea fishing. They had a hard time getting the ticket for the charter boat in a timely manner. But they did go fishing and caught several fish, one of which they had cooked at a local seafood place for their supper. But if you are not super bored, and you value your time, I would give it a pass.

Larro

 

[brin]

Jd - I heard the food at those free Gourmet dinners are spiked with a dust that causes the folks consuming the food to be lulled into an agreeable stupor so they are willing to sign anything....Just what I heard....