Western Union Survey Reveals Nearly Two-Thirds Are Hoping for
Green Holidays!

ENGLEWOOD, Colo., Nov 19, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) --

For the 2008 holiday season, extravagance is out and economical is in. According to two surveys conducted eight weeks apart by Western Union (NYSE: WU), a world leader in global money transfer services, consumers say that cash is by far the gift of choice and the more practical option this holiday season. Survey results show:

• Sixty-five (65) percent of Americans would prefer to receive $100 in cash, instead of a specific present or a gift card of the same value. This result is up nine points from Western Union's first survey, fielded in mid-September;
• More than half (53 percent) of those who would prefer cash would use that money on basic living expenses such as gas, groceries and bills. Only 14 percent would spend it on a treat for themselves; and
• Seventy-nine (79) percent of Americans believe cash is a good gift because people can use it to get what they really want.

"Everyone is taking stock of their finances, especially now that we are heading into the holiday season," said Stewart A. Stockdale, executive vice president and president, the Americas, Western Union. "People view cash gifts as a way to control spending and stay within their budgets, while providing loved ones with a financial boost. Either way, cash is clearly this year's 'must have' gift."

Comparison of the survey data shows some definite changes as a result of the economic crisis. There has been a dramatic drop in the number of respondents who plan to give gift cards for services such as a manicure or a pre-paid phone card. Two months ago that figure was 40 percent, but now the number is 30 percent.

Western Union also learned:

• Sixty-two (62) percent of those with household incomes of less than $50,000 are likely to give cash;
• Fifty-three (53) percent of those with more than $50,000 in household income are likely to give cash; and
• Sixty-five (65) percent of Americans said they often end up spending more on gifts than they had planned to spend.

"Since many Americans (59 percent) say they will be sending gifts to people they won't see in person this holiday season, the gift of cash via a money transfer with Western Union can be the ideal way to give your loved ones exactly what they're really hoping for," Stockdale added.

To further enhance consumers' gift giving experiences during the holidays, Western Union has launched a new campaign, "Cash, the perfect gift." The campaign features multiple elements, all of which educate the consumer and reinforce the trend that cash is the perfect gift. The campaign features online community areas in which consumers can share gift stories relevant to each of the major holidays, and send free e-cards to connect with family and friends.

Western Union, together with its affiliates, Orlandi Valuta and Vigo, provide three simple options for sending the gift of cash: by visiting any of the more than 365,000 combined Agent locations worldwide; calling 1-800-CALL-CASH^(R); or logging onto westernunion.com.

About Western Union

The Western Union Company (NYSE:WU) is a leader in global money transfer services. Together with its affiliates, Orlandi Valuta and Vigo, Western Union provides consumers with fast, reliable and convenient ways to send and receive money around the world, as well as send payments and purchase money orders. It operates through a combined network of more that 365,000 Agent locations in over 200 countries and territories. Famous for its pioneering telegraph services, the original Western Union dates back to 1851. For more information, visit www.WesternUnion.com.

Survey Methodology

The survey, commissioned by Western Union and conducted by GfK Roper Public Affairs & Mediapolled 1,004 people 18 years old and older between September 12 and September 14, 2008. The second survey polled 1,004 consumers between November 7 and 9, 2008.

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SOURCE: Western Union

Western Union
Daniel DAaz, 720-332-5564
daniel.diaz@WesternUnion.com
or
David Liggett, 720-332-4119
david.liggett@WesternUnion.com