What better way to ring in our nation's independence then by officially going into debt? Oh yes, I've never felt more American than I did last night as Fuser and I perused the appliance section at Sears.

We are in need of a fridge. When we first got married the already antiquated fridge came with our apartment. The apartment was bought by another person part way into our lease so when we moved we took the fridge, needing one in the house we were moving to. The thing leaks and smells and is likely on Southern California Edison's most wanted list.

I am a staunch endorser of craigslist as a way to minimize waste etc....in fact, we've never bought a new appliance. Our stove, washer, and dryer have all come from craigslist.

I am also highly against buying something we cannot afford--my two exceptions: houses and cars (sometimes). But we needed a fridge and we haven't been in the strongest financial situation since I've returned to school and Fuser has begun paying child support so we couldn't go the craigslist route.

Enter the Sears FOURTH OF JULY SALE!!!! 12 months of free financing on any major appliance plus 20% off. So we did it. I'm not proud, but I feel strangely more American for doing so. Guess that shows the state of our country. We made a modest choice. ( Actually, I think it was the cheapest energy start model they had). Out the door for $565 including delivery. Once we get all the rebates we'll save another 140$...not a bad deal.

God bless America and the credit card companies.