04-29-2008, 07:51 PM
Because I really want my stimulus check, and want to spend it on something I'll personally enjoy, it's hard for me to be objective about it!
I think since most earners pay a pretty hefty tax to support the common good, a small break---having some of our own money returned to us for discretionary use, using how we choose, either wisely or foolishly, or however--is not a bad thing. Whether it's a good thing, on the large scale, is a good question. What kind of impact, if any, does it have on the economy? Or, as you asked, what affect did the last one have? If they're able to measure it, it would be interesting to see whether it had any measurable impact at all.
When we got our stimulus check last time, we made a conscious choice to spend it on a durable good. Not to use to pay off a debt, or to use for something perishable or temporary, but to buy a durable hardware item that we'd still have years later, that we could look back and connect with that check. we plan to do the same this time, actually put the money back into the economy, spend it on something we might not otherwise purchase. Then rationalize it by saying it's a patriotic act, good for the U.S. economy!
What did we buy? A "FrancisFrancis", an Italian espresso machine. I love it. It's served thousands and thousands of coffee beverages, it's in use DAILY. (did some of the money go back to the Italian economy instead of staying in the U.S.? If so, I conveniently overlooked that detail) We even nicknamed the espresso machine, in honor of the Commander in Chief. "GeorgeGeorge". The "George Walker Bush Memorial Espresso Machine".
This year my wife and I are going to divide in half, and each buy an item we want. I want to get an Apogee Duet. Something computer or music-related. Do the patriotic thing! Buy something durable, that you'll use every day! Stimulate yourself and the economy at the same time! It's your duty, as an American!
I think since most earners pay a pretty hefty tax to support the common good, a small break---having some of our own money returned to us for discretionary use, using how we choose, either wisely or foolishly, or however--is not a bad thing. Whether it's a good thing, on the large scale, is a good question. What kind of impact, if any, does it have on the economy? Or, as you asked, what affect did the last one have? If they're able to measure it, it would be interesting to see whether it had any measurable impact at all.
When we got our stimulus check last time, we made a conscious choice to spend it on a durable good. Not to use to pay off a debt, or to use for something perishable or temporary, but to buy a durable hardware item that we'd still have years later, that we could look back and connect with that check. we plan to do the same this time, actually put the money back into the economy, spend it on something we might not otherwise purchase. Then rationalize it by saying it's a patriotic act, good for the U.S. economy!
What did we buy? A "FrancisFrancis", an Italian espresso machine. I love it. It's served thousands and thousands of coffee beverages, it's in use DAILY. (did some of the money go back to the Italian economy instead of staying in the U.S.? If so, I conveniently overlooked that detail) We even nicknamed the espresso machine, in honor of the Commander in Chief. "GeorgeGeorge". The "George Walker Bush Memorial Espresso Machine".
This year my wife and I are going to divide in half, and each buy an item we want. I want to get an Apogee Duet. Something computer or music-related. Do the patriotic thing! Buy something durable, that you'll use every day! Stimulate yourself and the economy at the same time! It's your duty, as an American!