Rebate Checks: The Only Good Thing from Bush in 8 Years?
The Economic Stimulus Check is a rebate given to those who file federal tax returns this past year. Not everyone is eligible. There are three requirements that must be met to get your economic stimulus rebate. You must have a valid Social Security number, a minimum income of $3000, and file a federal tax return. People who don't normally file a federal tax return must submit a tax return in order to receive their rebate check. If you are among that group, you can still file in order to get your money. Even though it's after April 15th, it's not too late to get a stimulus payment. Go to www.irs.gov for more information.
I didn't get my tax return direct deposited, so I am at the mercy of the postal service to deliver my rebate check. Whenever it arrives I already have plans for my money. I'm going to blow it on stuff that I want rather than what I need. So many people are in crisis mode when it comes to their money, watching every dollar like it will be their last. I've always been more inclined to be spontaneous rather than "responsible." Responsible is boring. A lot of people may say that is foolish. It's only foolish if you're not aware of the consequences. I know that when I go out and spend my rebate check on concert tickets and new clothes that I may have to be walking a lot more than I will be driving. It is a trade off that I am willing to make. One thing worth mentioning is I don't have any children to think of in my self-indulgent shopping spree. Please don't send hate mail. The only living thing that depends on me is my dog and rest assure, he is more than well taken care of.
For those more conscious about their spending, also known as the wiser consumers, they will be putting their rebates to good use through things like bills that are incurring high interest rates. They are smart enough to pay those off as soon as possible. The longer you wait to pay them, the more you pay in the long run.
Another sad way to spend your rebate check is putting gas in your car. If you don't have public transportation where you live, this is just something that is a necessity. You can't walk everywhere you need to go in most places across America and the ever-growing gas prices are hitting most people where it hurts.
The main objective of our rebate checks is to stimulate the economy. We were supposed to go out and make big purchases with it. Industries that are paying the price for the recession are hoping to get a boost when people start getting their rebate checks. I know people in my family that are going to be taking advantage of the low prices of furniture and redecorate. Others hope to replace their old cat with a newer version, down payment courtesy of Uncle Sam.
If you are among the lucky few who still have a savings account, that's probably where your stimulus check should go. It is great to know you have money in the bank for a rainy day and still are able to enjoy some of life's luxuries. If you're one of these people, consider yourself very lucky. I don't know many.
Let me know how you'll be spending your rebate check. Am I the only one who isn't interested in paying bills or making large purchases? You can also let me know if you think I am irrational and impulsive. I love compliments!
Published by Joelle Rock
I am a writer branching out from my day job as a Veterinary Technician aka Veterinary nurse. I have been published in weekly periodicals and am planning to launch a blog dedicated to animal care. View profile
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2 Comments
Post a CommentI think that JWB provided some other laughs - but, they were early on in his administration - before we realized that he wasn't funny at all.... in any way about anything. It appears that his period of executive rule may not actually be survivable by our Republic although I certainly hope I am wrong about that. Time will tell. Excepting, perhaps, his appearance - there is no joke about the past 7+ years worth retelling.
Sure, I am looking forward to the rebate - But it is a guilty pleasure, for sure. The country is crumbling economically. We face an economic depression (though the word has fallen out of common parlance) the likes of which have not been seen since the crash of the early 20th century under Herbert Hoover that will impact everyone and everything. The rebate will not fix or change anything but, like an aspirin, will relieve some of the surface symptoms - briefly. It is not apt to be repeated every 4-6 hours.
I think people in the lower class could use a way lot more. Even people in the middle class aren't as bad off as the lower class. Lower class can't find housing at all as most landlords require that rent not to exceed 40 percent of income. Those on SSI or worse should be getting more, but the president only wants to help those who have made at least $3000. What about those living in shelters or under the bridge. Middle and Upper class can wait. It's the lower class that cannot.