It came in the mail today. I was almost embarrassed when I pulled it out of the mailbox.
While nice, I know it’s not a cure all. Bush’s economic stimulus package, while helpful in the short term, is not a long-term fix. In short, whoopee. Or as a friend of mine recently said several times in an e-mail, whooptiedoo (it was about something else, as she lives in Stockholm, but I love the term).
My check totaled $1,500. Guess what I’m going to spend it on? The 10% tax penalty for cashing out my 401K so that I can refinance our mortgage and not lose the house. So really, I break even. I’m grateful I don’t have to essentially pay the government for liquidating prior to retirement age, but it would be nice to have had that money.
There are so many things we need: A tight fence to protect Genghis from our asshole neighbor’s pit bull. Our large maples out front need to be delimbed before they hurt someone. Squash’s truck, an 80s model, is on its last leg.
So, dear readers, if there are any out there, have you been stimulated? If so, what ya gonna do with it? I’d love to hear the answers. I suspect many of you all are simply going to plug holes, so to speak, in your budget. But is anyone going to do anything fun?
Next up, a run down on one of my favorite Nashville spots, a place where you can get everything from Babushka's teething biscuits to head cheese and Russian porn! No, no, that's not the right sentiment for this place. It's wholesome and delicious. You'll see.
Thursday, May 15
I've Been Stimulated.
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7 comments:
I don't think my stimulus check will be more than the base $600, but that's just fine and dandy with me. Since you asked, I'm going to spend it on the band. Had to change the name -again- and need to chip in on the cost of the new logo. That's right. Not too exciting, but better than nothing.
-roo
TB and I are going to do fun things only!! it's been long tunnel with light at the end so we are going to wine tastings and yes as "cheesy" as it sounds the Ren Festival :)
the hell with plugging holes!!!
Jules
I'll believe we're getting it when I see it, but we're trying to finish off the credit cards and then I might actually have fun buying some photography equipment. Of course, replacement windows, our own tree delimbing, and new flooring for our kitchen may (read: will) intervene.
Doug
We used part of it to pay for the gas to drive from Houston to NW Arkansas and back, and with the rest we will be flying the 'in-laws' down from Jersey to see their grandchild. Thanks to rising fuel prices, that about sucks up the entire check. We might be able to enjoy a dinner at Taco Bell with the rest.
Being the responsible, loving (roll-eyes) parents that we are, we're going to buy bikes and helmets for our not so little, and ever so hyper, boys! That should leave about $1,100 for us! My brother and sister are visiting us in Japan in the Fall, so we'll use it for road tripping and taking Japanese lessons (LOL!)
Roo, Jules and the Wojdlas:
I love that you are doing something fun (and in Roos case, a passion)!
I have to admit, I get a thrill knowing that I essentially come out even in cashing out my retirement plan early, that I don't have to cough up some dough come next April.
Assuming you are talking about tax refunds.... let me tell you... we got them too!
Yeah, amazing is it not? High tax country (you think) and they still give us money back.
Well, I used it on my vacation. Was planning on going to Nice over my 40th, but stranded when I realized I'd have very little to spend on my vacation. There it is.
Whooptiedoo!
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