Happy Fourth of July from Seattlest
Seattlest Pix: 09Jul04
Seattlest Pix: 09Jul05
Seattle Int'l Beer Festival Ends at 7 p.m.
The New York Times reports that our esteemed politicians have agreed on "an economic stimulus package", which sounds pretty high-falutin', but it basically amounts to cutting everyone in America a check.
If you got a paycheck of any kind last year--even if you made too little to pay taxes--you will get $300. If you have kids, you'll get $300 for each one. If you made more money, you get more. You could get up to $1200.
Unless you are a single person who made more than $75,000, or a family which made more than $150,000. In that case, you get jack squat. Sorry, upper middle class types, you had your fun already.
The last time the government did this was in the early days of the Bush Administration. In the summer of 2001, we all got $300. We remember paying off some credit card debt and buying some fancy spices from this Middle Eastern grocery. Seattlest Charles says he saved his and spent it in Europe as an "f you" to the Bush administration.
Anyone else remember what they spent their $300 on? And how will you spend this next gift?
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I plan on spending mine in Europe or on out of pocket expenses for an upcoming surgery.
Wow. The rate of return on my child is already skyrocketing!
I'm investing in the stock market! - wait... ah shit.
You might want to consider putting it into your savings account for about 10 months, since that "rebate" is really just an advance on your 2008 tax refund - just like that $300 you got back in 2001.
Definitely saving it to spend in Europe; thanks GW.
I'm buying some bread and then taking the family to see the circus.
I'm buying some bread and then taking the family to see the circus.
You might want to correct your post. In basic terms:
$300 for anyone who received a paycheck last year, even if you didn't pay income taxes
$600 for anyone who paid income tax
$1,200 for couples, plus $300 for each kid
In 2001 I spent my refund on dinner at an Afghani restaurant. "Screw you, Bush" I grumbled, as I gulped down saffron rice.
(Do they eat saffron rice in Afghanistan? I can't actually remember what I ate.)
I also bought shoes.
You all better do your part to stimulate the economy!!!
None of this "saving" bullshit or "paying down your credit cards"
-Not getting a refund...
I figured I'd spend it in Europe this summer, then realized it'll cost over a grand to get there. Damn oil addiction.