Ever since Monday I've been stuck with a pressing dilemma: What to do with my economic stimulus payment. To be frank, I was actually surprised to receive a letter from the IRS this week since the payment schedule for those who had filed their returns electronically had passed. I assumed that I was unable to qualify for one. Without giving away my adjusted gross income, I always knew that I wouldn't get the full $600 that was distributed to most single taxpayers, but I wasn't exactly sure if I'd get a fraction of that. And I don't mean to seem ungrateful or anything, but when I read the letter and found out that I would receive a windfall of $6.95, as you can imagine, I was kind of taken aback, so I immediately called friends and family members to inform them of my newfound fortune.
I mean, what exactly is a person to do with $6.95 in this day and age anyway? With soaring inflation, I'll be lucky to buy myself a one-way bus ticket down the block.
At least consumers with full-sized payments took to the malls in the second quarter, boosting retail sales – let's see how long that lasts. But I just don't know how my $6.95 is going to stimulate anything. I've narrowed my list of options. Here's what I've been grappling with.
- Drizzle my gas tank. I was thinking about running to the gas station and put 1 ¾ gallons of gas in my car, but that might not be a good idea. For $4 a gallon, by the time I get out of the gas station lot, I'll probably run out of gas.
- Buy a share of Ford (NYSE: F). This stock has been beaten to the pulp as gas prices have weakened auto sales. Maybe if I hold out I can gain a couple of dollars on my single share as the company gears up for a shift to smaller cars.
- Dollar stores watch out. I could go on a shopping spree at my local dollar store. I should be able to bag about six items plus tax, and at the same time help support some of these struggling mom and pop stores.
- Buy a box of Froot Loops. In my recent trips to the supermarket, I've cringed at the soaring prices of food. I'm thinking I might be able to stretch my dollar with a box of cereal. Yes, the boxes are smaller and sell for the same price, but at least I might be able to make several meals out of it.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
6-19-2008 @ 12:16PM
Badabing said...
Stimulus check blog @ www.thegoodfella.com-funny
6-19-2008 @ 12:18PM
Badabing said...
Stimulus check blog also at www.thegoodfella.com- funny
6-19-2008 @ 4:49PM
curt armstrong said...
Well, with not many choices as you stated, you might concider giving it to God and pray that He will multiply it ten fold or your next trip out find a "HOMELESS" person and bless them. I'm sure they can find use for your not so big check...
PS. That's what happens to those who have much and still hunger for more, and why if you read your Bible the women with just one penny was of more value to the Lord than the man with millions...
Just my opinion
God Bless You
and have a good day