Fund your own ‘economic stimulus’
Should you boost the U.S. economy or focus on your own stimulus plan?
By Laura T. Coffey
MSNBC contributor
updated 9:10 a.m. PT, Thurs., Jan. 24, 2008
Laura T. Coffey
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Think fast: If someone walked up to you and handed you a check for $300, what would you do with that money? How about a check for $1,200?
You just may need to make decisions along these lines as early as this spring if a federal government economic stimulus package passes as expected. Aimed at boosting the sagging U.S. economy and staving off a possible recession, the plan would provide billions of dollars in tax relief for consumers. Tax-rebate checks would be sent out in amounts ranging from $300 to $1,200 per household.
President Bush and his aides know precisely what they want you to do with that money: Shop ‘til you drop. After all, consumer spending represents more than two-thirds of economic activity in the United States, so the fervent hope is that Americans will rush out and buy stuff.
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It sounds like fun, of course, but is that really what you should do with this found money if you get it? Depending on your circumstances, you actually may want to seize this opportunity to concentrate on your own personal stimulus plan — one that could benefit you and your family for months if not years to come. Consider these tips.
1. Start that emergency fund, pronto. OK, at first blush this may not sound like as much fun as buying some new pairs of shoes or an Xbox 360, but this step will be far more therapeutic in the long run. Most of us know that we should have an emergency fund stashed away that could cover six months of living expenses — and most of us haven’t gotten around to doing that....
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What would you do with the money?
2. Wrestle your bills to the ground. For many Americans out there, the answer to what they would do with the extra money is simple: Tackle their bills. If you’re struggling under the weight of out-of-control bills, this is a fabulous idea — and one that ultimately would be far more beneficial to you than buying up consumer goods. Here’s another idea to consider in this same vein: You could simplify your bill-paying throughout the year. Msnbc.com reader Bonnee Brown of Parachute, Colo., wrote in recently to share this tip: “I spend my tax return on things that make my daily life easier. Last year I called the utility company and went on a budget billing plan. When I received...
CONTINUED: Pay credit-card debt
3. Pay down credit-card debt. Credit cards can be your friends — but only if you pay your balances off in full and on time each month. If you’re walking around with balances on any credit cards — particularly cards with high interest rates in the range of 18 percent or more — then the answer to what you...
4. Invest in the future. How have you been doing lately when it comes to saving for your retirement? If you’ve been neglecting this important area for whatever reason, you could use your rebate check to get back on track. In many cases, you can view your contributions to a 401(k) or 403(b) tax-deferred retirement plan as an instant raise. That’s because you’ll enjoy an automatic tax break, plus many employers will match your contributions up to a certain point — often 50 cents for each dollar you contribute for up to 6 percent of your pay...
5. Invest in your potential. Could you benefit from a job-skills upgrade? If so, why not take a class or two or three that could give you a boost? Many universities across the country offer extension programs with courses for professional development in the evenings and at other convenient times. You also could look into classes offered through community...
6. Don’t let your house sink you.
Are you among the millions of Americans who have borrowed against their homes for various reasons? If so, you could use that $300 to $1,200 to pay down your home equity line of credit and help put this extra debt behind you while interest rates are low. You also could consider making some extra payments toward your primary mortgage as well. By paying an additional $100 a month toward the principal on a $150,000, 30-year...
7. Give your ride a little TLC
You also could use your tax-rebate check to take care of some important car maintenance. Are you approaching the time for a 30,000-mile ful...
8. If you’re going to buy something, make it worthwhile
Want to use your newfound cash to save yourself money and help the environment at the same time? Then consider buying an energy-efficient appliance, especially if you’re now relying on older, less-efficient appliances. To highlight just one example...
9. Do your part to combat poverty.
Have you heard of Kiva.org? Through this site, you can provide microloans in amounts as low as $25 to worthy entrepreneurs in poor countries. Before deciding where to send your loan or loans, you can read all about different...
10. Recharge your batteries
OK, if tips 1 through 9 are striking you as just a little bit too responsible, here’s a final tip for you that encourages some indulgence: How about taking a not-too-expensive, not-too-stressful trip with someone you care about? Short jaunts involving two- or three-night stays in beautiful spots can help you save your sanity and regain perspective, especially...
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