{"contentId":"1457608","authorDomain":"echuck"}

Shoppers will spend rebates on necessities

News Type: Event — Seeded on Mon Apr 28, 2008 1:32 PM EDT

Article Source: msnbc.com

business, money, finance, george-w-bush, shopping, investing, bush-administration, consumers, tax-rebate

Seeded by Elizabeth Chuck

For many Americans, the government's tax rebates will likely be used for food and other basic necessities, making them less of an economic stimulus than the Bush administration hoped for.

How do you plan to use your tax rebate?

{"contentId":"1457608","authorDomain":"echuck"}

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{"commentId":1742997,"authorDomain":"eagles02-1"}

Adler-273784

Everyone I know is going to catch up on delinquent bills or pay off some others. I know of no one who is going on a shopping spree.

{"commentId":1742997,"threadId":"256773","contentId":"1457608","authorDomain":"eagles02-1"}

#1 - Mon Apr 28, 2008 2:28 PM EDT

{"commentId":1743031,"authorDomain":"alangorski"}

Alan@cos

My wife and I will use the rebate to stock up on groceries and put the rest towards debt. We won't be using said rebate to go buy "more stuff." With gas prices out of control and the Bush administration doing nothing about it, I'll be damned if I'm going to just spend and spend for stuff. It used to cost me $25 to fill up my truck. It now costs me $70 so maybe it's a plan by the administration for Americans to put the rebates in the pockets of the oil company executives!

Alan
Colorado Springs, CO

{"commentId":1743031,"threadId":"256773","contentId":"1457608","authorDomain":"alangorski"}

11 votes

#2 - Mon Apr 28, 2008 2:35 PM EDT

{"commentId":1745649,"authorDomain":"Rixar13"}

Rixar13

Bush is too busy planning his exit and perhaps earning a Nobel peace prize like Al Gore.

{"commentId":1745649,"threadId":"256773","contentId":"1457608","authorDomain":"Rixar13"}

1 vote

#2.1 - Tue Apr 29, 2008 7:56 AM EDT

{"commentId":1758215,"authorDomain":"attreau"}

Andrea A

Well since we are in a "slow down" I guess I'll slow down on spending!
Mine goes for taxes, They can take it right back I guess!

{"commentId":1758215,"threadId":"256773","contentId":"1457608","authorDomain":"attreau"}

1 vote

#2.2 - Fri May 2, 2008 11:15 AM EDT

{"commentId":1760302,"authorDomain":"theangryblonde"}

The Angry Blonde

We don't qualify for a rebate....if we were getting one however, I think I'd put it right into our Real Estate Investment Trust account.

TAB~

{"commentId":1760302,"threadId":"256773","contentId":"1457608","authorDomain":"theangryblonde"}

2 votes

#2.3 - Fri May 2, 2008 7:48 PM EDT

{"commentId":1760676,"authorDomain":"attreau"}

Andrea A

LOL TAB That's esentially what I am doing!! For I Trust if I didn't pay my taxes I would have no real estate..lol

{"commentId":1760676,"threadId":"256773","contentId":"1457608","authorDomain":"attreau"}

1 vote

#2.4 - Fri May 2, 2008 10:49 PM EDT

{"commentId":1743035,"authorDomain":"schavezrangel"}

John-273792

I will take a drive from my home in San bernardino Ca, to San Francisco for the weekend.

{"commentId":1743035,"threadId":"256773","contentId":"1457608","authorDomain":"schavezrangel"}

#3 - Mon Apr 28, 2008 2:36 PM EDT

{"commentId":1743048,"authorDomain":"pcm44"}

P.C. Moblee

...Straight into savings!

{"commentId":1743048,"threadId":"256773","contentId":"1457608","authorDomain":"pcm44"}

2 votes

#4 - Mon Apr 28, 2008 2:38 PM EDT

{"commentId":1746426,"authorDomain":"bendavis"}

bkdavis

My fiance and I are both planning to do the same. Since it looks like things are going to have to get worse before they get better we're going to make that buffer as large as possible to hopefully weather the storm.

{"commentId":1746426,"threadId":"256773","contentId":"1457608","authorDomain":"bendavis"}

1 vote

#4.1 - Tue Apr 29, 2008 11:36 AM EDT

{"commentId":1743088,"authorDomain":"ellenocasey"}

Cas-273802

I plan to fill my car up a total of 6 times. Some economic stimulus! It will all go to Bush's oil friends.

{"commentId":1743088,"threadId":"256773","contentId":"1457608","authorDomain":"ellenocasey"}

5 votes

#5 - Mon Apr 28, 2008 2:46 PM EDT

{"commentId":1743093,"authorDomain":"the-schrouds"}

Peggy-273805

I think I might be missing something here but has anyone seen anything about the stimulus checks that address when people who had to pay the IRS will be receiving their checks? There are lots of references to "Direct Deposit" and then something about paper checks. Are those of us who had to pay this year included in the paper check group?

{"commentId":1743093,"threadId":"256773","contentId":"1457608","authorDomain":"the-schrouds"}

#6 - Mon Apr 28, 2008 2:47 PM EDT

{"commentId":1743145,"authorDomain":"anibunny"}

Anibunny

I owed taxes this year and filed online. Even though I would not be getting a tax refund, there was a note saying if I selected "direct deposit" as if I would be getting one, my rebate would be delivered to me that way.

{"commentId":1743145,"threadId":"256773","contentId":"1457608","authorDomain":"anibunny"}

#6.1 - Mon Apr 28, 2008 2:56 PM EDT

{"commentId":1743402,"authorDomain":"fdbryant3"}

FDBryant3

When will I get my rebate?

That will give you an idea when you will receive your check. How you will receive it is dependent on what you opted for in filing your taxes.

{"commentId":1743402,"threadId":"256773","contentId":"1457608","authorDomain":"fdbryant3"}

2 votes

#6.2 - Mon Apr 28, 2008 3:55 PM EDT

{"commentId":1743689,"authorDomain":"journe59"}

Lynn-273936

I read in paper that IF YOU OWED IRS or Student Loans, the money would be taken out of your Stimulus!!!!

IF thats true, why does Bush say it is a GIFT and you do not have to pay taxes on it?
Confusing.

I am on low social security & filed for the Stimulus. Probably be able to buy 2 apples as of course, it is never said what you would really get...cagey people.

{"commentId":1743689,"threadId":"256773","contentId":"1457608","authorDomain":"journe59"}

1 vote

#6.3 - Mon Apr 28, 2008 4:58 PM EDT

{"commentId":1744050,"authorDomain":"godshiva"}

Alex Taylor

It's still a gift. If you owe money on student loans or IRS and you get the stimulus check then you will owe less. The only reason this should be a problem is if someone were attempting to dodge paying those; said one may find that the IRS can reach a lot deeper than your rebate check to get money owed ;)

{"commentId":1744050,"threadId":"256773","contentId":"1457608","authorDomain":"godshiva"}

#6.4 - Mon Apr 28, 2008 6:35 PM EDT

{"commentId":1745958,"authorDomain":"geejay"}

TheJonesGirl

It's a problem for me--I was going to use it to pay off high-interest credit cards. Shouldn't it be my choice?

{"commentId":1745958,"threadId":"256773","contentId":"1457608","authorDomain":"geejay"}

#6.5 - Tue Apr 29, 2008 9:51 AM EDT

{"commentId":1746078,"authorDomain":"freya1"}

Jerry-274321

It will be a "wash" for me...
I paid Federal income tax and now they are giving some of it back to me!!
JOKE

{"commentId":1746078,"threadId":"256773","contentId":"1457608","authorDomain":"freya1"}

#6.6 - Tue Apr 29, 2008 10:22 AM EDT

{"commentId":1746602,"authorDomain":"rascal2pt0"}

Rascal 2.0

I read in paper that IF YOU OWED IRS or Student Loans, the money would be taken out of your Stimulus!!!

BS. Did you receive the note in the mail? It details that depending on how you file you will receive $600 for single $1200 for married. It will be sent directly to you, not to your loan, not to the IRS. It is a separate program and the goal is to get the money into the economy.

{"commentId":1746602,"threadId":"256773","contentId":"1457608","authorDomain":"rascal2pt0"}

1 vote

#6.7 - Tue Apr 29, 2008 12:20 PM EDT

{"commentId":1746777,"authorDomain":"wbrianwhite"}

Brian White

you will receive $600 for single $1200 for married

Not quite everyone.

Phase Out: The stimulus payment –– both the basic component and the additional funds for qualifying children –– begins to phase out for individuals with adjusted gross incomes (AGI) over $75,000 and married couples who file a joint return with AGI over $150,000. The combined payment is reduced by 5 percent of the income above the AGI thresholds.

{"commentId":1746777,"threadId":"256773","contentId":"1457608","authorDomain":"wbrianwhite"}

#6.8 - Tue Apr 29, 2008 1:05 PM EDT

{"commentId":1748236,"authorDomain":"strangjo"}

Jodi-274561

If you owe any Federal Taxes, the IRS will hold that portion from your Stimulus check. If any funds remain, those will be sent. This also includes if you owe on Student loans and child support.

{"commentId":1748236,"threadId":"256773","contentId":"1457608","authorDomain":"strangjo"}

#6.9 - Tue Apr 29, 2008 7:06 PM EDT

{"commentId":1749130,"authorDomain":"monicad"}

Monica D.

I don't think you get as much if you don't make as much money. I filed online and was told I only get $300. Whatever I get will go to debt.

{"commentId":1749130,"threadId":"256773","contentId":"1457608","authorDomain":"monicad"}

1 vote

#6.10 - Wed Apr 30, 2008 12:09 AM EDT

{"commentId":1749929,"authorDomain":"rascal2pt0"}

Rascal 2.0

Not quite everyone.

Brian:
I was relating my response directly to the person in question. Sorry if there was any confusion.

{"commentId":1749929,"threadId":"256773","contentId":"1457608","authorDomain":"rascal2pt0"}

1 vote

#6.11 - Wed Apr 30, 2008 9:37 AM EDT

{"commentId":1743101,"authorDomain":"fdbryant3"}

FDBryant3

Paying off my tax bill.

{"commentId":1743101,"threadId":"256773","contentId":"1457608","authorDomain":"fdbryant3"}

1 vote

#7 - Mon Apr 28, 2008 2:48 PM EDT

{"commentId":1746780,"authorDomain":"wbrianwhite"}

Brian White

Wasn't that due two weeks ago?

{"commentId":1746780,"threadId":"256773","contentId":"1457608","authorDomain":"wbrianwhite"}

1 vote

#7.1 - Tue Apr 29, 2008 1:06 PM EDT

{"commentId":1747219,"authorDomain":"fdbryant3"}

FDBryant3

Heh - yes.....the balance of what I owed is still on the credit card. Sigh - I really need to adjust my withholding or figure out how to sock more money into a 401K.

{"commentId":1747219,"threadId":"256773","contentId":"1457608","authorDomain":"fdbryant3"}

#7.2 - Tue Apr 29, 2008 2:58 PM EDT

{"commentId":1743103,"authorDomain":"mcdowd5"}

cad246

put into savings for a rainy day have a feeling one will be coming

{"commentId":1743103,"threadId":"256773","contentId":"1457608","authorDomain":"mcdowd5"}

3 votes

#8 - Mon Apr 28, 2008 2:49 PM EDT

{"commentId":1743120,"authorDomain":"fdbryant3"}

FDBryant3

Good answer, good answer

Wish I could.

{"commentId":1743120,"threadId":"256773","contentId":"1457608","authorDomain":"fdbryant3"}

1 vote

#8.1 - Mon Apr 28, 2008 2:52 PM EDT

{"commentId":1745507,"authorDomain":"winsomecowboy"}

winsomecowboy

unless you expect the dollar to stop sliding putting it into savings is in effect giving whatever portion of it lost to further depreciation away.

{"commentId":1745507,"threadId":"256773","contentId":"1457608","authorDomain":"winsomecowboy"}

2 votes

#8.2 - Tue Apr 29, 2008 6:29 AM EDT

{"commentId":1745839,"authorDomain":"brinsmaid"}

brinsmaid

Its a rainy day whenever I need to pump gas. I now spend more on gas than food.

{"commentId":1745839,"threadId":"256773","contentId":"1457608","authorDomain":"brinsmaid"}

2 votes

#8.3 - Tue Apr 29, 2008 9:11 AM EDT

{"commentId":1743118,"authorDomain":"pward51"}

Patrick J. Ward

My wife and I will be giving our rebate money to charity.

{"commentId":1743118,"threadId":"256773","contentId":"1457608","authorDomain":"pward51"}

#9 - Mon Apr 28, 2008 2:51 PM EDT

{"commentId":1743127,"authorDomain":"anibunny"}

Anibunny

While I wish I could spend it all on a new camera, or some other fun toy for myself. . .I have a college loan I need to pay off and some unpaid medical bills still coming in the mail. Half will go towards college loans and the other half will go towards dental bills.

It will buy me a little peace of mind for a short time.

{"commentId":1743127,"threadId":"256773","contentId":"1457608","authorDomain":"anibunny"}

#10 - Mon Apr 28, 2008 2:53 PM EDT

{"commentId":1743219,"authorDomain":"mkurtzbein-1"}

maxxine kurtzbein

Hey, from someone who feels like she is getting free money when she returns an item for cash, I'm not exactly the one to ask, but, I do think it's smart that I'm paying off a car loan that has been sapping me monthly for too long. Listen my children; if I see a fair excess at the end of the month, I might send some your way. Isn't that nice of your old Mom?

{"commentId":1743219,"threadId":"256773","contentId":"1457608","authorDomain":"mkurtzbein-1"}

#11 - Mon Apr 28, 2008 3:19 PM EDT

{"commentId":1743238,"authorDomain":"reknewl"}

Greg - Madison, WI

Stimulis? What a joke..... Most of the check I have coming will go to paying my tax bill, and the rest will be used to feed my hungry kids. By then I might have enough left for a tank of gas. You want to "stimulate" this economy? Then you'd better find a way to put more money in the pockets of it's citizens on a long term basis, not just a one time payment that isn't even equal to one paycheck!!

{"commentId":1743238,"threadId":"256773","contentId":"1457608","authorDomain":"reknewl"}

1 vote

#12 - Mon Apr 28, 2008 3:26 PM EDT

{"commentId":1743254,"authorDomain":"albiniii"}

Sandy-273838

I am a disabled veteran. I don't pay any taxes because I don't work. I could have submitted tax forms and got a rebate check, but I didn't. That is because the money I would have received would have eventually have to be paid back to the government from tax payers. All the money the government (gives us) is just a loan, who knows the interest rate.

{"commentId":1743254,"threadId":"256773","contentId":"1457608","authorDomain":"albiniii"}

1 vote

#13 - Mon Apr 28, 2008 3:28 PM EDT

{"commentId":1743262,"authorDomain":"williamsmithii"}

Bill-273840

I will pay a few bills and maybe buy a tank of gas and that will do it for this free money!

{"commentId":1743262,"threadId":"256773","contentId":"1457608","authorDomain":"williamsmithii"}

#14 - Mon Apr 28, 2008 3:29 PM EDT

{"commentId":1743278,"authorDomain":"compvette"}

Bob Fultz

4.1 weeks of gas for me and my wife at $4.00.

{"commentId":1743278,"threadId":"256773","contentId":"1457608","authorDomain":"compvette"}

1 vote

#15 - Mon Apr 28, 2008 3:32 PM EDT

{"commentId":1743282,"authorDomain":"williamsmithii"}

Bill-273840

When Bush took office, gas was $ need I say more about Bush and his "stimulus package"?!?

{"commentId":1743282,"threadId":"256773","contentId":"1457608","authorDomain":"williamsmithii"}

3 votes

#16 - Mon Apr 28, 2008 3:33 PM EDT

{"commentId":1746790,"authorDomain":"wbrianwhite"}

Brian White

Um, yes you do.

{"commentId":1746790,"threadId":"256773","contentId":"1457608","authorDomain":"wbrianwhite"}

#16.1 - Tue Apr 29, 2008 1:08 PM EDT

{"commentId":1743295,"authorDomain":"gxp4"}

Geoff-273845

I'm going to Europe for 17 days. It will help pay. Interesting thing, these lousy Democratic tax rebates will largely just pay the expenses associated with filing taxes. :)

{"commentId":1743295,"threadId":"256773","contentId":"1457608","authorDomain":"gxp4"}

#17 - Mon Apr 28, 2008 3:36 PM EDT

{"commentId":1743523,"authorDomain":"gmwrencher"}

al-273895Deleted

{"commentId":1746527,"authorDomain":"JStranahan"}

Jimster

Elizibeth-

Nesvine likes it if you give an explaination for the deletions, thereby informing the community of standards of behavior.

Just a tip.

{"commentId":1746527,"threadId":"256773","contentId":"1457608","authorDomain":"JStranahan"}

1 vote

#17.2 - Tue Apr 29, 2008 12:01 PM EDT

{"commentId":1747117,"authorDomain":"echuck"}

Elizabeth Chuck

thanks, jimster- that's good to know. i actually didn't delete any comments, so we must have some other folks working behind the scenes here! i'll share what you told me with others.

{"commentId":1747117,"threadId":"256773","contentId":"1457608","authorDomain":"echuck"}

1 vote

#17.3 - Tue Apr 29, 2008 2:34 PM EDT

{"commentId":1743296,"authorDomain":"macengr"}

M A Childers

I wish I could buy myself something I've wanted for a while, but I need to tune up my truck and get a brake job done on it. Plus, I have severe ice storm damage (thanks FEMA for your don't give a crap about Oklahomans attitude - just remember, what goes around comes around!!!! And it can't come soon enough to suit me - why don't you all just take a long walk on a short pier and put yourselves out of your misery!!!!!) that requires repair so that's where the rest will go. Of course, that will hardly make a dent in all the tree damage that still requires clean up as I'm going through a chainsaw chain every weekend and I'll still be cutting up wood come Christmas!!!!

{"commentId":1743296,"threadId":"256773","contentId":"1457608","authorDomain":"macengr"}

1 vote

#18 - Mon Apr 28, 2008 3:36 PM EDT

{"commentId":1744197,"authorDomain":"ffeineandsugar"}

ffeineandsugar

At least you'll be able to install a fireplace and heat your home for free - isn't that what the nice, sensitive FEMA people said??

{"commentId":1744197,"threadId":"256773","contentId":"1457608","authorDomain":"ffeineandsugar"}

2 votes

#18.1 - Mon Apr 28, 2008 7:19 PM EDT

{"commentId":1743298,"authorDomain":"fuller4"}

Jeff-273847

I will use the money to pay bills, buy gas, or buy groceries. I may also save it to use toward possible medical copays and prescriptions. Blowing the money is not an option, there is too much instability, might need it for an emergency. I also might use it to buy gold.

{"commentId":1743298,"threadId":"256773","contentId":"1457608","authorDomain":"fuller4"}

1 vote

#19 - Mon Apr 28, 2008 3:36 PM EDT

{"commentId":1743340,"authorDomain":"mstjfrog"}

Suzanne - TX

Some clothes for my kids for the summer then the rest in savings. I have a son graduating high school next year and will need it then (pictures, invitations, etc). Thank God I will have this since the rest of my money has to pay for the over priced gasoline!!

{"commentId":1743340,"threadId":"256773","contentId":"1457608","authorDomain":"mstjfrog"}

#20 - Mon Apr 28, 2008 3:44 PM EDT

{"commentId":1743341,"authorDomain":"gxp4"}

Geoff-273845

Peggy, while I'm not 100% sure I think it follows logic that if you paid the IRS bill via check that you will receive a paper check. If you selected a direct draft from your checking account (EFT--Electronic Funds Transfer) that the funds would be deposited electronically.

I hope this helps.

Unrelated note: Does anybody else understand that this will provide a "one-time" pop to GDP and leave us in the exact same scenario for Q3 '08? GDP will still suffer a "decline" as growth won't be there. I'm sorry, the only way to boost GDP over the long term is to invest in capital goods (things that promote production). If people invest the money in business or even savings accounts it could provide a longer term boost by easing the credit crunch and keeping interest rates lower for borrowers. Paying off Credit Cards could help in a similar way and could be of larger value to the individual in terms of mental health. But to be honest, while I'm pleased to be getting some of my tax money back--I recognize this is a really stupid hair-brained scheme that does nothing over the long haul.

{"commentId":1743341,"threadId":"256773","contentId":"1457608","authorDomain":"gxp4"}

#21 - Mon Apr 28, 2008 3:44 PM EDT

{"commentId":1743343,"authorDomain":"Barb-273855"}

Barb-273855

Unfortunately, I plan on helping Bush and his oil cronies by using my money to fill my, and my daughter's, car with gas. This will be good for about a month or two. I'm sure crude prices will rise despite this. This is such a sham.

{"commentId":1743343,"threadId":"256773","contentId":"1457608","authorDomain":"Barb-273855"}

#22 - Mon Apr 28, 2008 3:44 PM EDT

{"commentId":1743373,"authorDomain":"susan-heyward"}

Susan in Atlanta

By putting my economic stimulas check onto an outstanding balance on a credit card, I can pay that card off quicker, and have more of a balanced budget to work with, allowing me to spend within reason in ongoing pay periods. It is not a bad thing to pay down or pay off a credit card if it makes your paycheck go further in the long run. I'm all for stimulating the economy, but would like to stimulate it with cash spending after debts have been settled. It would be more enjoyable.

{"commentId":1743373,"threadId":"256773","contentId":"1457608","authorDomain":"susan-heyward"}

#23 - Mon Apr 28, 2008 3:50 PM EDT

{"commentId":1743382,"authorDomain":"DinIN"}

D in IN

I'll be using mine to pay my property taxes.

{"commentId":1743382,"threadId":"256773","contentId":"1457608","authorDomain":"DinIN"}

#24 - Mon Apr 28, 2008 3:52 PM EDT

{"commentId":1743412,"authorDomain":"afw20"}

Ann-SC

I'm not sure I'll be getting a rebate. I'm taking classes for a degree and got all of my taxes back. Not to say it didn't all go to paying my $759 dental bill and $556 dollar emergency room bill and my $1700 bill previous hospital bill. This is even though I have insurance. This money (hopefully) will go towards me paying rent, buying gas, getting groceries and praying to survive until next month.

{"commentId":1743412,"threadId":"256773","contentId":"1457608","authorDomain":"afw20"}