Stimulus-Check Advertising Floods The Airwaves

I just heard a cringe-inducing Sears ad on the radio for new refrigerators. At the end of the ad the voice-over guy interjected, 'Sounds like a great way to spend those stimulus checks!'

Are you kidding me with these? I'm pretty sure spending your money on anything is 'a great way to spend' your stimulus check. Home Depot has also launched a campaign in the coming weeks to capitalize on all those much-anticiapted $600 checks. The thinking behind the Home Depot market grab is to take advantage of all those housing fears. Maybe if you add a new little 'breakfast nook' on your kitchen, you won't have to worry about all those foreclosures and homeowners unable to sell.

As we 'reported on' last week, Wal-Mart is very excited to cash in on some of that precious stimulation.I'm just hoping every local TV ad and mom and pop store doesn't come at me begging I 'use that stimulus check here!'

It's kind of like when you walk past a homeless guy begging for money, and you fake checking your pockets to tell him you don't have any money, but all that fake checking makes some change jangle around and then he's on to you. That's how I feel with all these stimulus ads. They know we're getting $600 in our pocket soon and we're supposed to increase consumer spending with it, for the good of the economy.

Of course it's a smart business plan to plant the association of those checks with a certain purchase through advertising. Even local community colleges classes are being pitched as the best investment you can make with those extra funds. An investment in your education. The underlying fear driving that effort is the one people have of losing their jobs and being unqualified for anything else.

I say spend your money where you usually do, and definitely pay off your debts first. Other than that, might I suggest purchasing two $300 pens? In case you lose one.


CNN Money: Smart Moves For Your Stimulus Check, April 28, 2008

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Wal-Mart Wants Your Stimulus Check Real Bad

Wal-Mart has big plans for those nifty stimulus checks coming to Americans across the land, but are they really helping anyone?

Wal-Mart, love them for their low prices and winning business strategies, or hate them for mistreating employees and skirting tax laws, it's your call.

There are two differing schools of thought on Wal-Mart's stimulus check plan. The first adheres to the belief that this is a brilliant business strategy designed to help the consumer. CNBC lauds the price-slashing consumer giant for its powerful industry-leading tactics. Wal-Mart will:

1) Cash rebate checks free of charge.

2) Allow customers to redeem checks for Moneycards free of charge.

3) Cut prices on key food items including meat, pasta, frozen food, shampoo, juice and other consumables.

In contrast to many of its competitors, Wal-Mart will not charge a fee for cashing checks and won't make you redeem your stimulus money for a Wal-Mart specific giftcard. They are offering the consumer an option of taking the cash or applying it to an in-house giftcard.

But why doesn't 'the big yellow smiley face' tack on a few extra bucks to these giftcards like Krogers, K-Mart, and Supervalu are doing? Answer: Because the 'Wal knows that if they cut their prices enough on the big ticket grocery items, no one will want to shop anywhere else. This could be true, and it would mean a lot of added revenue for Wal-Mart stores this month.

The flip side of this coin is posed by David Nassar of the Huffington Post. He believes spending your stimulus check at Wal-Mart only hurts the American economy in the long run. Nassar explains:

With its low price focus, Wal-Mart may appear to help the U.S. economy. But, the reality is that with its poor wages and benefits, massive China sourcing and tax avoidance, Wal-Mart makes its workers and the communities where it operates poorer. [...] Higher salaries, quality affordable healthcare and paying what they owe like any good American, are just three things Wal-Mart can do tomorrow that will make them a company worthy of our money.

This argument also raises a good point and it makes one ponder, should we be held captive by the wills of an already powerful consumer brand? At what cost are these savings coming from?

Regardless of where you fall in this debate, it seems like one of the best options for these checks is to pay off your outstanding debts first and foremost, and then after that maybe alcohol and gambling?

Let us know your spending plans for those $600 in the comments section.



CNBC Retail Detail: Wal-Mart 'Banking' On Your Stimulus Rebate Check, April 29, 2008

Huffington Post: Why Wal-Mart Does Not Strengthen Our Economy, May 1, 2008

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Gov't: Commence Stimulation!

The government stimulus checks are in the works as we speak. Some may receive their extra cash as early as next Friday. Happy Cinco de Mayo to them! Read onward for answers to all your questions about these soon-to-be additional funds.

Who Gets It? And How Much?

All single people earning less than $75,000 a year, will receive a check for $600, while couples earning a combined income of less than $150,000 will get a check for $1,200. For each child claimed as a dependent you will receive $600.

Pardon Me For Asking Too Many Questions, But Why?

Since the economy is disappointing the hell out of everyone, President Bush and Congress thought up this plan to increase consumer confidence with a little billion dollar influx. The US Treasury will dole out $110 billion to 130 million taxpayers. Why thank you, Mr. Treasury.


I Know What I'm GOING TO Do With It, But What SHOULD I Being Do With It?

That's a very conscientious question to ask, and I admire that. But seriously, as long as you don't roll it up and hide it in shoebox, you'll be doing the right thing with your stimulus check. Whether it's helping buy gas, pay off your mortgage, get an iPhone, or swim in a pool of candy corn, it will all add up to positive consumer spending and economic growth. At least that's what they're all hoping anyway.

How Will They Know How Much To Send?

Stimulus checks will be based on your 2007 filings. Which means there could be new additions, deductions, or higher income to be calculated for your stimulus check. Here's the cool part though: If they send you less than you should have gotten, they'll send you another check later with the additional amount, but if you get too much from Uncle Same, he won't come looking for the difference, you can keep the overpay. Sweet, right?

Last Question, When's Mine Coming?

If you filed your return by before April 15, then your check will be mailed out or direct deposited according to the follow Social Security# chart:

Direct deposit payment If last 2 digits of your SS# are: Your rebate should be sent by: 00-20 May 2 21-75 May 9 76-99 May 16 Paper check If last 2 digits of your SS# are: Your rebate should be sent by: 00-09 May 16 10-18 May 23 19-25 May 30 26-38 June 6 39-51 June 13 52-63 June 20 64-75 June 27 76-87 July 4 88-99 July 11

CNN Money: Here's Stimulus, April 25, 2008

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