I would love for my household to get two $1400 or two $2000 checks, but...

[Silent3]

... truth be told, we personally don't really need it. If the income cap gets lowered, or some other means-testing (that isn't so burdensome as to slow down delivery) is implemented, I'm fine with that.

I'm one of those fortunate people who has been able to work from home most of the time, in a high-tech job in an industry that has suffered very little from the impact of the pandemic. The most important thing is helping people who can't pay their rent, who have lost work, who've had to be on the front lines, out there among lots of other people, suffering greater risk of exposure no matter what.

[flying_wahini]

1. Same here.

Our kids are struggling so will pass it on to them.

[genxlib]

2. I agree

I have been very fortunate so I would rather see larger checks go to a smaller group of people in need.

Whatever I end up with will go to a food bank anyway.

[33taw]

3. Some have opted to donate to local groups supporting those in need.

[MacKasey]

4. Help someone else with it

Help someone in your family
Help a neighbor
Help a non profit
Help a small business

[Rorey]

5. You could use it to help out someone else

The way I feel about it is that it's still being called a "stimulus" payment, even though for many it's a lifeline, so for those folks who really don't need it, they'd be helping out by spending it. Don't put it in a savings account. Don't sit on it. One way or another, put that money back into the economy.

[Silent3]

19. I was thinking about Joe Manchin, that's all

And if my post was "almost word for word another post here last week", that wasn't a post I read.

I didn't mention Manchin in my OP, but I was only saying this because I was thinking he might make 51 votes difficult to get, but if all he holds out on is lowering the threshold for new checks sent out, we should all be able to live with that.

Even if some people call these "stimulus" checks, I think of them much more as relief checks, and not as many people need relief.

[still_one]

7. Yes

[XanaDUer2]

8. Employed can still use it

Last edited Sat Jan 16, 2021, 11:50 AM - Edit history (1)

will spread it around. Small businesses, groceries. Nice to finally get something from my government; the average American gets so little. Bring it on

[Arazi]

9. Donate it. Guessing there are even those here on DU who need it now

[myohmy2]

10. seriously?

...then give your check to someone who needs it or send it back to the treasury...

...we have a real economic crisis out here right now and throwing money at it is only way to avert a total economic meltdown on a monumental scale...

...remember how the pukes threw trillions at the billionaires to help them become trillionaires?

...the 99% is hurting and waiting...

[central scrutinizer]

11. Because I took a large distribution from my IRA

To help my daughter buy a house, my “income” is above the threshold and I’ll get nothing. I think I’ll be okay unless something big breaks.

[Silent3]

21. It would be great if situations like yours were taken into account...

...but sadly, trying to help you out is the kind of thing that adds complexity that makes getting relief to everyone more difficult.

Hopefully a year or so from now, after Biden has had the time to repair some of Trump's damage, we'll have a government that can walk and chew gum as the same time, but Biden has to start his work using the mess Trump leaves behind.

[central scrutinizer]

28. There may be an appeal process

IRS numbers are always a snapshot of things a year in the past and situations change. But I’m pretty sure I’ll be fine. When I file my 2020 taxes the numbers will be a lot different. Then if there’s subsequent stimulus I might get it. If I got the money, I’d probably give it away.

[captain queeg]

42. I didn't get the first one because I'd raided my 401k in 2018

and hadn’t done my 2019 taxes when they were sending out the first round. I’d certainly qualify for it so how that they have my taxes the irs site said I’m getting the second one but they are mailing it. They have my bank info since I’m on SS but I moved last year and hoping it gets forwarded ok. Also it sounds like when I do my taxes this year I can claim a tax credit for the stimulus that I didn’t get.

There was a post yesterday where the richest folks added 11 trillion to their worth last year and the Rs don’t want to give low earners any more money. I can’t understand the Trumpers who support the rethugs; those at the low end of the income scale. It’s obvious the party doesn’t care for them.

[central scrutinizer]

45. It was a quadruple whammy

1. I didn’t get any stimulus money
2. It moved me into a higher tax bracket
3. It made a higher percentage of my social security taxable
4. It increased my required Medicare contribution
But as long as the billionaires didn’t suffer and were able to create thousands of new jobs, I’ll take one for the team.

[captain queeg]

12. I can get by without it but many are in need

If I get it I plan on giving it to my brother who has ALS.

[OnDoutside]

25. Good for you !

[Cobalt Violet]

13. I need it.

I'm in the minority here it seems.

[durablend]

37. Me too

According to someone else here, the whole unemployment/lack of income crisis doesn't really exist.

[quickesst]

14. there is one thing to think about

If an income threshold is put into place, how many people, through red tape, misunderstanding,or bad judgment would not receive a check although they might, in reality, need it? Never underestimate the government's ability to screw things up.

[Silent3]

16. There already was a threshold in place for the earlier checks, we were below it

So just changing that number to another number doesn't offer that much chance to screw things up.

As an individual, I wouldn't have qualified. It's only because my wife is retired now that as a married couple we've together been below the limit.

[Generic Brad]

15. Here, here

It would be an honor to take one for the team if asked.

[LAS14]

17. Exactly our situation and opinion. We gave our last check to charity.

I see up thread that this sort of post is considered gloating. Sorry you feel that way.

[question everything]

18. Donated all of it. Last April was for candidates and charities. Now charities

[d_b]

20. I've also been fortunate

I'll continue to help my friends and family.

[Arkansas Granny]

22. Same here. The only way my income has been impacted is voluntary.

My boss agreed to me working shorter days in order to avoid contact with the work crews that meet at the office before going to the jobsite.

So far it's working out fine and I'm able to eliminate contact with a lot of people who aren't strictly following CDC guidelines.

[Bad Thoughts]

23. Spend it, stimulate the economy, and don't feel guilty

The money is not necessarily just to answer to people's needs. By spending the money, it will go to employers who will pay employees, etc. It will circulate through the economy at a great rate. Don't feel guilty about it.

[Silent3]

24. Oh, yes, if I get it, I'll spend part, donate part

But there might be Democrats, like Manchin, who hold out for restricting this next round of payments, and I can live with that if that's what's necessary to get the money flowing.

[Kashkakat v.2.0]

31. OK,except its the lower income or unemployed who will spend it more - youre missing the point

It's not about guilt, its about what makes most sense.

[Bad Thoughts]

41. If you get take out from your favorite local restaurant ...

... it will help keep the people who work their employed. Aid for lower levels of income, even at $75000, has a tremendous multiplying effect that helps out many people simultaneously, moreso than giving it to the businesses themselves. Economists know this, but Republicans try to play it down, making people feel guilty about getting money from the government.

[SammyWinstonJack]

26. The wealthy didn't need their tax cuts either but they gladly took them at

the expense and misery of many. Use yours to help small businesses, etc.

[rainin]

27. Donate it or spend it at a local business. Just don't tuck it in savings

and the economy is the better for it. Money has a multiplier effect so it doesn't matter if you need it or not so long as you spend it.

[Cracklin Charlie]

35. Money is like manure.

If you just put manure in a big old pile, it just sits there and stinks.

If you spread it around your garden, or share with your friends, the soil is enriched, your grass grows better, you get more and bigger tomatoes, and the tiny beneficial microbes in the soil are well-fed and happy.

Everybody wins.

[Kashkakat v.2.0]

29. YES I WISH they would earmark more for the un- and under-employed, struggling business owners and

people who really need it.

Sure I would like some extra cash but even more - I like the idea of there being a strong safety net in place i and when I should ever need it.

Im going to contact senator & rep now to say just that.....

[Cracklin Charlie]

30. Spend it at a business that needs it.

Donate to a charitable organization. Give it to a struggling friend or relative.

These dollars actually will trickle through the economy. Giving the stimulus to all socioeconomic groups helps ensure that all different kinds of businesses can be helped by the stimulus dollars.

It’s important to spend this time. It’s your civic duty.

[Humanist_Activist]

32. Goddamn so many people miss the point of the checks.

They are stimulus checks. You are supposed to spend it. That way people employed at the places you spend it keep there jobs.

[Silent3]

39. I'm not missing the point, just trying to put the issue in perspective if Manchin...

...or other blue dogs make it tough to get our 51 votes in the Senate, and make personal need for the money more of an issue. And while I appreciate the stimulus aspect of these payments, I see them as relief first, and stimulus second.

[panader0]

33. I just got my Social Security tax form in the mail.

I made $10,308 last year. I also received $1200 and $600 checks.
The truth is, I'm set up with no debt and small bills (except for land taxes), so I don't
really have to have the stimulus. It would be nice though. I could finish my greenhouse.

[Horse with no Name]

38. I need a new roof

And my roofer needs work.
The materials store needs their products purchased.
I am part of the solution.
If you put it in a savings account, you aren’t.

[aikoaiko]

40. At this point, there is no turning back. Its bad enough that the checks will be $1400

Joe and congress have to keep this promise to everyone with an AGI less than $75K and couples less than $150K.
I realized that in the short-hand version of campaigning, the $2000 check was really always just another $1400. There are a lot of people, however, who didn't pay attention to the details and are expecting $2000. In GA, some of the Warnock/Ossoff campaign literature didn't always include the caveat.

You're right there are needier people than me out there, but spending it locally will have a positive indirect impact on their lives, too. Even if you buy a case of $200 wine from a local beverage place, you're helping. Tip the guy who bring the box out to your car.

[Texasgal]

43. If you are thinking of donating

This DU'er sure could use it.

[mvd]

44. I need it so badly

Yet I am one who may have to wait until tax season to get my payment.

Tired of borrowing money from my friend. She wasn’t happy about this time but I had no choice. My account is overdrawn.