So, What Are You Spending Your Economic Stimulus Check On?

EconCheckGot my check today…you know, the one we’re all supposed to use to help stimulate the slumping economy.   Certainly I’m not one to disappoint.   If the government is going to send me a check and expect me to spend it I most definitely will oblige.

Of course, the question arises as to what the check will be spent on.   After realizing that my wife’s name is also on the check…I suppose she will want part of it for her frivolous things.   Well, I guess I can’t blame her for that.

Still, even after dividing the check appropriately there remains a pretty nice chunk of money that I am sort of looking at as “mad money.”   Money that I intend to spend wisely, but money that perhaps I will use to buy something that I ordinarily would not be purchasing this year with tighter purse-strings in effect, so to speak.

I’ve given this situation a fair amount of thought.   Sure, with gas prices on the ever increase I could put the money away and use the funds to help offset those out-of-control petrol prices.   That makes sense.   Doesn’t really sound like any fun, however.   Of course I could use the money to help offset those sky-rocketing food prices that seem to keep steady pace upward along with the cost of fuel.   Yea, but that’s not really any fun, either.   Nope, I have a better idea this year.

I decided to use my economic stimulus check in two ways.   First, I plan to look for some good deals and stock up on ammunition.   That’s right…ammunition, especially in certain calibers, has become insane due to the increased price of the raw materials.   Heck, in certain calibers a person is even lucky to be able to buy ammo in bulk.   If you know what ammunition calibers you need then buying that ammunition now will only serve to hedge against future price increases.   In effect, it’s like putting more money in your pocket.   Especially if you know that you will be buying that ammunition someday.

The second purchase is maybe a little less practical, albeit still a fun way to get a FREE gun.   That’s right…I think a new gun purchase is on the horizon for me.   I’ve had my eye on that new Ruger LCP .380 auto that was introduced at the SHOT Show last February.   By all accounts it is a sweet little compact pistol that is flying off the shelves faster than they can produce them.   Check it out here.   Crimson Trace is planning to make a nifty little laser sight for it so it has potential for being accurate even beyond normal spitting distances.

Indeed, I am sure happy that Washington decided to send me this mid-season Christmas present.   Realize I’m only doing my patriotic duty by spending it.   Sure, I could put the money in the bank for a rainy day.   I thought about that.   Sure I could use it to help pay down some of my outstanding debt.   I thought about that, too.   Nope, it’s not very often the government sends you money and encourages you to spend it…so that’s exactly what I intend to do with my check.

What about you?   What potential purchases are you considering with your 2008 Economic Stimulus Check?   Drop me a comment as I would love to hear your spending thoughts.

2008 Jim Braaten. All Rights Reserved. No Reproduction without Prior Permission.