It is my theory that MeAmerican is probably not living the life we do.  He may be like my dad.  $150 car eating at other peoples houses, donated clothes etc. without being ugly.  But, people that have kids and have the normal everyday bills (electricity and hot running water) the wages did not keep up with the bills.  You can’t take that stimulus check with you.

Good for you MeAmerican! I think most people would like to save, and I don’t think most people are flagrantly wasting their money. I know in our situation, we make a very good income, but when our income doesn’t rise, and everything else does, saving becomes a dream, not a reality.

I feel everyone’s pain here.  I did not get a check and am fortunate actually that I did not qualify based on income.  However, I don’t forget where I came from.  I have no debt and make it just fine with a little savings.  I was a single parent several years ago and struggled.  The gas then was $2. I made $40,000 a year by myself and there were no extras.  I can’t imagine making it today if I were still a single parent or a one income family or just plain a family that makes a mediocre income. The American dream of working hard and getting ahead has truly been lost.  It is sad that what our country is based on has gotten lost in this whole catastrophe.  I am even planting my own garden now between the rising food cost and salmonella, I don’t feel safe anymore.

Mine went directly into my savings account. What are ya’ll de-tax and spend?

Well, I think we can all agree that the stimulus check did not stimulate the economy, especially you guys/girls…