By now, most Americans have received a boost in the form of a stimulus, in this case, free money from the federal government to combat financial woes stemming from coronavirus. Now that you have money you didn’t have before, what do you do with it?
The most likely option is to spend it, as intended, to stimulate the economy. However, now is not really the time for an impulse purchase, so spending it on practical things like rent or food makes the most sense. If you are one of the 40 million filing for unemployment, spending your stimulus on basic needs becomes a clear-cut choice.
The next option is to save it, that is, if you have sufficient income to meet existing financial obligations. For those with an ample emergency fund and no need to dip into it, it might be time to invest more money towards your long-term goals. If you don’t already have a comfortable rainy day fund set aside, then add that stimulus cash to your rainy day fund.
For those not needing to rely on stimulus money, consider sharing it with others or donating to a cause you believe in. Perhaps it’s the mom-and-pop store you frequented before quarantine or the religious institution where you now join weekly service through Zoom or a non-profit organization that is suddenly without as many donors as before. No matter who you give to, your support not only provides for them, but it also lifts the economy as a whole.
Share, Save, Spend. Sound familiar? These are the 3 financial pillars we frequently talk about. You don’t have to choose just one either. You could use that stimulus money in two ways or all three! For those who did not receive a stimulus check or received less than the full amount, that’s ok. The 3 S’s still apply to you too, even though you have to rely on your own pocketbook.
While a stimulus provides a nice boost, the key is to not depend on having one. That way, if and when you get a stimulus, you have choices!
Homework: Do some research to find out what Americans did with their stimulus. Does this match your predictions?
Ace Academy 