Stimulus Stalkers

[ExPirateShopGirl]

It's a bit scary how many people seem to be constantly checking their accounts for the hallowed stimulus payment.

The government has done quite a job of creating hype about the payment and encouraging people to spend. From the tone of some of these threads there seems to be a desperate need for the funds. That, too, scares me. If you are living paycheck to paycheck this payment should remain in your savings account as a cushion or insurance policy for the financial emergency that will undoubtedly occur...

I don't think the stimulus plan is a bad idea... but it disheartens me to see how people are getting a little crazy over it.

 

[caitty13]

I'm with you. I want my money too but I wouldn't call IRS over it.

 

[girli565]

I think a lot of it has to do with the fact the the IRS set out specific dates people with certain SS #'s would be getting their stimulus payments. So when they don't get the payment by the set date people begin to get anxious.

Because some people were expecting the payment by a certain date maybe they earmarked it for something... like a vacation payment, or some other kind of payment. That could be why there is such a sense of "stalking" for the payment.

 

[MiNNiE2185]

I think a lot of it has to do with the fact the the IRS set out specific dates people with certain SS #'s would be getting their stimulus payments. So when they don't get the payment by the set date people begin to get anxious.

Because some people were expecting the payment by a certain date maybe they earmarked it for something... like a vacation payment, or some other kind of payment. That could be why there is such a sense of "stalking" for the payment.

But first set date hasn't even come yet...no need for anyone to be anxious. I know its the government, but wait until friday to get in a frenzy if it is not dd yet.

I called my bank this week and mine is pending for Friday...I added it to my checkbook and called it a day....even if it wasn't pending...what can i do about it until the set date (friday)

 

[ObsessedwiththeMouse]

It's a bit scary how many people seem to be constantly checking their accounts for the hallowed stimulus payment.

The government has done quite a job of creating hype about the payment and encouraging people to spend. From the tone of some of these threads there seems to be a desperate need for the funds. That, too, scares me. If you are living paycheck to paycheck this payment should remain in your savings account as a cushion or insurance policy for the financial emergency that will undoubtedly occur...

I don't think the stimulus plan is a bad idea... but it disheartens me to see how people are getting a little crazy over it.

Why is it scary? The government released dates, specifying that the rebate would come earlier....so people are expecting it.

If you are living paycheck to paycheck, it seems that this rebate stimulus is a nice way to maybe buy a few bit more groceries than normal or pay down on something....

Personally, I wouldn't tell people, especially those living paycheck to paycheck, what to do with their $$. That's just me.

 

[branv]

I was reading some posts on another board I visit, and I'm shocked at how crazy some people are acting. First, you suddenly find out you're getting money...instead of being happy, they've gotten demanding and angry if they're not getting as much as person X. Then it's announced they're sending some out early...again, instead of being happy they're getting money at all, they complain b/c they didn't get theirs early when others did. Heck, at least wait until the OFFICIAL deadline before you start foaming at the mouth and harrassing people.

Actually, I don't even think I'd complain if they missed our deadline. I wasn't all for the rebate, but still pleased to be getting anything. Sadly, by the looks of what I'm reading, it seems plenty of people have already spent the money before it was in hand...and not for staples, either . Now they're freaking out b/c the money isn't there to bail them out yet.

Considering everything they've had to do in a short amount of time, for the government I'm impressed.

 

[dturner]

It's a bit scary how many people seem to be constantly checking their accounts for the hallowed stimulus payment.

The government has done quite a job of creating hype about the payment and encouraging people to spend. From the tone of some of these threads there seems to be a desperate need for the funds. That, too, scares me. If you are living paycheck to paycheck this payment should remain in your savings account as a cushion or insurance policy for the financial emergency that will undoubtedly occur...

I don't think the stimulus plan is a bad idea... but it disheartens me to see how people are getting a little crazy over it.

Well, if the Gov't had just left the original schedule as it were first released then I don't think people would be looking for it every day. I planned on it for May 2nd which is my original date then came news that we MAY be getting it early - well who is getting it early, me with the first date of May 2, ok then I'll check my bank balance every day to see if it's there yet.

I don't call that stalking as I check my bank balance everyday no matter what anyway.

I do live paycheck to paycheck - for those of you who don't you wouldn't understand so I'm not even going to try and explain it to you.

Is it May 2nd yet??????

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

Personally, I wouldn't tell people, especially those living paycheck to paycheck, what to do with their $$. That's just me.

Seems to me those are the people who most need some good advice. Doesn't mean they have to or want to listen. And if that's the case... the stimulus payment is a lost opportunity. But that's just me.

 

[girli565]

But first set date hasn't even come yet...no need for anyone to be anxious. I know its the government, but wait until friday to get in a frenzy if it is not dd yet.

I called my bank this week and mine is pending for Friday...I added it to my checkbook and called it a day....even if it wasn't pending...what can i do about it until the set date (friday)

But then they changed the dates, moving it a week up so people are now looking at those dates!

I guess because people actually believe what the government says they are actually expecting the money to be in their accounts on the dates specified (the new dates, not the first set of dates).

 

[MiNNiE2185]

But then they changed the dates, moving it a week up so people are now looking at those dates!

I guess because people actually believe what the government says they are actually expecting the money to be in their accounts on the dates specified (the new dates, not the first set of dates).

They only said so many would go out those dates. They never said whos. If its not there, it not. Wait until Friday...They didn't even say Monday 00-05...they just said so many would go out that day..If its not your turn...keep waiting.

 

[ObsessedwiththeMouse]

Seems to me those are the people who most need some good advice. Doesn't mean they have to or want to listen. And if that's the case... the stimulus payment is a lost opportunity. But that's just me.

I've lived in the "paycheck to paycheck" world and the last thing I would appreciate is "advice" from someone who doesn't know what it's like to be in that state.

It's their money, let them spend it how they want to. I wouldn't dream of telling you how to spend your rebate check.

 

[Aristomommy]

Seems to me those are the people who most need some good advice. Doesn't mean they have to or want to listen. And if that's the case... the stimulus payment is a lost opportunity. But that's just me.

Wow, our family does not live paycheck to paycheck but there was a time when we did. It wasn't because of lack of education about money or compulsive spending, but a combination of job layoff and high medical bills. Your comments seem insensitive and certainly not a caring way to try to educate someone. If during that time in my life I knew of a $1800 check coming my way, I would be looking at my bank account several times per day hoping the money would be there. JMHO.

 

[dturner]

Seems to me those are the people who most need some good advice. Doesn't mean they have to or want to listen. And if that's the case... the stimulus payment is a lost opportunity. But that's just me.

Not always. I know why I live paycheck to paycheck and quite frankly I don't ever see anyway around it unless I win the lottery, LOL!!! ....and no I don't live beyond my means - don't own a house, no credit cards and only have 1 car.

Some people just don't make that much money and with EVERYTHING skyrocketing right now - I feel every penny and when you need every cent you make to survive there is nothing left over to save or put away for a rainy day.

Some people would be surprised as to what those of us that live paycheck to paycheck have to live without just because there is NOT enough to go around and I'm not talking about material things either I'm talking about things most people take for granted as in INSURANCE.

I like to consider myself "THE WORKING POOR."

 

[mindyd]

I was told I would have direct deposit on May 9th because I did direct deposit. I am going to disney and accounted on that money for spend money while we are there. Then I find out that because I used turbo tax I am now getting a paper check and its going to be sent the day after I leave.

I don't think I am a stalker at all... There are alot of people who were told they were getting direct deposit accounted on it then found out later they have to get paper checks.

 

[girli565]

They only said so many would go out those dates. They never said whos. If its not there, it not. Wait until Friday...They didn't even say Monday 00-05...they just said so many would go out that day..If its not your turn...keep waiting.

If you want to see it that way then , yes, I guess they should be patient and wait. But like the poster below you said, for those people living paycheck to paycheck or those who have earmarked this money for a set date, they would be anxious about getting the money into their accounts!

I really don't care when it comes in... I'm not counting on that $$ for anything. But if I was... I'd probably be like those "stalkers."

 

[DisneyAprilFool]

And we don't live paycheck to paycheck, but I AM anxious to get this stimulus check in my account. (And it's going, in a lump sum, towards a bill that I don't HAVE to pay off until 2009).

I haven't called the IRS, I haven't harassed anyone, but I'll comment on these boards and other boards where people are discussing whether they have received theirs or not. I'm assuming May 2nd will be THE day for us- if it isn't, I really don't look forward to having to call the IRS to see where it might be or if we are getting a check, for some odd reason.

I find it funny that people waste their time being offended that others are concerned about cash- would seem to me that MORE people should be concerned about their cash flow (in and out) versus less.

 

[girli565]

And we don't live paycheck to paycheck, but I AM anxious to get this stimulus check in my account. (And it's going, in a lump sum, towards a bill that I don't HAVE to pay off until 2009).

I haven't called the IRS, I haven't harassed anyone, but I'll comment on these boards and other boards where people are discussing whether they have received theirs or not. I'm assuming May 2nd will be THE day for us- if it isn't, I really don't look forward to having to call the IRS to see where it might be or if we are getting a check, for some odd reason.

I find it funny that people waste their time being offended that others are concerned about cash- would seem to me that MORE people should be concerned about their cash flow (in and out) versus less.

Well said.

 

[ajk912]

I am going to stress about it because that's what I do best. I don't NEED it right now, but I will feel better once it is nice and safe in my account. Otherwise, I will worry that a number was transposed and it was lost..the check got lost in the mail..my neighbor took it..my calculations are off and I am not getting the $2100 I am expecting. Once I have it safe, I will breathe easy!

And no, mine is not me spending before I have it- it's paying off our August Disney trip. Which I don't need to pay off till July. If we don't get it, or don't get enough, well, we just don't go. Heartbreaking, yes, but we'll just go another year!

 

[DizzyKitten]

It's a bit scary how many people seem to be constantly checking their accounts for the hallowed stimulus payment.

The government has done quite a job of creating hype about the payment and encouraging people to spend. From the tone of some of these threads there seems to be a desperate need for the funds. That, too, scares me. If you are living paycheck to paycheck this payment should remain in your savings account as a cushion or insurance policy for the financial emergency that will undoubtedly occur...
I don't think the stimulus plan is a bad idea... but it disheartens me to see how people are getting a little crazy over it.

Re: the bolded parts of your statement: Um, yes, there is a "desperate need" for this money for some ppl. Have you seen the way this economy is going?

If you think the ppl who need this rebate are going to or "should" put it in savings you don't understand the govt's reasoning behind this rebate. Putting it in savings does NOT stimulate the economy. They knew what they were doing when they decided who should get the money. They WANT you to spend it. THAT stimulates the economy hence the name "Stimulus package".


I think the problem with ppl getting "crazy" is that: 1. they do NEED the money(that's why they're getting it) and 2. the IRS got everyone all freaked out cuz they decided to send some of the money out early.

Being very familiar with IRS lingo, I noted that the original schedule said the rebate would be deposited BY May 2 or May 9 or what have you. Most ppl don't pick up on that and again, most ppl aren't getting their info from the IRS directly. Different news channels, word of mouth and ppl posting here just tend to generate inaccurate information.

Having said that, no I am not checking my account everyday and yes, my money is already spent(luckily I'm doing ok and I don't have to use it for bills) and no, I don't live paycheck to paycheck....anymore.

Not trying to be snarky but have you ever lived paycheck to paycheck? I'm just curious, you don't have to answer of course.

 

[global_mom]

Re: the bolded parts of your statement: Um, yes, there is a "desperate need" for this money for some ppl. Have you seen the way this economy is going?

If you think the ppl who need this rebate are going to or "should" put it in savings you don't understand the govt's reasoning behind this rebate. Putting it in savings does NOT stimulate the economy. They knew what they were doing when they decided who should get the money. They WANT you to spend it. THAT stimulates the economy hence the name "Stimulus package".


I think the problem with ppl getting "crazy" is that: 1. they do NEED the money(that's why they're getting it) and 2. the IRS got everyone all freaked out cuz they decided to send some of the money out early.

Being very familiar with IRS lingo, I noted that the original schedule said the rebate would be deposited BY May 2 or May 9 or what have you. Most ppl don't pick up on that and again, most ppl aren't getting their info from the IRS directly. Different news channels, word of mouth and ppl posting here just tend to generate inaccurate information.

Having said that, no I am not checking my account everyday and yes, my money is already spent(luckily I'm doing ok and I don't have to use it for bills) and no, I don't live paycheck to paycheck....anymore.

Not trying to be snarky but have you ever lived paycheck to paycheck? I'm just curious, you don't have to answer of course.

We were fortunate to get anything b/c we exceeded the income limit but they do a reduced check in that case. Ours is being 'spent" on a new 529 account for one of the children. Is this going to stimulate the economy? Maybe not but it works for my family. I would never dream of telling someone how to spend their rebate check.