Stimulus Stalkers

[All American]

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.

I noticed that too.

 

[lilybrooke14]

Seeing as we have no idea what the financial status, background, educational history, work situation, level of debt, or savings account balance of any one of the people who post on this board are, there is absolutely no reason to assume that they need to put anything in savings or that they need any advice. I've lived paycheck to paycheck before, and quite frankly, I don't have to justify my reasons to anyone. I do know that situations like this can do a great deal to help get out of those scenarios. Luckily, we've worked very hard to get to a better financial place, but I can tell you that I may have been foaming at the mouth as well in another time.

While we're assuming, perhaps we should also assume that opinions that are not fit to be spoken in public places, should also not be typed in public forums.

 

[undertheradar]

For those that receive this money, it should be viewed as found and not be budgeted before being received. This is not a rebate but an advance on next year's tax "savings." Those of you who live in states with income tax will receive a tax bill for this on your state taxes next year. Not really much of an incentive.

 

[dturner]

For those that receive this money, it should be viewed as found and not be budgeted before being received. This is not a rebate but an advance on next year's tax "savings." Those of you who live in states with income tax will receive a tax bill for this on your state taxes next year. Not really much of an incentive.

No state taxes in Texas, YAY!!!

 

[tar heel]

For those that receive this money, it should be viewed as found and not be budgeted before being received. This is not a rebate but an advance on next year's tax "savings." Those of you who live in states with income tax will receive a tax bill for this on your state taxes next year. Not really much of an incentive.

\

I don't understand what you're saying. The stimulus checks shouldn't affect state income taxes. If the checks were coming from state governments, then they might affect your federal taxes, but the reverse isn't true. If you itemize and deduct state income taxes paid one year, you have to include any state refund received as income the next year on your federal income taxes.

 

[JoanneNC]

For those that receive this money, it should be viewed as found and not be budgeted before being received. This is not a rebate but an advance on next year's tax "savings." Those of you who live in states with income tax will receive a tax bill for this on your state taxes next year. Not really much of an incentive.

I don't believe you are correct. Do you currently pay state taxes on the refund of OVERPAYMENT to the Federal Gov't? They are changing 2008 tax laws to lower overall tax liability for those in the specified brackets and dependent ranges so in essences your overpayment would be higher - it's not income you are getting but an advance on next years refund

Unless you have IRS sponsored literature stating differently?

 

[tinkerbell1967]

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.

I agree, seems all the things they said have changed. I was looking for my direct deposit on May 8 but now I'm being told that because I used two seperate accounts on my direct deposit and will be getting a paper check that will come June 27th. I was looking forward to using it for my vaction at the end of May.

 

[ObsessedwiththeMouse]

I don't believe you are correct. Do you currently pay state taxes on the refund of OVERPAYMENT to the Federal Gov't? They are changing 2008 tax laws to lower overall tax liability for those in the specified brackets and dependent ranges so in essences your overpayment would be higher - it's not income you are getting but an advance on next years refund
Unless you have IRS sponsored literature stating differently?

Actually, it's NOT an advance for next year...

http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=182003,00.html

Q. Will the payment I receive in 2008 reduce my 2008 refund or increase the amount I owe for 2008?

A. No, the stimulus payment will not reduce your refund or increase the amount you owe when you file your 2008 return.

 

[kmvand1]

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.

Amen to that!

 

[wewantmore]

HERE HERE.

I am so sick of these Stimulus threads. People you'll get your money just chill out.

I'm sick of the GREED behind it all. "Where's my money?" "Why isn't it in my account yet?" My SS number ends in 00 *I* should be first." "My daughter; neighbor; sister; brother; aunts uncles cat; got theirs, but I haven't gotten *MINE* yet" POUT!!!!!

I'm so over it already.

Oh and to the person that said things that shouldn't be said outloud shouldn't be posted on a public forum, PLEASE........ Everyone is entitle to SPEAK/TYPE their opinion of whiney greedy Americans.


I agree with the OP, if this money will make or break you, well then you have a bigger problem and a little financial advice should be taken from those that don't NEED the money.

Michelle

ps we are pretty much living paycheck to paycheck also, but from the day it was announced that money was coming our way I KNEW it would all be BANKED. Not spent on electronics, vacations, extras. So I won't help Stimulate the economy.

 

[JoanneNC]

Actually, it's NOT an advance for next year...

http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=182003,00.html

Q. Will the payment I receive in 2008 reduce my 2008 refund or increase the amount I owe for 2008?

A. No, the stimulus payment will not reduce your refund or increase the amount you owe when you file your 2008 return.

I meant an ADVANCE on the increased portion of next years changes. Sorry- it doesn't change what you would normally qualify for in 2008- it's in addition to that but it's being given to us this year and not next year - hence my wording of Advance

 

[jrandtysmom]

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.

You're correct....that is just you. Please don't judge anyone else until you've walked a day in their shoes. You have no idea what someone else's life circumstances are. In this economy right now, some are losing their jobs, gas prices are through the roof and yes some are desperately waiting on that money to help them through. I do live paycheck to paycheck. I'm a single mom with very little help in the way of child support. I put money away in a savings account for a rainy day, but I still live paycheck to paycheck as I don't touch the savings money. This stimulus check is taking my kids to Disney for the first and maybe only time, as it is for many others.

Thank God people like you aren't the one's deciding if people who are down should get help because it seems you'd rather kick them for being "stupid" and not having your life rather then help them back up on their feet. Some people aren't able to afford a college education, so they are stuck working jobs that don't pay very well. Doesn't make them less of a person or "bad" with their money, just is the way it is and who are you to say they need any advice. How about you put your stimulus check towards helping the poor get a better education, or to someone who has lost their job and can't afford to feed their kids???? Sounds like the best "advice" you could be handing out right about now.

 

[dturner]

I agree with the OP, if this money will make or break you, well then you have a bigger problem and a little financial advice should be taken from those that don't NEED the money.

WOW - so your saying that the people who DON'T NEED THIS MONEY should give financial advice to those that say they NEED IT and those that NEED IT should listen to their advice???

Ok, I'm listening, fire away - tell me what I'm doing wrong because I NEED THE MONEY.................................

Some of you people make me sick - no wonder America is like it is - do you people who have money think your better than those that don't have any money or have less money than you do???

This is really eye-opening to me.

 

[lilybrooke14]

HERE HERE.

I am so sick of these Stimulus threads. People you'll get your money just chill out.

I'm sick of the GREED behind it all. "Where's my money?" "Why isn't it in my account yet?" My SS number ends in 00 *I* should be first." "My daughter; neighbor; sister; brother; aunts uncles cat; got theirs, but I haven't gotten *MINE* yet" POUT!!!!!

I'm so over it already.

Oh and to the person that said things that shouldn't be said outloud shouldn't be posted on a public forum, PLEASE........ Everyone is entitle to SPEAK/TYPE their opinion of whiney greedy Americans.


I agree with the OP, if this money will make or break you, well then you have a bigger problem and a little financial advice should be taken from those that don't NEED the money.

Michelle

ps we are pretty much living paycheck to paycheck also, but from the day it was announced that money was coming our way I KNEW it would all be BANKED. Not spent on electronics, vacations, extras. So I won't help Stimulate the economy.

I don't have any problem with anyone's opinion of whiney greedy Americans. I don't even disagree with it. However in my opinion (and I get one too) people tend to mask themselves behind their computers and spill out mounds of garbage that they would NEVER say to someone's face, because they know that there is no recourse.

It's not a free speech issue, it's a tact issue.

ETA - It's hard enough to tell what people are trying to communicate without body language to back it up. I usually read something and then re-read it to make sure it doesn't sound too obnoxious. I don't have a problem firing away when I feel strongly about something, but I just don't get why people think it's okay to cross boundries online that they wouldn't cross in person.

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

Seems people are taking things out of context. Not once did I say I was offended that certain people were so anxious. I said it saddened me. It saddens me because I myself would hate to be in such a position that $300 or $600 or $1200 could possibly mean so much to me that I checked my bank balance hourly.

Like some of you, I'm also a single mom. But I'm a chronic saver who refuses to pay interest on anything that can't be deducted from my income taxes, like a mortgage. It SADDENS me that families are so close to the breaking point that this money makes the difference.

And, for the record... I haven't told anyone how to spend his or her money. I've only given a hint about how a person can make his or her money work harder for them. Big difference.

 

[happygirl]

I wish the IRS had not mentioned they were ahead of schedule,

 

[Frankiesmom]

I HAVE been a stalker to my bank automated line, I was counting on this $$$ for our disney trip in 10 days- but because I used turbotax I might not see it before we leave. I didn't want to have to use my disney visa while we are away; I wanted to use cash! And now, I might have to throw it on the CC. So, call me a stalker; whatever- I am hoping because my federal refund was direct deposited from the US TREASURY- that I'll be getting my $$$ by direct deposit. And the way this economy is going I think there are more of us than U! I wish I could be in your shoes!!!! Really! But I had planned on this $$ for WDW and yes, I'm checking every day!

 

[aclov]

I wish the IRS had not mentioned they were ahead of schedule,

Exactly....it just opened up a new can of worms. I live paycheck to paycheck but I'm not obsessed with checking my account on an hourly basis. Sure, I need the money and when it comes it comes. However, if I was counting on it for something than I might be more anxious.

I think the OP did sound a little judgemental, at least that's how it sounded to me.

 

[Free4Life11]

I wish the IRS had not mentioned they were ahead of schedule,

I agree, but I don't what is so difficult to understand:

Payments will be transmitted no later than:
00 through 20 May 2
21 through 75 May 9
76 through 99 May 16

Just expect to get it on the deadline and if you get it early consider yourself lucky.

 

[dturner]

Seems people are taking things out of context. Not once did I say I was offended that certain people were so anxious. I said it saddened me. It saddens me because I myself would hate to be in such a position that $300 or $600 or $1200 could possibly mean so much to me that I checked my bank balance hourly.

Like some of you, I'm also a single mom. But I'm a chronic saver who refuses to pay interest on anything that can't be deducted from my income taxes, like a mortgage. It SADDENS me that families are so close to the breaking point that this money makes the difference.

And, for the record... I haven't told anyone how to spend his or her money. I've only given a hint about how a person can make his or her money work harder for them. Big difference.

Thanks for your explanation. I'll admit I took offense to you using the word "STALKER." I'm not a stalker - I'm not out in front of the IRS office harrassing anyone nor am I on the phone everyday calling the bank or the IRS asking where my money is.

Some people may check their bank balances hourly, I know how my bank works and I only check in the morning when I know a direct deposit would be there.

I understand, it saddens me too sometimes to be NEEDING this money but the fact remains that some of us don't have super duper jobs making high 5 figures or 6 figures.

Also, you all have got to admit that gas and groceries the last month or 6 weeks have been going up so much it's kind of out of hand and when you only work one job and one that doesn't offer overtime or anyway to make any more money than you already do it makes it hard to cover all the things we really need in life like gas and food and no I don't want to work 2 jobs because no amount of money is worth being away from my son longer than I already have to be. So this found money is really IMPORTANT to me right now.

Sorry for my snarkiness today - it's been a bad day for me!!