What are you going to do with your tax rebate

[Hello Kitty]

Congressional leaders announced a deal with the White House Thursday on an economic stimulus package that would give most tax filers refunds of $600 to $1,200, and more if they have children
linky (http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-thu_stimulus-rebates-300_0124jan24,0,2743470.story)

For the intellectual discussion on the package, go over here (http://www.constantchatter.com/forum/showthread.php?t=39449) - I just want to know... how are you going to spend it?

Ironically, I need the money to pay our federal income taxes, which came as an unwelcome suprise, despite my planning and adjusting our paychecks.

[villanelle75]

We will likely put it towards our HELOC balance, which we used for part of the down payment on our investment property.

Not exciting, not something we will notice much difference due to, and not really something that will stimulate the economy, but until this, we've never had debt other than mortgage and it drives me crazy, so we'll take anything we can do to get rid of it a bit sooner.

[PinkMartini]

Only people working get the rebates right? (So SAHM's like myself wouldn't be eligible?)

[kedzieb]

If we qualify, we'll be saving it. No spending or stimulating the economy here.

[jimmysgirl424]

We are using it to pay down bad debt and improve our credit score, to help us be able to buy a house! :)

[GoldEyes]

Ironically, I need the money to pay our federal income taxes, which came as an unwelcome suprise, despite my planning and adjusting our paychecks.

Us too. :(

[thedoorchick]

For those who say you plan to use the money to pay 2007 taxes, you should understand that the checks won't arrive until long after those taxes are due. It will be summer at least.

[camberne]

I'm going to pay for another ballroom dance lesson package. Those suckers are expensive, but it's so much fun and stress-relieving that it's worth it. Either I'll do it with my husband or without (if we end up splitting up), but I need the emotional release that it affords me along with the exercise!!

[GoldEyes]

For those who say you plan to use the money to pay 2007 taxes, you should understand that the checks won't arrive until long after those taxes are due. It will be summer at least.

I guess I should have said, it'll just go back into our savings, since the money we are using to pay our taxes is coming out of that. :)

[kdotp]

We're doing a much-needed update on our bathroom. I'm kind of glad this went through even though a lot of people aren't in favor of it because I don't think we'd be able to do the updates this year otherwise.

[Happy1]

It'll be going straight into our savings. We want to adopt again so I know we'll need it down the road. Not to mention whatever house issues may arise somewhere down the road. So savings it is. We're debt-free right now and that may just help us remain that way.

Nikki :D

[ysolde]

I don't understand how it all works, buut I think I may have made too much to qualify. :rolleyes: If I get one, it is going straight into savings, as did my bonus, and as will my tax refund.

[tenofcups]

Most likely it will go into savings for my quarterly federal taxes or go into savings for the house we plan to buy. Although depending on timing, we might already have the house so then it would go towards decorating the new house. Of all those, only the third option would "stimulate" the economy in any way.

[LDS Angel 19]

save and/or pay credit card bills.

[jennylou]

To pay down debt.

[SimonsCat]

A few more days tacked onto my trip to Italy and France this summer. guess I'll be stimulating someone else's economy :rolleyes:

[KrissyCat7]

We will take a vacation!:D

[ManteoChik]

I'll probably just use mine to pay bills - student loans to be exact!

[julietchicago]

Put most of it away in savings. Especially since our savings has dwindled with me being out on maternity leave. Boo Hoo.

[kam]

Not sure we'll get it but if we do it will go into savings.

[jennylou]

Wow, it sounds like a lot of us are going to be stimulating the economy! LOL, most of us have said we're either paying down debt or saving it.

[imagirliegirl]

I'm going to London in May so I will be spending it there. Sorry, America! :)

[phoenics]

I don't understand how it all works, buut I think I may have made too much to qualify. :rolleyes: If I get one, it is going straight into savings, as did my bonus, and as will my tax refund.

Same here. :(

[Janey]

I don't think we qualify either. I guess that's a good thing...?

PinkMartini - I'd be surprised if they didn't give SAHMs the $300. If you filed jointly with your husband, you pay taxes, right? If they ignore the SAHMs, people will go nuts. Not exactly a demographic you want to piss off in an election year. :p

[tinkerbelljenny]

We don't qualify, we made more than that.

[ellidew]

We'll likely use some of it to pay down debt and put some of it into our vacation fund. Dh and I are in desperate need of some relaxing time off!

[SiValleySteph]

Not getting one. Dang GW. :p

[sea74]

We're not getting one either :(
Otherwise it would have gone toward to fertility treatments.

[Rosebud]

No economy stimulating for us, either. It'll go into our savings or into the kiddo's college savings account.

[Natasha]

With our whole refund, or with this extra stuff? We get a sizeable return every year, and the plans for this years return are: paying off debt, baby stuff (travel system and pack n play), and savings for a few small trips we're taking this year. So, for the most part, we will be helping the economy, I suppose.

[boilermaker]

I'm not sure if we get one or not. It says there are higher limits for couples with children, but I don't know what that limit is?

If we do get anything, it will just go into our normal bank account. No extra spending for us.

[Janey]

I'm not sure if we get one or not. It says there are higher limits for couples with children, but I don't know what that limit is?
Yeah and how will they know that you & I have kids, cause they were born in 2007 and therefore they haven't been claimed on taxes as dependents -- does the government know they've been born and they're ours? And what do they base the earnings off of, 2006 gross income? AGI? So many questions.

It seems to me that the last time they gave us all $300, most people used it to pay off debt or put it in their general fund. And then they had the gall to (re?)tax us on that $300. So I'm not all that excited about this money anyway.

[imagirliegirl]

Oh whoops. I thought you meant the regular tax refund.

Well anyway, that's where it's going.

[boilermaker]

Yeah and how will they know that you & I have kids, cause they were born in 2007 and therefore they haven't been claimed on taxes as dependents -- does the government know they've been born and they're ours? And what do they base the earnings off of, 2006 gross income? AGI? So many questions.


I have lots of questions too. If they base it off 2006, there is no way we'd get anything. I was hoping they would base it off our 2007 filing, so DD and the fact that I cut to part time would play a factor. i guess I'll have to ask our financial adviser guy about this.

[Aimee]

Save it for next year, when my Fed income taxes will likely be higher than this year, to compensate for this "rebate". :rolleyes:

[jennylou]

We'll have already filed 2007 taxes by the time they start cutting rebate checks, so I'm not sure if they'll base it on 2007 or 2006. If they screw SAHMs, I'd rather them base it on 2006, since I made more than I did in 2007. OTOH, I have no idea how they can determine what is my income and what is my DHs income when part of our income is rental property income that is in both of our names? It's worded very vague though. On another board that I'm on people were speculating that the way it was worded would in fact leave out SAHMs since it says you have to have taxable income.

[BethIrish]

Here are my thoughts on it: (I am a tax professional, though my specialty is NOT personal income tax. I have not read much on this package, so this is pure speculation on my part.)

They'll more than likely base it on 2006 taxable income. Even though many people will have filed by the time checks are cut, not everyone will. Since it will probably be based on 2006 taxable income, the having a child parameter will be based on whether or not you claimed a dependent in 2006.

Also, the single/married parameter: The single/married thing is how you filed. Married filing jointly (so yes, SAHMs you have taxable income and you are jointly responsible for the taxes) would be the "married" one, so you would fall under that limit. (as long as your DH works and pays taxes.)

Hope that helped clarify things.

Oh, and if we get the rebate, it will probably go toward our bathroom remodel....or maybe the boob remodel fund, or possibly the purse fund ;)

[Hello Kitty]

I'm assuming it will be 2006 income and filing status because there's no way they can get their act together to base it off of 2007. I'll eat my hat. :p I mean, they need to adjust the forms for AMT, and it's going to delay by 8 weeks or something???

[Janey]

BethIrish, thanks for posting. If they base it off 2006 earnings, then we do qualify... at least for a partial (it's still unclear to me where the cutoffs are and what they're using as 'Income'). 2007 was a much better year for us.

Anyway - I never know how to look at these things. Where will we spend it? We'll spend it where we spend the rest of our money. The $600 (assuming it is $600 because we didn't have K in 2006) isn't really going to make that big of a difference... especially if they re-tax us on that money. We're looking at more like $400, then. Every little bit helps, I guess, but eh.

[alliannie]

If we get a different vehicle before then we will use it to pay down the loan on that. If not we will probably use it to help get a new vehicle. DH wants a new truck!

[salysaturn]

It will go into an IRA account.

[rileyandfredsmom]

We will replace the fence in our backyard...the termites have rendered it useless!

But, we were going to do that anyway with our own money so now that money will be used to replace the floor in our hallway that is in the midst of a remodel and once we get our check, that money will be used for the fence!

[Missy2U]

As happens every single everlovin' time we get some extra cash, something in our life will take a horrible turn and we'll end up spending it to put out some kind of life disaster type fire.

[jellybeany]

We'll probably use it to pay down our debt or it will go towards putting up our privacy fence.

[hmbay]

savings to pay for the heating bill next winter. Although if I read correctly that we get $1200 per working couple AND $300 per child that extra $ might either pay down credit card debt or buy a new laptop. :)

As for how do they know you have children--I would guess social security number applications but I might be wrong.

[jen]

Normally I'd save it, but we are renovating our den and have an expensive sectional in mind.... between the rebate and DH's fantasy football winnings (!), we'll have a big chunk paid for without dipping into savings. Yehaw! :D

[ajb524]

I really want to put up a privacy fence in our backyard. I hate living next to the road! and having no privacy.

[zhannushka]

We should probably use it to repay some of the debt we've accumulated in the last year (I took a year off to stay home with DS, so - DH was the sole provider during 2007). But it looks like we may save it for now and put the $$$ towards our 2-week European vacation coming up in the fall! :)

[uwsweet]

Ours will pay off the rest of the car, or if we've already done that will be added to the house downpayment fund.

Candy

[Dan's*Girl]

We are getting:

a new computer (ours is 10 years old :rolleyes: )
paying off our CC
maybe getting new LR couches

any leftover will go into savings or pay off my husbands student loans.

[jodylovesscotty]

How do you know if you make too much or not????? If we get one, we will be spending it on a much needed vacation (in the US). We will be stimulating the economy!!!!

[PeanutButter]

It will be based off of AGI (adjusted gross income). And as a PP said, I believe it will have to be off of 2006 AGI.

You should be able to look at your last year's return to determine your AGI, which is your gross income, minus a few, "above the line," deductions.

For singles, or those filing as singles, the phase out of the rebate begins at AGI of $75,000. For marrieds, that limit is $150,000. So if you are married, filing jointly, and your AGI was over $150,000, you will recieve less than the full rebate. I believe the full phase-out is at $174,000. So if you made more than $174,000, you will not recieve any rebate. A single person phases out at $87,000.

If you did not pay any taxes, you may still be eligible for the rebate, as long as your AGI was at least $3000. I believe those filers who paid no taxes but had an AGI over $3000 will be eligible for a rebate of $300.

Finally, those with kids (again, this would be based off whether you claimed a dependent on your 2006 return) would receive an additional $300 per child.

Hope that is helpful!

[jennylou]

Yeah and how will they know that you & I have kids, cause they were born in 2007 and therefore they haven't been claimed on taxes as dependents -- does the government know they've been born and they're ours? And what do they base the earnings off of, 2006 gross income? AGI? So many questions.

It seems to me that the last time they gave us all $300, most people used it to pay off debt or put it in their general fund. And then they had the gall to (re?)tax us on that $300. So I'm not all that excited about this money anyway.

Looks like it will be based upon 2007 data:
http://www.theolathenews.com/119/story/34691.html

[Suzlywoozly]

Here is a calculator to figure out what you'd get...

http://www.kansascity.com/news/local/story/459367.html

[PeanutButter]

Looks like it will be based upon 2007 data:
http://www.theolathenews.com/119/story/34691.html

I stand corrected - I believe you are right. I will believe it when I see it if they can get it out in May based on 2007 returns, but I guess that's the plan!

And I never answered the question... I think we'll probably save it. With all the work we've been doing on our house, we've stimulated the economy plenty.

[jennylou]

I stand corrected - I believe you are right. I will believe it when I see it if they can get it out in May based on 2007 returns, but I guess that's the plan!

And I never answered the question... I think we'll probably save it. With all the work we've been doing on our house, we've stimulated the economy plenty.


LOL, I'm a bit skeptikal myself!;)

[BethIrish]

I'm not even sure how they would base it on 2007 numbers and still mail by May. The extended filing deadline isn't until October!

[sparkle&shine]

We'll be paying bills/debt with ours.

[msnicolea]

Straight into Little Man's college fund :-)

[miller88]

Straight into savings

[mar5195]

I'm putting it towards the principal of my 2nd mortgage.:)

[Dotsie]

Paying my 4 y/o ds's catholic school tuition. With our income tax rebate we our going to try and dig ourselves out of our stupid, stupid credit card debt.

[EJH]

oh good if they base it off of 2006 we'll qualify. and then the money will go into the "crap the house is falling apart" fund.

[laura]

The article I read said estimated receiving in July (?) so that would seem more possible w/ 2007 data. I mean, theoretically.

[1MegMeg]

Straight to savings. :)

[kam]

I asked my tax accountant because I was wondering if we'd qualify. Things aren't written in stone yet. He said: "This rebate is supposed to be off your 2007 income, and has a phase-out from $150K to $174K. I am waiting on Congress to actually pass it the way it is being reported before I send out an email on it."

So if you make more than $150k combined in 2007, chances are you may still see some sort of refund.

[camberne]

Based on that calculator, we'll get about $1500. Cool! I can pay for dance lessons AND my son's summer camp!

[AttyGrl74]

I'm going to buy big boobs and a designer purse!

[strwbrygirl]

Savings.

[MichelleRenee]

We'll probably save it so we don't get hit by the cost of textbooks next fall and spring.

[Neen]

It will probibly go into my daughters savings accout for school next year! She'll be a college freshman!!! YIKES!!!

[MrsD108]

Save for a new house but I rather have boobs.:o

[rachrich]

we'll put it towards college loans and our mortgage, and maybe out to a fancy dinner ;)

[blondegirl]

I'm going to buy big boobs and a designer purse!

This sounds just like my plan!!N Although, I really SHOULD use it for stuff the kids need!

[alliekat75]

Straight into savings.

[newmommy]

Insulating our home, and if any left over towards new heating system.

[Heidi9771]

I don't think DH or I will qualify for a red cent, which sucks...but if we did, it will go into savings for when I have to SAH with my baby to be soon.

[shoegal]

Let's see. . . with my tax refund I am going to pay a couple of bills, put part back for my increase in my rent and the rest is going into savings for my vacation in December. The tax rebate is going towards my vacation as well. If I have run my numbers correctly I will only have to save about 100 bucks a month until vacation in order to have a really nice vacation. Since I am going to NYC I will eventually be stimulating the economy. Now all I have to do is not touch anything that goes into my savings account. . .

[LILRTL]

Vacation, vacation, vacation!!! :D

[Julss05]

Savings for upcoming baby. We'll use our regular return to pay off debt.

[HeatherFL]

I don't get a "stimulus" rebate check.

Oh, and if we get the rebate, it will probably go toward our bathroom remodel....or maybe the boob remodel fund, or possibly the purse fund ;)

I'm going to buy big boobs and a designer purse!

I'd be more than happy to recommend a good doctor to the both of you, though AttyGrl74, you must already have quite the hook-up for such a discounted rate-AND enough left over for a purse! :)


~H.

[jojoswife]

Hmm...I would love to buy big boobs, but that's not going to happen. Maybe we'll use it to go on vacation!

[BethIrish]

I don't get a "stimulus" rebate check.




I'd be more than happy to recommend a good doctor to the both of you, though AttyGrl74, you must already have quite the hook-up for such a discounted rate-AND enough left over for a purse! :)


~H.

Thanks, but I'm pretty sure we live in different parts of the country :) Plus I'm not done having kiddos yet, so no breast fixer-uppers until I'm done being someone else's food source. Besides, DH and I decided to put the $ in DS's college fund. Thanks so much for thinking of me, though...especially since I posted this weeks ago!! ;)

[chefker]

Well, now that y'all have brought up boobs...what I'd REALLY like to do with my tax money, is get a breast reduction. Too much of a good thing, and all that. ;)

Unfortunately....I think it'd eat up our entire federal refund as well as our rebate to have that surgery, so no dice. So I guess I'll do the responsible, boring thing, and put it into Ian's college fund. :)

[LyLMyssChaos]

We used our tax return money AND my disability check to pay down debts, so I think this will be used to get my daughter's uniforms for school and at the very least a small vacation. We aren't slotted to get ours until like September 6 though, so I don't know exactly when we'd take that vacation.

[numberlady]

I think we are going to finally get a flat screen TV. We have been putting it off for a long time . Paying down debt is a practical use of the money, but so is additional funding for DH's business. We will see if any crisis pops up between not and then.

[hub1176]

If we qualify we are getting our basement finished.

[kendriln]

I don't qualify for the "rebate" but as it's basically just an advance on your 2009 refund, I likely would put it in savings.

[Jenyfer9]

We're paying off debt. Oooh, so exciting I can hardly contain myself.

[emmjay]

We're paying off debt. Oooh, so exciting I can hardly contain myself.
Same here (with our regular refund as well). Woo hoo!

[FoxyBlue]

but as it's basically just an advance on your 2009 refund

I guess I missed something... I'll have to read more about this. We're trying to sort out all the changes we'll have next year.

But our plan is to use the rebate to fund my maternity leave. I sort of forgot that maternity leave is not PAID leave. So we didn't start saving. Bad of me, I know.

But glad we'll pretty much have it covered! (Between our refund and the rebate).

[LIZNKEITH]

Thanks, but I'm pretty sure we live in different parts of the country :) Plus I'm not done having kiddos yet, so no breast fixer-uppers until I'm done being someone else's food source. Besides, DH and I decided to put the $ in DS's college fund. Thanks so much for thinking of me, though...especially since I posted this weeks ago!! ;)

Maybe instead of putting it in your DS's college fund (which may or may not be used), you should invest in your own education? Judging by your snarky avatar, you seem to have an unhealthy fascination with other people who decide to continue their education.

[myshel]

We haven't decided just yet. I think we may sock away a bit of it and spend the rest on a few home improvement-type projects (painting, sprucing up the yard).

The avatar is a bit far... just sayin'.

[BethIrish]

Maybe instead of putting it in your DS's college fund (which may or may not be used), you should invest in your own education? Judging by your snarky avatar, you seem to have an unhealthy fascination with other people who decide to continue their education.

And judging by your post you know nothing about me.

[BethIrish]

We haven't decided just yet. I think we may sock away a bit of it and spend the rest on a few home improvement-type projects (painting, sprucing up the yard).

The avatar is a bit far... just sayin'.

You know what myshel, you're right, it is. I was annoyed and in a very snarky mood yesterday and that it the result of that mood. I will change it. .

[myshel]

You know what myshel, you're right, it is. I was annoyed and in a very snarky mood yesterday and that it the result of that mood. I will change it. .

We all get like that from time to time. :)

So, besides putting the $ in your DS's college account, are you going to do anything really fun with your money?

[BethIrish]

We all get like that from time to time. :)

So, besides putting the $ in your DS's college account, are you going to do anything really fun with your money?

Well, in all honesty, the majority of it is going in the 529 plan we (finally) started for DS. We'd really like to renovate our bathroom this year, so we may put some of it in savings for that as well :)

[espresso]

I don't qualify for the "rebate" but as it's basically just an advance on your 2009 refund, I likely would put it in savings.

Huh? So in two years if we qualify for a $2000 refund, we would only get back part of it because in 2007 we got a rebate?

I don't understand this rebate thing....

[BethIrish]

Huh? So in two years if we qualify for a $2000 refund, we would only get back part of it because in 2007 we got a rebate?

I don't understand this rebate thing....

espresso- check out this (http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2008/02/08/how-will-the-economic-stimulus-tax-rebate-affect-2008-tax-returns/)link. It has a good explanation of what the rebate is (and isn't!)

[thedoorchick]

Nevermind.

[kendriln]

The tax credit normally wouldn't come into effect until 2009 but in order to stimulate the economy, people are going to get their checks earlier. Here's another article: http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Taxes/Advice/TheDetailsOnTaxRebates.aspx

[udsweetpea]

Its going in savings for me. Must save for house!

[HeatherFL]

Shit. I was a real estate mogul? Why didn't anyone tell me!?!?!


~H.

[PinkMartini]

I have a quick question....

I've seen a few people say they won't qualify for the rebate and that they are dissapointed. But if you don't qualify, doesn't that mean you make over $150k/year? Isn't that a GOOD THING?

[bookworm]

I have a quick question....

I've seen a few people say they won't qualify for the rebate and that they are dissapointed. But if you don't qualify, doesn't that mean you make over $150k/year? Isn't that a GOOD THING?

Sure, in theory. But that means you also pay higher tax already, and it's likely you make more because you live in an area with a high cost of living. Because tax brackets (and this "rebate") are not indexed to cost of living, it can be a little frustrating to be scrimping for a mortgage on a one-bedroom condo while not getting these breaks, not being able to deduct student loan interest, etc. I do believe when you've been pretty fortunate you should pay more "for the greater good", but sometimes it still sucks.

[kam]

Shit. I was a real estate mogul? Why didn't anyone tell me!?!?!

Seriously, if you wanted it to die, you would let it die. Instead you continue to bait and draw attention to yourself with your own avatar (which existed long before the other one in question) and through ridiculous posts like this. It is hard for me to believe that you don't bring it on yourself and enjoy it just a little when I see this kind of BS. Boo hoo.

~ K

[PinkMartini]

Sure, in theory. But that means you also pay higher tax already, and it's likely you make more because you live in an area with a high cost of living. Because tax brackets (and this "rebate") are not indexed to cost of living, it can be a little frustrating to be scrimping for a mortgage on a one-bedroom condo while not getting these breaks, not being able to deduct student loan interest, etc. I do believe when you've been pretty fortunate you should pay more "for the greater good", but sometimes it still sucks.

Ahhhh good points. I just thought "$150k/year and you're dissapointed because you don't get $600?" and wished I/DH made $150k/year :o

[Fenway]

We don't qualify either, but if we did, you can bet every penny of your check I'd be getting myself a new purse. I'm not snarking either. Ain't no shame in my game. :p

[Kimberland30]

Ours is going to be staying with the IRS. We still owe $1200 for 2006's taxes (we got hit pretty hard), and we have to pay again this year - just not as much and we saved up in advance.

[HeatherFL]

Seriously, if you wanted it to die, you would let it die. Instead you continue to bait and draw attention to yourself with your own avatar (which existed long before the other one in question) and through ridiculous posts like this. It is hard for me to believe that you don't bring it on yourself and enjoy it just a little when I see this kind of BS. Boo hoo.

~ K

:rolleyes: It existed since yesterday...very long before considering when the snark began. :rolleyes:

The veiled jabs get old and yeah, I let them know how I feel about it. They haven't clue one about my life, other than what gets twisted around on a message board, so honestly you can go ahead and think what you want. It's old and I'm tired of being nice about it.

[mgrace]

Savings.

[KGif]

Seriously, if you wanted it to die, you would let it die. Instead you continue to bait and draw attention to yourself with your own avatar (which existed long before the other one in question) and through ridiculous posts like this. It is hard for me to believe that you don't bring it on yourself and enjoy it just a little when I see this kind of BS. Boo hoo.

~ K

In all fairness to Heather there have been many many MANY posts aimed at her, snarking her, whatever you call it that she has "let die" by completly ignoring them. Yet for some reason there are a few here who can't seem to stop and the snark just keeps coming her way.
It is entirely unrealistic to expect her to keep letting people take stabs at her without standing up for herself at some point. And telling her she likes the attention or brings it on herself because she is standing up to those who choose to snark her is completly unfair.

I thought the whole unfortunate "internet bullying" phenomenon was confined to the high school set. It's quite upsetting to see I was wrong. And even more upsetting to see what that type of behavior has done to a community like CC which used to be such a nice place to be. :(

[Kanga]

Since our entire (rather large) refund went to kids' summer clothes and (dumb) cc debt, I'd like to do something fun with it but in all reality i'll probably save it or spend it when something comes up. Dh's car (nn Trusty Rusty) won't live forever as much as we'd like it to so it'll probably go towards that when we find something reasonable.

[Niobe]

In all fairness to Heather there have been many many MANY posts aimed at her, snarking her, whatever you call it that she has "let die" by completly ignoring them. Yet for some reason there are a few here who can't seem to stop and the snark just keeps coming her way.
It is entirely unrealistic to expect her to keep letting people take stabs at her without standing up for herself at some point. And telling her she likes the attention or brings it on herself because she is standing up to those who choose to snark her is completly unfair.

You mean like random posts from threads that died three weeks ago, that Heather decided to bump up just to throw in a mention of her boob job?

[FoxyBlue]

Thanks Kendriln!

I hadn't heard that angle at all till I followed the article link. What a hoax. Oh well, it's still good timing for us :)

[FoxyBlue]

Yes, Congress and President Bush hope you'll blow this money as quickly as possible to give the economy a shot in the arm.

All along I've been thinking: I love that their plan to 'save' our economy is to count on more of the bad behavior that got us here in the first place. How kind of them.

[kendriln]

Thanks Kendriln!

I hadn't heard that angle at all till I followed the article link. What a hoax. Oh well, it's still good timing for us :)

I think that's the key -- people have to do what's best for them and your maternity leave plan makes great sense!

[miaclear]

We're getting a new bed.

[shoegal]

Can I ask a simple question (without snarky answers)? Why do those who make veiled jabs at Heather hate her so much? I mean, you must know someone IRL that has had a boob job before, are you that snarky with them? Is it that she has a desposable income that does not have to be earmarked for family needs so she buys expensive stuff? I am single, no financial responsibilities other than my bills and my cat. I have a best friend from back home that has made little comments here and there about what I do with my money but the reality is that she made the choice to get married and have children. When I finally make that decision then I won't be able to buy stuff from Coach or Tiffany but until then I am going to buy what I want and save my money for stuff that I want.

I could understand if you had met Heather in person and then decided after getting to know her that you don't like her. But because her lifestyle is different than yours all I see are snarky comments about her in various threads. And after awhile I would get pissy too.

Let's put this in another perspective, would you want your children behaving this way, snarking about some random kid because of XYZ? Or would you accept other children snarking at your child because of XYZ? Seriously, this is not being snarky towards any of you who hate Heather (and I take that from the comments that have been made towards her and about her, that is what it sounds like) but I guess a question about why go after people on a message board that you do not even know.

I will start ducking now since I know I will probably get flamed. . .

[AttyGrl74]

In all fairness to Heather there have been many many MANY posts aimed at her, snarking her, whatever you call it that she has "let die" by completly ignoring them. Yet for some reason there are a few here who can't seem to stop and the snark just keeps coming her way.
It is entirely unrealistic to expect her to keep letting people take stabs at her without standing up for herself at some point. And telling her she likes the attention or brings it on herself because she is standing up to those who choose to snark her is completly unfair.

I thought the whole unfortunate "internet bullying" phenomenon was confined to the high school set. It's quite upsetting to see I was wrong. And even more upsetting to see what that type of behavior has done to a community like CC which used to be such a nice place to be. :(


That's really cute that you're standing up for your friend.

And I'm assuming that you're talking about me and my comment that I made over 3 weeks ago. WTF? I'm not allowed to want to get big boobs and a designer purse? And anyone who might want those things is somehow snarking on Heather? Please. The world and CC do not revolve around her.

Just to clear my name, here, but I did nurse my children for over 3 years in the aggregate, so the girls could use a little heave-ho and I do like nice purses. I've posted about that in the purse thread.

[chefker]

re: all the "boob" talk - Honestly, I really do want new boobs, myself. I only started yapping about that because the talk turned to boobs when a comment was bumped up. I've been wanting perkier, smaller ta-tas for a while (and fighting with my insurance company over getting them to pay)...so, my boob-issues are my own problem.

However, I am a tightwad when it comes to purses, as anyone who knows me will attest. So there you have it. :o

[shoegal]

I wasn't talking about you Kerrie and trust me, I have a friend who has bf three children and has requested that she get her's done when they quit having children. I am all for a girl that wants to get one for any reason I guess it just bothers me when there are people who like to gang up and make fun of someone. This happens everywhere, whenever a group of people get together because we all (men and women) tend to hang out with like minded people. I don't care for it and try to be fair to every clique but sometimes being the nice one and not standing up for myself ends up backfiring in my face. Therefore I just put it out there.

[hockeybrat]

:confused:Since when do boobjobs = Heather?

As far as I know, she isn't the only one in the world who has had one.

[BethIrish]

Ditto Attygrl. I've been nursing for 15 months, and we're planning on having at least one more child. The girls just aren't what they used to be. As far as purses, I love 'em, but since have said DS, they are not in regular budget except for a splurge.

While I'll own up to my avatar being about H, that post certainly was not. As you can see, the avatar is gone and was as soon as myshel called me on it - where I admitted that yes, it was over the top, and that yes, it was a result of being annoyed. H PM'd me and we've taken the discussion there.

also, as far as "ganging up"...um, I don't even "know" who the heck attygrl is.

Now, thread back OT.

[msnicolea]

brief hijack:

kendriln--your avatar cracks me up!


And in AttyGrl74's defense, I've seen her current handbags and they are hideous--she really could use a new one!

BURN!

[BethIrish]

dbrief hijack:

kendriln--your avatar cracks me up!


And in AttyGrl74's defense, I've seen her current handbags and they are hideous--she really could use a new one!

BURN!

Dude, I currently am carrying a pink LL Bean backpack from COLLEGE until I find a comfy bag to carry my laptop and the rest of of my work crap all over the friggen city. Which reminds me....DH was supposed to buy me a new bag of some sort when I reached one year of nursing DS......hmmmmm....I think shopping is in order.

/end hijack.

[AttyGrl74]

brief hijack:

kendriln--your avatar cracks me up!


And in AttyGrl74's defense, I've seen her current handbags and they are hideous--she really could use a new one!

BURN!


Yeah and it is chock full o' kid crap, so they weigh about 40 lbs. and will hurt like hell when I beat you with it!!

[LittleFredPunkinHead]

Tsk, tsk. Violence is never the answer.

Okay, violence is generally not the answer.

[msnicolea]

You Want A Piece Of Me, Too, Lf?

[kendriln]

brief hijack:

kendriln--your avatar cracks me up!




Thanks! It's from a tshirt DH bought for me.

[chefker]

I think we need a Post Your Ugly-Ass Purse Here! thread. :p

[msnicolea]

Spotted in AttyGrl74's closet:

http://vip.p.pixnet.net/albums/userpics/8/8/311288/1173338538.jpg

And littlefred offered to loan me this one--she's such a peach!:

http://bp0.blogger.com/_UghxTA902cM/Rf6L2DFUMUI/AAAAAAAAABQ/WT41z0LkBTw/s320/ugly+purse.jpg

[LittleFredPunkinHead]

Holy... :D I'm laughing, but that yellow purse honestly is a little scary. What kind of weird fungus/virus could you catch by touching it? :eek:

[chefker]

Holy... :D I'm laughing, but that yellow purse honestly is a little scary. What kind of weird fungus/virus could you catch by touching it? :eek:


STEP OFF. That purse is made out of my old bedroom curtains!

(I seriously did have curtains similar to that in my first apartment. My decor looked like Rhoda Morgenstern threw up everywhere. Or something like that.) :o

[Kopper]

re: all the "boob" talk - Honestly, I really do want new boobs, myself. I only started yapping about that because the talk turned to boobs when a comment was bumped up. I've been wanting perkier, smaller ta-tas for a while (and fighting with my insurance company over getting them to pay)...so, my boob-issues are my own problem.

Good luck getting them to pay. I had my reduction in 2004 and will have another once I'm done nursing any future babies. I was able to get them to cover 80%!

[Surftraitor]

No rebate check for us :(

I just love how the government decides to take the tax $$ from people who have paid more in taxes and hands it over to those who paid less in taxes. Apparently they are better at stimulating the economy with it? Brilliant.

[kam]

I just love how the government decides to take the tax $$ from people who have paid more in taxes and hands it over to those who paid less in taxes. Apparently they are better at stimulating the economy with it? Brilliant.

Um, considering the evidence that those in that bracket would be more likely than those in a higher bracket to spend it versus saving it, I'd say the answer to your question is "yes". Am I bummed we're not getting a rebate? Kind of but your tone makes that thinking go away. There are far worse off taxpayers than you and I, I assure you.

[akacharlotte]

We have not decided what we'll do with ours. Most likely it will go towards a bill or a home improvement project.

For all those wanting a boob reduction. Send any excess my way. Mine could use a little oompf. ;)

[FoxyBlue]

I personally think it does a lot of people a disservice. It's just short of a 'handout.' I think that might be the source of frustration.

I'm not saying anyone is incapable of using wisely, but the sponsors of the rebate are actually HOPING for irresponsible behavior. Tsk tsk.

[AlisonCO]

Some will be going into our money market which is our emergency 6 month living expense fund, $800 or so will be kept for a new water heater (ours is 10 years old) and the rest will be used for travel expenses/fun things for our June trip to Toronto and to contribute to my Roth.

[LittleFredPunkinHead]

Um, considering the evidence that those in that bracket would be more likely than those in a higher bracket to spend it versus saving it, I'd say the answer to your question is "yes". Am I bummed we're not getting a rebate? Kind of but your tone makes that thinking go away. There are far worse off taxpayers than you and I, I assure you.
You said what I was thinking.

[Surftraitor]

Um, considering the evidence that those in that bracket would be more likely than those in a higher bracket to spend it versus saving it, I'd say the answer to your question is "yes". Am I bummed we're not getting a rebate? Kind of but your tone makes that thinking go away. There are far worse off taxpayers than you and I, I assure you.

But isn't it safe to say those in higher brackets tend to have a lower debt/equity ratio? If that's the case, then wouldn't these people likely spend their rebates rather than paying off cc debt, high mortgages, etc? The rebate may help to stimulate the economy, but it isn't addressing the deeper issue of the debt that the average american is taking on. I understand that there are "worse off taxpayers than you and I", but why should I have to support them? I question the governments intentions behind this rebate.

I'm not saying anyone is incapable of using wisely, but the sponsors of the rebate are actually HOPING for irresponsible behavior. Tsk tsk.
This is my thought.

[SiValleySteph]

I personally think it does a lot of people a disservice. It's just short of a 'handout.' I think that might be the source of frustration.
I'm not saying anyone is incapable of using wisely, but the sponsors of the rebate are actually HOPING for irresponsible behavior. Tsk tsk.

Totally agree.

[dionysia]

But isn't it safe to say those in higher brackets tend to have a lower debt/equity ratio? If that's the case, then wouldn't these people likely spend their rebates rather than paying off cc debt, high mortgages, etc?
Doubtful. They'll probably save it.

We'll probably put some money in our son's 529 plan and spend some on necessary home improvements. I doubt the latter counts as the kind of consumer spending the administration is hoping for, however. I see it as more of spending money to better an investment.

[Surftraitor]

We'll probably put some money in our son's 529 plan and spend some on necessary home improvements. I doubt the latter counts as the kind of consumer spending the administration is hoping for, however. I see it as more of spending money to better an investment.


Actually, I heard an interview with Bill Cramer from Mad Money and he speculates that a lot of people will go the home improvement route with their rebates. He bases this on the fact that the real estate market is so depressed that people are sprucing up their homes since they cannot sell them. He also recommended Black and Decker stock as a result.

[tracer]

We are remodeling our master bathroom and the rest will go into savings to go towards our boys pre-school tuition next year. Same with our tax refund, it will go towards their tuition.

[ysolde]

Sure, in theory. But that means you also pay higher tax already, and it's likely you make more because you live in an area with a high cost of living. Because tax brackets (and this "rebate") are not indexed to cost of living, it can be a little frustrating to be scrimping for a mortgage on a one-bedroom condo while not getting these breaks, not being able to deduct student loan interest, etc. I do believe when you've been pretty fortunate you should pay more "for the greater good", but sometimes it still sucks.

Try scrimping for a mortgage on a studio. :o

[ysolde]

Oh, and for the record, I'm 4'11", and a 34C. The great advantage of being fat and childless is perfect boobs at almost 40. So there!

[rileyandfredsmom]

Some will be going into our money market which is our emergency 6 month living expense fund, $800 or so will be kept for a new water heater (ours is 10 years old) and the rest will be used for travel expenses/fun things for our June trip to Toronto and to contribute to my Roth.

Holy Smokes!!! Are you getting a higher rebate than me because if so, I want your rebate!!!

Between DH and I we are getting $1,200 and initially that was going into the fence fund but we have paid for that already so this will go towards the NEW INTERIOR DOORS fund....or maybe the NEW TILE IN HALLWAY fund...either way, $1,200 won't cover either completely. :(

So, how are people getting new boobs on $600 or $1,200??? I NEED new boobs and $1,200 won't cut it here in TX. Where does one get these $1,200 boobs.???

[suef]

I'm going to buy furniture, clothes, and a stroller and car seat for my baby that is due in November.

[Tracie]

It's going to go towards home improvement projects - we need a water treatment system. So not fun. :rolleyes:

[Ribbit]

Even less fun...it's going towards the varicose vein removal surgery I had last Friday. :(

[linekelei]

We are not getting a tax rebate. And we owe a crapload in taxes this year. I am unhappy, to say the least!

[JenInAZ]

Not sure how much we're getting back because once you pass a certain income it decreases and we're above it. Hopefully it'll still be something we can put toward summer vacation fun. I'm kinda irritated at the income limits... we paid MORE taxes than everyone who qualifies for the whole thing. Stupid.

At least we got an INSANE refund this year since we got married at the end of the year and our withholdings changed a lot. That paid off the wedding :D

He also recommended Black and Decker stock as a result.

LOL!

[coquelicot]

Our $1,200 will go towards funding more restoration work on DH's classic car. We're hoping it'll be done by July. Plus the refund will free up some of our own money for baby stuff.

[onfire]

Hmmm, I don't think that we make a huge sum of money, but I just did the economic stimulus calculator and we are getting an estimated $121. Great. Glad I wasn't making any big plans for that money!

ETA- Hmmm, again. I just read through this thread and it was said that a couple could make 150,000 and still qualify. We don't make anywhere close to that and we have a child. Why is my rebate so low?

[nic]

onfire How did you calculate $121? If you and your husband make less than 150,000 combined, you should get $1,500 back ($300 for your child).

[salysaturn]

I *think* I read on our rebate if monies are owed (child suport and others), they take it out of that rebate? I don't really know what else might account for some getting less.

[onfire]

onfire How did you calculate $121?

I used the Rebate Calculator (http://www.irs.gov/app/espc/)at www.irs.gov plus the information off of my 2007 tax return. And came up with $121. Like I said, we make less than $150,000 combined (considerably) and our financial planner had even told me that we may not qualify.

[DisneyGirl]

I found this and thought I would share it with those of you who are wondering when your money will arrive(found it on the internal Revenue website)


Stimulus Payment Schedule for Tax Returns Processed by April 15

stimulus payments will be issued according to the last two-digits of the main filer's Social Security number. People who use direct deposit also will be among the first to receive the payments starting May 2. Paper checks will be put in the mail starting May 16.

DIRECT DEPOSIT

Last two SSN digits: Payment will be transmitted:
00 through 20 May 2
21 through 75 May 9
76 through 99 May 16



PAPER CHECK

Last two SSN digits: Payments will be mailed by:
00 through 09 May 16
10 through 18 May 23
19 through 25 May 30
26 through 38 June 6
39 through 51 June 13
52 through 63 June 20
64 through 75 June 27
76 through 87 July 4
88 through 99 July 11