Imaginary Stimulus Check

Hey, did you know that you won’t be getting a stimulus check if you were laid off in 2007, received a (kind of big) lump sum severance package, and paid enough in federal income taxes to fund the Iraq war?

If I did receive a stimulus check, I would donate the money to the Obama campaign. Revised: If I received $600, I would probably schedule a day at The Red Door Spa on Michigan Avenue and spend the night at the James Hotel. I might have a few bucks left over to pay for valet parking.

  • What are you doing with your money — real or imaginary?

14 Responses to “Imaginary Stimulus Check”


  1. 1 Herb April 28, 2008 at 6:58 pm

    I’d just use the money for basic things: like gasoline and food!

    Oh wait! I won’t be getting enough money for both!

    Decisions, decisions …

  2. 2 hr wench April 28, 2008 at 7:14 pm

    I’m using a portion of it to get the crap heap in my backyard hauled away by big, burly men. YAY!

  3. 3 Rachel Robbins April 28, 2008 at 7:50 pm

    It depends how much I get. If I get 600, I’ll put it in my IRA. If I get less I may just go on a spree.

  4. 4 Rachel Robbins April 28, 2008 at 7:53 pm

    Okay, it looks as though I got 600. It hasn’t posted yet, but I can see 600 in my bank account. Don’t hold me to the Roth IRA comment.

  5. 5 Laurie April 28, 2008 at 7:57 pm

    @Herb Food & gasoline are important but you’re buying those, anyway. Don’t you need an XBOX 360 or something?

    @Wenchie Why don’t you upgrade and pay good-looking dudes to move your crap? Burly = germy and drunk.

    @Rachel Your secret is safe with me. Like you’re ever going to retire, anyway.

  6. 6 perrik April 28, 2008 at 9:41 pm

    We’re getting $1200. It might go towards a new TV - something with a working remote control would be good. Or maybe we’ll put it towards a scouting trip to Seattle, as we’re thinking about moving there. (OMG, I could work for Starbucks corporate! They could pay me in lattes!)

  7. 7 Laurie April 28, 2008 at 10:50 pm

    Perrik, if you’re going to spend $1200 on travel, you could go somewhere tropical and sip fruity drinks on the beach. For $1200, might I recommend Aruba? Reasonably priced hotel rooms, decent people, nice beaches. No need for an all inclusive resort as the restaurants are pretty good.

    Although if I had $1200, I might get a TV and watch the travel channel.

  8. 8 perrik April 29, 2008 at 6:14 am

    I’m Irish-Japanese. The sun, it is not my friend. And fruity drinks make me ill. I was not born to lead a tropical life. Sigh.

  9. 9 Scarlett April 29, 2008 at 9:05 am

    I have had my $600 dedicated the an iPhone since they announced the deal.

  10. 10 gina April 29, 2008 at 9:43 am

    well, my $600 is paying back my savings.

    however, if that weren’t the case, i’d buy a $500 gift card for a gas station via my grocery store that provides fuel perks @ $.10 / $50. I could get at the most 30 gallons for $2.60 / gallon. oy. I think this would save me the “uuuugggghhh” when I look at my bank statement. Then the other $100 on gas station snack food! Yea!

  11. 11 Laurie April 29, 2008 at 10:16 am

    @Perrik Seattle makes much more sense!! Get there ASAP!

    @Scarlett Oh man, I have my eye on your iPhone. Don’t let it out of your sight. I want one!!

    @Gina I recommend Starburst and potato chips at the gas station!

  12. 12 perrik April 29, 2008 at 10:51 am

    @Scarlett @Laurie My husband got his iPhone on the initial release date, and I bought one 3 weeks later. GET ONE. The Maps feature alone is worth the money.

  13. 13 bethany April 29, 2008 at 11:00 am

    I will spend it on the credit card bill for my new computer.

  14. 14 Laurie April 29, 2008 at 11:46 am

    That’s a good use of $$, Bethany. I bought a new macbook, last year, and it was the best investment I made in ages. My old PC was not cutting it — I think my calculator was faster!!

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Laurie Ruettimann: Who Cares?


Laurie Ruettimann is a punk rock, Human Resources professional with extensive Fortune 500 experience. She writes and speaks about business trends, employment, Corporate America, and permanently opting-out of the rat race.

She also believes you should spay & neuter your pets.


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