Stimulus package, huh? Well, I just got my notification in the mail from Uncle Sam(IRS) letting me know that they'll be happily sending me a check in the mail in about 6 weeks. What they didn't say in the letter but have said everywhere else is what to do with this windfall: SPEND IT ALL, PLEASE! The incessant double talk is so unnerving, now the government just sounds foolish at best. With the current mortgage mess threatening to send the country into recession, you'd think the letter from the IRS would include this caveat: PAY YOUR MORTGAGE, PLEASE!

I'm willing to bet that paying their mortgage or any number of other rising costs is exactly what my neighbors will do with their money. I certainly don't expect many BestBuy delivery trucks dropping off 60 inch plasmas come May. In fact, it would be in my best interest if all my neighbors just took their checks and paid their mortgages and rising home equity balances with that money. This would help maintain my own home value as well as their own. Why aren't we hearing this message shouted from the rooftops by our government? Because it doesn't do the economy as a WHOLE any good if you pay your mortgage. It only benefits the economy as a WHOLE if you spend that money as fast as you can. I don't agree with this theory but it's definitely the one the government seems to be ramming down our throats. Paying your mortgage obviously benefits both you and your neighbors, but it also is a boost to the national economy as well. It will just take a lot longer to see those benefits realized in the broader economy if done this way. That essentially is the issue. The stimulus works more directly and thus quicker if you go to the local merchant of your choosing and spend the money. Takes a little bit longer just making that good ole mortgage payment but who's counting, right?

That's the problem. We as workers are constantly being scolded for our collective lack of savings habits. We spend more money than we make and our weekly paychecks have become smaller pies cut into larger and larger portions. But we as consumers are told we need to spend our money to keep the economy running smoothly(it's supposed to now be our patriotic duty but I don't remember when that happened). It's almost as if they don't realize workers and consumers are one in the same! So, which is it? Spend on this or pay on that? According to the messages I'm getting form my television as well as my mail, the decision should be easy.

Learn more about this author, LaMont L Troupe.
Click here to send author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about 2008 economic stimulus package: The hype and the truth?
We want to hear your view. Write now!