Well, we got ours. And we got less than we thought we'd get.
Apparently the IRS website explains it better than most articles we've read on the topic. So, all this time we've thought we're getting a certain amount and apparently our tax status ("too poor to pay taxes") gets us the minimum, but not all of it. Extra is extra, so I'm not complaining. But when you think you're getting a certain amount and then it's less, well, that pretty much sucks.
And, if you ask me, we should've gotten a stimulus as a "thank you" just for filling out the &*$%# tax forms. Bleh.
So, being the exciting people that we are, we're using our refund and lower-than-expected tax stimulus package to refinance our house! Woohoo! Sad thing is that may sound pathetic, but I'm genuinely excited.
I've felt quite overwhelmed at times by our interest rates (long story, but our mortgage broker--who, crazy as it seems, we really like, forgot to lock us in when we asked him to . . . you know, when the rates were lower? So we got it right at its ridiculous peak and even got an additional subordinate mortgage at an even higher rate to boot! We know how to have a good time.). And I've been stressed about our monthly payments (I'm not a big fan of debt in general).
And though we're getting in a position of saving again (though I know how humorous that sounds to people like my brother--like how can we possibly be "saving" when we owe so many hundreds of thousands of dollars, but did I ask him? Okay then.), we're about to be fairly cash poor. Again. (Yes, we've done this before. Several times actually. Good times, good times.). BUT! This means we can get saving again (like we have been since, oh, about January) more quickly and in bigger chunks, which means more chunks to paying down debt!! Do you see how terribly exciting this is?! I do!
So, anyway, when your stimulus package is a few hundred shorter than you thought it would be, it can put a slight damper on your already-rainy day since it makes that tight feeling that. much. tighter.
So, purpose of my post? It's two-fold.
1. To find out if anyone else was surprised by their package. I'm hoping the IRS screwed up and once I hear your stories, I can let them know and they can send us the rest.
2. And, aside from that, how are YOU using your stimulus? W hopes we all spend, spend, spend. So, aside from filling your tank, what are you doing with yours?
11 comments:
I'd like to say we're saving it--that's what we've always done with our tax returns, straight to the bank--but we're going to disneyland. who am i to go against the president of the united states?
(but we haven't gotten ours yet, so if it's less than i think i might cry, because disneyland is paid for...)
Yeah, I'm unclear on why ours is lower than I thought it would be . . . Mark can explain.
We're exiting too...we paid down our credit card and then put the rest into savings! Yay! However, savings will likely go to trying to get a home and maybe some spending money when we go to CA in June. Greg will be able to explain why it was less. Something about things that you already qualified for and got $ back on your 2007 tax refund?
p.s. Stacy, I have to laugh because I just now read your 2 comments about my "feed" and I didn't change a thing! I did look at it and it says FULL. Thanks for subscribing though!
LOL, weird. Thanks, Jessica!
So, buy a house where? Where will you guys settle? Sounds like Doug, David, Michael and Scott are all eventually (if not already) headed to CA. Then there's us in PA. And you guys. So, where are you settling?
We're using our package to refinance. Oh yeah, you already said that. It's lower than we thought because many of the articles conveniently forgot to mention that it's based on your 2007 tax liability (or taxes you have to pay), not your 2007 refund. So "too poor to pay taxes" means "you'll probably just save this money so we're giving more to people with more money so they'll spend it on stuff."
i'm pretty offended by bush's assumption that we'll all run out and be good little consumers and perpetuate the problem that got us into this mess in the first place.
we're paying off a couple of debts that we're in the process of being sued for. but we're also way too poor to pay taxes, so i wonder if that won't work out, if we get less than we're expecting. :(
like a good little consumer i'm also taking $30 to see ani difranco in concert when we comes to the arts festival next month. just can't resist!!!
when SHE comes, i mean.
Yes, we also received a smaller amount than expected. So dr. marks statement, "it's based on your 2007 tax liability (or taxes you have to pay), not your 2007 refund. So "too poor to pay taxes"...
...would make sense to why we received a smaller amount. I am greatful...for it will be a help to our heating bill this winter. ...Gee maybe we should use the money and just fly south for the winter...just a thought.
:)
Thanks for the explanation, Sweetie. :)
Yep, chandelle, just like his advice post 9/11. Ugh.
Terrie, like the beach?? :)
...just a thought...like the beach?
Oh for sure the beach... To be like the birds and fly south for the winter.
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