What are you doing with your Covid-19 compensation (aka”Trump Bucks)

Good evening all!

I don’t want to trivialize the need some of you may have for this stimulus- I am very blessed to be in an industry that is guaranteed pay in these hard times (Army). That said, as a Masters Candidate in Disaster and Emergency Management, I am curious of what you are all doing with yours... sort of an informal peek into the results of this payout.

In case you haven’t gotten a direct deposit, here’s a link to learn how to correct that so you can be sure to get in on the fun/ eat this month!

So what did we get?

I bought a (cosmetically) damaged but new 8 oz. capacity home theatre popcorn maker (half off, warranty still good!), a couple of 5 lb. bulk spices, a new bed frame, sheets and pillows, and paid off some debt. The rest we are saving for my upcoming retirement! Plus the wifey got $300 to blow on yarn- or whatever her craft of the month is for her and the kiddos!

Please share your decisions, I’m interested to see the split between needs, and popcorn makers

If this isn’t in the correct area, I apologize; it seems related to Coronavirus, but I may be wrong. Thank you MODs!

a reply to: ThouArtGod

Going right back into paying my taxes for the year.

Putting that scam right into the checking account. Don't worry, they'll take it back in taxes soon enough.
Then they'll take it a hundred times over. Every year, over and over again.
When I die they'll take it again.

Tonight we're ordering sushi from a local joint to pay some of it forward.

I am thinking I will order some things I need: stuff to divide and repot my water lily, a 5 lb dumb bell, a couple t-shirts.

Then we're using most of it to whack down debts.

a reply to: Hypntick

My father in law said the same- big capital gains on selling his real house into retirement. Good for you on the “free” help with that.
Sadly, future tax rates that will be needed to pay for this will take even more from you

I highly doubt Ill be getting it.

If I do though, Ill be investing it into a relatively "standard" aquaponics system then retrofitting a raspberrypi into the whole system to automate it. Ill have to redo a lot of work I already did, but thats ok.

Then Ill be sharing how others might do the same, if they have the inclination.

Ill be doing it either way, I guess, it just moves the time frame up significantly.

a reply to: a325nt

Boy do I hear you on all counts.

Don’t let the nature of this thread fool you, I am fully aware that most of what is happening now lacks future planning/thought that we will pay dividends on for years to come.

a reply to: ketsuko

We were thinking of only paying debt, but decided to save an extra mortgage payment, just in case. Military retirements are notorious for having a delayed start to the pension payout.

And, only 5 lbs.? Why not stick to 16 oz.? You’ll get more reps in, and get steps in on the repeat trips to the bathroom...

You're awesome for supporting local businesses! I have been supporting this small local Thai Place since the shut down. It is expensive but they always work hard and deliver quality meals that I can eat over the course of a couple days. a reply to: ketsuko

a reply to: Serdgiam

I’d love any information that we as a family can use to become even further self-sustained. The wife and I finally bought a house (as we hopefully won’t ever be forced to move again), and gardening was a huge priority.

a reply to: TheCretinHop

I wish we could support local businesses- but sadly they literally shut everyone down due to stricter standards than even Gonvernor Hogan put in place. There isn’t take out food for 20 minutes in all directions.

Food.

a reply to: ThouArtGod

I'll pay my home insurance for the year and spend the rest on beer...

Ya know, priorities!

Are with my cousin in Minnesota?? Hummm. Anyway I'm putting new lights in my workshop and the rest goes towards retirement.

He's likes his beer but is way up the food chain.

Fixing my furnace.

Which conveniently decided to crap out on me yesterday, the very day my TrumpChange deposited into my account!

I can’t catch a break.

a reply to: ThouArtGod

Ill be sharing it here, as ATS has a big place in my heart

I intended to do it within a few days of my solar thread, but ran into some serious roadblocks in trying to make it accessible.

My overall goal, now, is to present it as basic and simplified as I can absolutely achieve and then slowly expand as the thread goes on. Well, if theres any interaction, that is. Ive already been pleasantly surprised on that front though.

I just figure that whatever I spend the money on (again, doubt Im getting it), Id like it to offset my own personal cost to society by showing others how Im trying to make my own life "work."

Im a bit strange though, so there ya go

I might get a video game or two as well lol

a reply to: jtrenthacker

I’m glad to hear that this money is going to a good purpose, and I pray that it is enough to limit some worries in your life.

A couple of wheatberry grinders, one electric and one manual, along with an extra AR-15 and 1,000 rounds.

a reply to: KawRider9

Good for you!

Now just don’t get so drunk that when you burn the house down for the insurance, you forget your alibi!

Can of beans