Are you aware of the economic stimulus payment? If not, don’t feel left out; most of us do not know what the phrase economic stimulus payment means. However, we are speaking about that wonderful rebate check that has been promised to start mailing sometime next month.

To be brief, but give you a little bit of background. There’s been quite a few questions circulating the internet and world about whether or not the US is in a recession. Let’s think about this situation from a different perspective for a few moments — shall we?

The economy is a tricky subject and recently has become another one of those golden anti-conversation elements while mingling with friends or associates. You are not supposed to talk about politics, religion, or previous significant others. But it seems as though the economy is now on that list too. Why? Its obvious our economy is in a recession. It is not just down, its way down! It is actually really crappy, but what can we say.

We are not economists, financial majors, or even financially minded people; by career. However, some of us are pretty knowledgeable with our money or any money for that matter. Our economy is in the hole, our national debt is through the roof, and investors are seeking returns from foreign stocks. Why is that? Because our economy is in a recession!

If Washington won’t tell you, we will!

What does this have to do with my check?

First, when you get our rebate check, you’re going to want to do something with it — right? What do you think you are going to do with it? We recommend you keep that money local. So, instead of jumping on the internet and buying those new jeans or shirts for the summer; think about other ways you can use it to advance yourself and our great state.

There are plenty of local businesses that are willing to give you a bit of a reward for using your check at their organization. For example, Reasor’s grocery locations will give you $325.00 for groceries if you give them $300.00 of your check. Not a bad deal if you ask us!

In reality, an extra twenty-five dollars for groceries, one of life’s necessities really is not a bad trade off. You are going to have to spend that money on food at some point any way. Don’t take $300.00 out of your payroll; just turn over the check from the stimulus.

If you are afraid of spending that money at a chain company in our great community — have no fear! It does not matter who you spend your money with as long as they are located in our community. The only draw back is instead of ordering those jeans from American Eagle’s online website; you might have to step into their Brick and Mortar store at a local mall. But, as long as that store is in our community — our community reaps the reward.

The goal is to keep the money local to help advance our economy. You are not a super hero, you can’t save the entire country from this extremely poor economic situation, but you can help our local economy and maybe relieve a little bit of suffering.

So, in short — don’t spend your money with just anyone, spend it with someone who can help our economy!

Naturally, irs.gov has much more information than we do. We just wanted to bring it up, because believe it or not — we can all make a difference together.