Comments on: What I’m Doing With My Economic Stimulus Check (Hint: It Doesn’t Involve the Word ‘Plasma’) http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/13/what-im-doing-with-my-economic-stimulus-check-hint-it-doesnt-involve-the-word-plasma/ Simple, applicable personal finance advice for the modern world Sat, 21 Nov 2009 15:21:53 -0800 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: James http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/13/what-im-doing-with-my-economic-stimulus-check-hint-it-doesnt-involve-the-word-plasma/comment-page-2/#comment-316861 James Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:36:56 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/13/what-im-doing-with-my-economic-stimulus-check-hint-it-doesnt-involve-the-word-plasma/#comment-316861 Here's a shocker...I'm actually using my economic stimulus check to purchase items I really want!! I went to Circuit City yesterday and purchased a 42 in Plasma Tv. My wife and I also purchased two pieces of furniture for our living room as well. Want to know why?? Because we make good money and actually know how to budget. Therefore, when we found out that we were recieving a "tax-free" check, we decided it was time to reward ourselves. We have a mortage, mutual funds and 5 months of so-called "emergency funds". I have student loans but my wife doesn't. They are always paid on time and I don't see the value of sending in an extra $1500 just to pay it off 7 months early. Hell, I will be paying on them for the next 10 yrs anyway!! I view the stimulus check as a reward for our hardwork and sacrifices my wife and I have made over the years. I have been wanting a flatscreen since I purchased my home 4 yrs ago and finally got my wish. Maybe some of you aren't in the same financial situation my family is but let's not judge. I'm each of you have had a desire to purchase something you've really wanted before. Here’s a shocker…I’m actually using my economic stimulus check to purchase items I really want!! I went to Circuit City yesterday and purchased a 42 in Plasma Tv. My wife and I also purchased two pieces of furniture for our living room as well. Want to know why?? Because we make good money and actually know how to budget. Therefore, when we found out that we were recieving a “tax-free” check, we decided it was time to reward ourselves. We have a mortage, mutual funds and 5 months of so-called “emergency funds”. I have student loans but my wife doesn’t. They are always paid on time and I don’t see the value of sending in an extra $1500 just to pay it off 7 months early. Hell, I will be paying on them for the next 10 yrs anyway!! I view the stimulus check as a reward for our hardwork and sacrifices my wife and I have made over the years. I have been wanting a flatscreen since I purchased my home 4 yrs ago and finally got my wish. Maybe some of you aren’t in the same financial situation my family is but let’s not judge. I’m each of you have had a desire to purchase something you’ve really wanted before.

]]> By: Ginger http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/13/what-im-doing-with-my-economic-stimulus-check-hint-it-doesnt-involve-the-word-plasma/comment-page-2/#comment-276863 Ginger Thu, 15 May 2008 16:50:05 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/13/what-im-doing-with-my-economic-stimulus-check-hint-it-doesnt-involve-the-word-plasma/#comment-276863 More than half of our $$$$ is going to half-fill our fuel oil tank so that we don't get quite as broke next winter trying to stay warm. With the price of oil and gas rising almost daily it makes sense to buy it now, even though it is finally (!) warming up here. More than half of our $$$$ is going to half-fill our fuel oil tank so that we don’t get quite as broke next winter trying to stay warm. With the price of oil and gas rising almost daily it makes sense to buy it now, even though it is finally (!) warming up here.

]]> By: Jean http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/13/what-im-doing-with-my-economic-stimulus-check-hint-it-doesnt-involve-the-word-plasma/comment-page-2/#comment-276546 Jean Thu, 15 May 2008 05:07:53 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/13/what-im-doing-with-my-economic-stimulus-check-hint-it-doesnt-involve-the-word-plasma/#comment-276546 Hey, Nate -- I really don't like the term "emergency fund" either -- I've known too many people that feel they have their emergency fund, the rest they can blow... when they need to develop a firm savings and investment strategy for future wealth building. I don't generally keep more than one month in a cash type account -- I invest in mutual funds, and if I need to cash out I can easily and pay the fees. While many think it's risky -- and it may be -- I have never "had" to cash out for an emergency. And it's been 15 years. My stimulus check? It's going into our checking, where it will be used like I did a draw from our business checking. I did buy new cushions for our 20 year old "This End Up" sofa, who's cushions were WAY past due for replacing. And I am looking to buy a new desk... as I have been for the past year and half... But we don't carry debt, no car loans and a mortgage that we are prepaying on already... Hey, Nate — I really don’t like the term “emergency fund” either — I’ve known too many people that feel they have their emergency fund, the rest they can blow… when they need to develop a firm savings and investment strategy for future wealth building.

I don’t generally keep more than one month in a cash type account — I invest in mutual funds, and if I need to cash out I can easily and pay the fees. While many think it’s risky — and it may be — I have never “had” to cash out for an emergency. And it’s been 15 years.

My stimulus check? It’s going into our checking, where it will be used like I did a draw from our business checking. I did buy new cushions for our 20 year old “This End Up” sofa, who’s cushions were WAY past due for replacing. And I am looking to buy a new desk… as I have been for the past year and half…

But we don’t carry debt, no car loans and a mortgage that we are prepaying on already…

]]> By: Sharon http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/13/what-im-doing-with-my-economic-stimulus-check-hint-it-doesnt-involve-the-word-plasma/comment-page-2/#comment-276527 Sharon Thu, 15 May 2008 04:14:00 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/13/what-im-doing-with-my-economic-stimulus-check-hint-it-doesnt-involve-the-word-plasma/#comment-276527 Robert, you could put some of the stimulus check into a USED washer/dryer set and save that money and aggravation on the laundromat, and have the rest for something else. Like a car, washer/dryer units are best purchased used to avoid the depreciation hit. Robert, you could put some of the stimulus check into a USED washer/dryer set and save that money and aggravation on the laundromat, and have the rest for something else. Like a car, washer/dryer units are best purchased used to avoid the depreciation hit.

]]> By: gr8whyte http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/13/what-im-doing-with-my-economic-stimulus-check-hint-it-doesnt-involve-the-word-plasma/comment-page-2/#comment-276390 gr8whyte Thu, 15 May 2008 00:52:38 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/13/what-im-doing-with-my-economic-stimulus-check-hint-it-doesnt-involve-the-word-plasma/#comment-276390 @ Nate #61 : People are complex -- What works for one may not for another. If you feel sufficiently secure without one, then don't get one. I have one and like it. Re. "... isn’t it smarter to invest in stocks and w/d in case of a windfall?", you could but that scheme carries risk. Palatable to you perhaps but not to others especially for an emergency fund. @ Carrier #63 : You're on the wrong thread. "The Battle Between the Stuff I Want and the Guilt I’m Left With" is the one you need. @ Nate #61 : People are complex — What works for one may not for another. If you feel sufficiently secure without one, then don’t get one. I have one and like it. Re. “… isn’t it smarter to invest in stocks and w/d in case of a windfall?”, you could but that scheme carries risk. Palatable to you perhaps but not to others especially for an emergency fund.

@ Carrier #63 : You’re on the wrong thread. “The Battle Between the Stuff I Want and the Guilt I’m Left With” is the one you need.

]]> By: Carrier http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/13/what-im-doing-with-my-economic-stimulus-check-hint-it-doesnt-involve-the-word-plasma/comment-page-2/#comment-276347 Carrier Thu, 15 May 2008 00:07:24 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/13/what-im-doing-with-my-economic-stimulus-check-hint-it-doesnt-involve-the-word-plasma/#comment-276347 "In the end, though, I should have listened to that little voice in my head, because most of the time, that voice is right - it cuts through the excuses and stories we tell ourselves to justify things." As I had mentioned in an earlier comment, this is not always true. Let me give you some examples of what my little voice of guilt tells me. I feel guilty when I spend time reading, exercising, enjoying myself, or relaxing because I should be productive and working instead. I feel guilty when I dare to sleep enough because other people don't get as much sleep as I do. I feel guilty for making decent money because there are people less well-off than me. I feel guilty for working 55 hours a week because other people work 80. I feel guilty for having 4 pairs of pants instead of 2 because I can survive on 2 pairs. I feel guilty for buying something extravagant that I've wanted for years even though I've saved money for it and can pay cash. So in some cases, that little voice can actually be destructive because if I gave in to MY little voice, I'd probably be either miserable or dead from the stress. Don't cross the line from frugal to stingy. It's surprisingly easy to do, and it's not so great for your soul. “In the end, though, I should have listened to that little voice in my head, because most of the time, that voice is right – it cuts through the excuses and stories we tell ourselves to justify things.” As I had mentioned in an earlier comment, this is not always true. Let me give you some examples of what my little voice of guilt tells me. I feel guilty when I spend time reading, exercising, enjoying myself, or relaxing because I should be productive and working instead. I feel guilty when I dare to sleep enough because other people don’t get as much sleep as I do. I feel guilty for making decent money because there are people less well-off than me. I feel guilty for working 55 hours a week because other people work 80. I feel guilty for having 4 pairs of pants instead of 2 because I can survive on 2 pairs. I feel guilty for buying something extravagant that I’ve wanted for years even though I’ve saved money for it and can pay cash. So in some cases, that little voice can actually be destructive because if I gave in to MY little voice, I’d probably be either miserable or dead from the stress. Don’t cross the line from frugal to stingy. It’s surprisingly easy to do, and it’s not so great for your soul.

]]> By: gr8whyte http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/13/what-im-doing-with-my-economic-stimulus-check-hint-it-doesnt-involve-the-word-plasma/comment-page-2/#comment-276330 gr8whyte Wed, 14 May 2008 23:55:46 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/13/what-im-doing-with-my-economic-stimulus-check-hint-it-doesnt-involve-the-word-plasma/#comment-276330 @ !wanda : OK, I now get that "dependent" could include a spouse as well still but don't see the scaling. The statement "two months’ worth of living expenses in your savings account for each dependent you have" suggests 2*D scaling for the number of months, where D is the number of dependents, but it says nothing about the amount/month that should be saved. A breadwinner in a 1-kid family would have 2 dependents and the family needs 2*(3-1)=4 months' worth of expenses; a 3-kid family needs 2*(5-1)=8 months' worth. This makes no sense to me -- why should the number of month's worth of expenses depend on the number of dependents? Seems to me the scaling should look something like M*(C + N*A) where M is the number of months (e.g. 6 months), C is a constant independent of the # of dependents (e.g. house payment), N is a number that reflects family size (e.g. adult=1, kid-under-12=0.4, kid-over-12=0.8), and A is the monthly expenses for an adult. Using this scaling for 6 months, assuming all kids are under 12, a 1-kid family needs 6*(C+2.4*A) and a 3-kid family needs 6*(C+3.2*A). Expenses C and A are whatever you want them to be -- bare-bones, bones with gravy, pot roast or steak. Do you see the difference between Trent's statement and M*(C + N*A) scaling which separates out the time covered from family size? @ !wanda : OK, I now get that “dependent” could include a spouse as well still but don’t see the scaling. The statement “two months’ worth of living expenses in your savings account for each dependent you have” suggests 2*D scaling for the number of months, where D is the number of dependents, but it says nothing about the amount/month that should be saved. A breadwinner in a 1-kid family would have 2 dependents and the family needs 2*(3-1)=4 months’ worth of expenses; a 3-kid family needs 2*(5-1)=8 months’ worth. This makes no sense to me — why should the number of month’s worth of expenses depend on the number of dependents? Seems to me the scaling should look something like M*(C + N*A) where M is the number of months (e.g. 6 months), C is a constant independent of the # of dependents (e.g. house payment), N is a number that reflects family size (e.g. adult=1, kid-under-12=0.4, kid-over-12=0.8), and A is the monthly expenses for an adult. Using this scaling for 6 months, assuming all kids are under 12, a 1-kid family needs 6*(C+2.4*A) and a 3-kid family needs 6*(C+3.2*A). Expenses C and A are whatever you want them to be — bare-bones, bones with gravy, pot roast or steak. Do you see the difference between Trent’s statement and M*(C + N*A) scaling which separates out the time covered from family size?

]]> By: Nate http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/13/what-im-doing-with-my-economic-stimulus-check-hint-it-doesnt-involve-the-word-plasma/comment-page-2/#comment-276304 Nate Wed, 14 May 2008 23:12:12 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/13/what-im-doing-with-my-economic-stimulus-check-hint-it-doesnt-involve-the-word-plasma/#comment-276304 I still don't get emergency funds, it just doesn't make sense to me. Why put money into an account making less money, when you can put them into an some sort of stock plan, and then use a credit card if an emergency happens and dip into your stock portfolio to pay it off. I understand conventional wisdom is to start an emergency fund and have it be thousands of dollars, but if you don't need the 'secure' feeling, isn't it smarter to invest in stocks and w/d in case of a windfall? I've been trying to get this Q answered by Trent for a while, maybe the readers can help me out here, am I missing something? -Nate I still don’t get emergency funds, it just doesn’t make sense to me. Why put money into an account making less money, when you can put them into an some sort of stock plan, and then use a credit card if an emergency happens and dip into your stock portfolio to pay it off. I understand conventional wisdom is to start an emergency fund and have it be thousands of dollars, but if you don’t need the ’secure’ feeling, isn’t it smarter to invest in stocks and w/d in case of a windfall?

I’ve been trying to get this Q answered by Trent for a while, maybe the readers can help me out here, am I missing something?

-Nate

]]> By: clint http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/13/what-im-doing-with-my-economic-stimulus-check-hint-it-doesnt-involve-the-word-plasma/comment-page-2/#comment-276173 clint Wed, 14 May 2008 20:06:24 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/13/what-im-doing-with-my-economic-stimulus-check-hint-it-doesnt-involve-the-word-plasma/#comment-276173 I am going to pay off more of my house. My student loans are at 2% and my house is at 7%. Great post. Thanks I am going to pay off more of my house. My student loans are at 2% and my house is at 7%. Great post.

Thanks

]]> By: Pissed http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/13/what-im-doing-with-my-economic-stimulus-check-hint-it-doesnt-involve-the-word-plasma/comment-page-2/#comment-276117 Pissed Wed, 14 May 2008 17:32:02 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/13/what-im-doing-with-my-economic-stimulus-check-hint-it-doesnt-involve-the-word-plasma/#comment-276117 Well, I am happy for all of you. As for me, I made the mistake of making too much money last year so I do not qualify for the stimulus check. I pay the government $1,142.01 every two weeks just in federal taxes (not including social secuity or medicare which is another $400+). Am I rich? No, I would have qualified for the check any year of my life except for the one that matters. The funny thing is that I spend very little on consumer items and would have been happy to have an excuse to go by a LCD TV. Am I pissed? YES! Why should I have to pay such heavy taxes and not, at least, get the stimulus check (which is a stupid idea anyway)? Well, I am happy for all of you. As for me, I made the mistake of making too much money last year so I do not qualify for the stimulus check. I pay the government $1,142.01 every two weeks just in federal taxes (not including social secuity or medicare which is another $400+). Am I rich? No, I would have qualified for the check any year of my life except for the one that matters. The funny thing is that I spend very little on consumer items and would have been happy to have an excuse to go by a LCD TV. Am I pissed? YES! Why should I have to pay such heavy taxes and not, at least, get the stimulus check (which is a stupid idea anyway)?

]]> By: Kel http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/13/what-im-doing-with-my-economic-stimulus-check-hint-it-doesnt-involve-the-word-plasma/comment-page-2/#comment-276113 Kel Wed, 14 May 2008 17:22:24 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/13/what-im-doing-with-my-economic-stimulus-check-hint-it-doesnt-involve-the-word-plasma/#comment-276113 Mine is sitting safely in my savings account for the moment, although I'm thinking about buying a new mattress to replace the sagging, 10-year-old junker I sleep on now. Oh, my aching back! Plenty of my friends had spent their checks even BEFORE they arrived. *groan* Mine is sitting safely in my savings account for the moment, although I’m thinking about buying a new mattress to replace the sagging, 10-year-old junker I sleep on now. Oh, my aching back!

Plenty of my friends had spent their checks even BEFORE they arrived. *groan*

]]> By: Chris http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/13/what-im-doing-with-my-economic-stimulus-check-hint-it-doesnt-involve-the-word-plasma/comment-page-2/#comment-276094 Chris Wed, 14 May 2008 16:49:02 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/13/what-im-doing-with-my-economic-stimulus-check-hint-it-doesnt-involve-the-word-plasma/#comment-276094 Everyone around me are wasting their checks instantly. I don't think I made enough last year to qualify (something about total tax burden), but if I do get anything it's going straight into my emergency fund. Everyone around me are wasting their checks instantly. I don’t think I made enough last year to qualify (something about total tax burden), but if I do get anything it’s going straight into my emergency fund.

]]> By: luvleftovers http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/13/what-im-doing-with-my-economic-stimulus-check-hint-it-doesnt-involve-the-word-plasma/comment-page-2/#comment-276043 luvleftovers Wed, 14 May 2008 15:11:54 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/13/what-im-doing-with-my-economic-stimulus-check-hint-it-doesnt-involve-the-word-plasma/#comment-276043 My 600 bucks went right into my emergency fund. My 600 bucks went right into my emergency fund.

]]> By: Cheap Like Me http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/13/what-im-doing-with-my-economic-stimulus-check-hint-it-doesnt-involve-the-word-plasma/comment-page-2/#comment-276026 Cheap Like Me Wed, 14 May 2008 14:28:32 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/13/what-im-doing-with-my-economic-stimulus-check-hint-it-doesnt-involve-the-word-plasma/#comment-276026 It's fun to read everyone's plans ... although most of those who plan to blow it probably aren't posting on PF sites! :) We are going to do a "worthy blow" with ours ... use it to pay for a vacation to go see my in-laws whom we haven't seen in 3 years. I'm hoping we can use miles for the air travel and let the government pay most of the rest of our costs. It’s fun to read everyone’s plans … although most of those who plan to blow it probably aren’t posting on PF sites! :)

We are going to do a “worthy blow” with ours … use it to pay for a vacation to go see my in-laws whom we haven’t seen in 3 years. I’m hoping we can use miles for the air travel and let the government pay most of the rest of our costs.

]]> By: Joe Doc http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/13/what-im-doing-with-my-economic-stimulus-check-hint-it-doesnt-involve-the-word-plasma/comment-page-2/#comment-276004 Joe Doc Wed, 14 May 2008 13:57:47 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/13/what-im-doing-with-my-economic-stimulus-check-hint-it-doesnt-involve-the-word-plasma/#comment-276004 My "stimulus" check is simply going from one federal agency to another -- I still owe taxes from 2006. Normally, I don't support Keynesian economics, but having the feds shave $1800 off my tax bill? I'm not complaining. My “stimulus” check is simply going from one federal agency to another — I still owe taxes from 2006.

Normally, I don’t support Keynesian economics, but having the feds shave $1800 off my tax bill? I’m not complaining.

]]> By: Joey http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/13/what-im-doing-with-my-economic-stimulus-check-hint-it-doesnt-involve-the-word-plasma/comment-page-2/#comment-276000 Joey Wed, 14 May 2008 13:47:16 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/13/what-im-doing-with-my-economic-stimulus-check-hint-it-doesnt-involve-the-word-plasma/#comment-276000 I live on a 50/50 rule when extra money comes in. I always put half of it in one of my savings or retirement accounts. The other half we spend on something for the house or go to something fun, etc. We have no debt, and we have a decent efund already - so spending some of the extra money that comes our way never feels tooooo guilty ;) The other thing is, I don't really like spending money, so even if that 50% makes it into my checking account, and I don't spend all of it - it most likely will get redistributed into one of my savings accounts on the first of the month. I live on a 50/50 rule when extra money comes in. I always put half of it in one of my savings or retirement accounts. The other half we spend on something for the house or go to something fun, etc. We have no debt, and we have a decent efund already – so spending some of the extra money that comes our way never feels tooooo guilty ;) The other thing is, I don’t really like spending money, so even if that 50% makes it into my checking account, and I don’t spend all of it – it most likely will get redistributed into one of my savings accounts on the first of the month.

]]> By: Dawn http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/13/what-im-doing-with-my-economic-stimulus-check-hint-it-doesnt-involve-the-word-plasma/comment-page-2/#comment-275992 Dawn Wed, 14 May 2008 13:34:04 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/13/what-im-doing-with-my-economic-stimulus-check-hint-it-doesnt-involve-the-word-plasma/#comment-275992 Some student loans, notably private student loans, can't be consolidated at the very low interest rates (though, if you have a variable interest rate, you can get it to a fixed one), aren't dischargable in death or disability, and do not have deductible interest. For those of us with this type of student loan, paying it off makes a lot of sense. Some student loans, notably private student loans, can’t be consolidated at the very low interest rates (though, if you have a variable interest rate, you can get it to a fixed one), aren’t dischargable in death or disability, and do not have deductible interest. For those of us with this type of student loan, paying it off makes a lot of sense.

]]> By: Monica http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/13/what-im-doing-with-my-economic-stimulus-check-hint-it-doesnt-involve-the-word-plasma/comment-page-2/#comment-275941 Monica Wed, 14 May 2008 12:12:19 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/13/what-im-doing-with-my-economic-stimulus-check-hint-it-doesnt-involve-the-word-plasma/#comment-275941 I am Canadian so I don't get an economic stimulus check, but if I did I would do the same thing I did with my income tax refund: pay down my student loan. We have no other debt, and it's our goal to be debt-free soon. I am Canadian so I don’t get an economic stimulus check, but if I did I would do the same thing I did with my income tax refund: pay down my student loan. We have no other debt, and it’s our goal to be debt-free soon.

]]> By: Louise http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/13/what-im-doing-with-my-economic-stimulus-check-hint-it-doesnt-involve-the-word-plasma/comment-page-2/#comment-275878 Louise Wed, 14 May 2008 10:40:47 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/13/what-im-doing-with-my-economic-stimulus-check-hint-it-doesnt-involve-the-word-plasma/#comment-275878 I have to admit, I wouldn't be totally sensible, I would put $1,500 towards paying down debt or an emergency fund, and the other $300 on something that I really want that has practical applications, in my case probably an electric lawnmower and some new pruning shears. As I'm in Australia, this is all hypothetical anyway. I have to admit, I wouldn’t be totally sensible, I would put $1,500 towards paying down debt or an emergency fund, and the other $300 on something that I really want that has practical applications, in my case probably an electric lawnmower and some new pruning shears. As I’m in Australia, this is all hypothetical anyway.

]]> By: Kim http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/13/what-im-doing-with-my-economic-stimulus-check-hint-it-doesnt-involve-the-word-plasma/comment-page-2/#comment-275877 Kim Wed, 14 May 2008 10:39:55 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/05/13/what-im-doing-with-my-economic-stimulus-check-hint-it-doesnt-involve-the-word-plasma/#comment-275877 My husband and I are supporting the local economy by buying two road bikes. It will give us hours of riding pleasure this summer and is good for our health and evvironment. We have minimal debt on our home equity and a good emergency fund built up. We also decided we wont be driving too far for vacation this summer so this was a guilt free decision. My husband and I are supporting the local economy by buying two road bikes. It will give us hours of riding pleasure this summer and is good for our health and evvironment. We have minimal debt on our home equity and a good emergency fund built up. We also decided we wont be driving too far for vacation this summer so this was a guilt free decision.

]]>