amyjogarner.org

My friends over at The Simple Living Network have an excellent article about the proposed (and soon to be reality) rebates from our federal government. Our politicians have apparently forgotten all the basics of financial security. One of those basics is that borrowing money and going into debt do not improve your financial situation. Somehow taxpayers allow themselves to be bamboozled into thinking this is “free” money. It’s not free, you and I will be paying for it, via taxes, one way or another at some time. Remember, there is no free lunch, especially when it comes from the government!

They have some excellent ideas on what to do with that rebate when it shows up on your doorstep. These things will do more to improve your personal financial well-being and the national economy than going out and buying something you probably don’t need:

• Pay down high interest credit cards or other debts.
• Put your rebate in a savings account.
• Donate your rebate to those working to end poverty, promote environmental responsibility, peace, justice, or equal rights for all.

If you must buy something, purchase goods and services that support your local economy or save money, energy and resources in the end:

• Locally grown fruits and vegetables
• Fluorescent light bulbs
• Water heater blankets
• Water saving showerheads
• Insulation (and a local, self-employed contractor to install it)
• Don’t stop: do the same with your 2007 tax refund.