Yesterday, I chatted with several people about the Economic Stimulus tax refund that many of us have already received by May 2, 2008. If you haven't, you are supposed to contact the IRS with a form you receive in the mail in order to claim your $600 (or$1200 per household).
Our president who signed the bill giving us this money wants us to spend this money on goods: that is why the bill is called Economic Stimulus. We're supposed to help stimulate the economy with these dollars by purchasing American goods.
But hey, we live on the edge (literally) in Washington. You give us money, and many of us green-living, veggie-eating, un-consumers are going to do something that the bill didn't intend: save it, buy recycled or second-hand stuff, or at least keep it out of the hands of stores like Wal-Mart.
How are you going to use your E.S. dollars? Haven't a clue? Here are some ideas:
1) Use some of it on a 10% off shopping trip of your choice at PCC when you join. Purchase goods that last, such as frozen local fruit, soy nut butter, vegetable soup stock, organic frozen meals (check the calorie counts, people). PCC is recognized in the Puget Sound commmunity card, offered at many Washington stores.
2) Participate in your neighborhood garage sale. West Seattle's garage sale includes over 100 households on May 10, 2008. Keep the love going around your local neighborhood. When you get rid of stuff that someone else can use, your home has less clutter, you have a little more pocket money, and you resist general consumerism.
3) Of course, it's always financially sound to pay down debt, called "DOLP"ing (date of last payment). If you have high credit card balances, you should try to consolidate your debt to a single payment on a fixed-interest line of credit, and DOLP that puppy. If you are simply paying the monthly minimum balance, you may end up paying that debt twice over because of the compounding interest.
4) Invest in your health. Place more money in an FSA (flexible spending account) if your company provides this; it's tax free dollars. Purchase a health club membership of 1-2 years at a time, and receive 3-4 months of membership free. Still too expensive? Try www.communityfitness.com, where all classes are $5.95+ tax, and there are no membership fees (just a one-time, $10 set up fee).
Of course, you can always invest in your local small dance and yoga studios, such as Dream Yoga and Dance. Pre-pay a series of 6 yoga sessions, or load up on bellydance fitness classes, and get moving! I offer a discount if your doctor tells you to lose weight, AND you are enrolled in an approve nutritional program.
Want low cost acupuncture? Try Community Acupuncture, located in El Centro de la Raza in Beacon Hill, 3rd floor. Your visit may be as little as $35.
5) Take in beauty and art. Cirque du Soleil's "Cordeo" show runs until June 1st, 2008. It's spendy, but breath-taking.
Don't want to spend that much? There's a real treat this weekend, hosted by dancer/performer/ethnographers Tamalyn Dallal and Helene Ericksen at Skin Deep Studio (Beacon Hill), focusing on Uyghur culture and dance, who are the people from NW China, little known for the struggle for independence from Mainland China. Adalat of Vancouver is an accomplished Uyghur dancer who will be dancing at this show and education presentation this Saturday, May 10 from 6-9 pm. Suggested donation: $10. Additional donation opportunities available to various associated charities.
Tamalyn will be promoting her work, "40 days and 1001 nights", a book and film project highlighting her travels to interesting countries as she teaches dance and interacts with locals about the histories of their dances, cultures, and political situations.
Got other suggestions? Send them in and let others see your bright ideas on how you'll spend or save your E.S money this year.
