There's been a lot of talk about the idea of a new economic stimulus. I freely admit that I am no expert on economics, and I like to believe that people smarter than me are making the right decisions. That said, I don't know how I feel about the idea of another economic stimulus. First and foremost, the goverment's got enough debt as it is - can it really be worth it to create a huge payout to the American people again? I definitely think that many people who received the stimulus didn't need it. Sure, I enjoyed getting a $600 check, and I did end up stimulating the economy with it, but it was money I had already planned to spend (and one unplanned expense). I didn't spend $600 more than I would have. Instead, $600 remained in my bank account.
That's not to say that I didn't enjoy getting a $600 check. Come on, who doesn't like free money?
I know that there are many people out there for whom the stimulus would be a blessing - people struggling to pay utility bills or make mortgage payments. And there are many families who are making ends meet but could really use some extra money for the holiday season.
But did the last stimulus really help? Isn't it too soon to really know the full effects? Should we really be paying out another huge chunk of money?
Like I said, I'm no expert. I just don't understand how another economic stimulus will provide long term benefits.
Thoughts?