Gridlock News

This might just be one of the most popular tax filing seasons on record.  Unlike past tax credits issued by the buy your loyalty Bush Administration, Americans have to file a tax return this time to get the check.

If you want to receive your $600 (per adult) and $300 (per child dependent) then you have to file a tax return.  File late and you will get paid or credited late.  Return checks for the stimulus package will not be paid out until May at the earliest.  That means if you file early, you might get your real income tax refund first and your stimulus check second.

With fuel prices at $3.50 a gallon a $600 check from the government will keep your car running for about 171 gallons or about 11 fill ups with a 15 gallon tank.   To put it another way that's about 3,400 miles on the road or 68 days of work if you drive 25 miles one way.

If you have a child that $300 will buy 20 gallons of milk and 20 boxes of cereal and leave you with enough money for about 3.5 days of day care.

Let's face it, its not much but going into a recession no one turns away money.  Grab yours soon, while the dollar is still worth something and spend it wisely. Your cat can sleep at the foot of your bed instead of in a new cat condo.  Make your kids wait another year or two for a cell phone, or give them your old one.  Recycle your aluminum cans yourself instead of giving them away to the city.  Find some ways to bootstrap your way through the recession and you might walk out smelling like a rose, if the bank doesn't kick you to the curb first.  (I say that in sympathy hoping that the same doesn't happen to me, but what will be will be.)