Comments on: Paying Off Debt Stimulates The Economy http://www.handlingfinances.com/2008/05/04/paying-off-debt-stimulates-the-economy/ A blog about handling personal finances, and how our culture and economy affect our money. Thu, 28 Aug 2008 05:00:36 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5 By: Deamiter http://www.handlingfinances.com/2008/05/04/paying-off-debt-stimulates-the-economy/#comment-204 Deamiter Tue, 06 May 2008 02:23:23 +0000 http://www.handlingfinances.com/?p=74#comment-204 I'm not sure it'd make much of a difference politically. The stimulus package was pretty bi-partisan and even though the unregulated free markets Bush supported certainly contributed to the credit mess, McCain is doing his best (and not unsuccessfully) to distance himself from Bush. The American perception that Bush screwed up is driving the selection of less conservative candidates in both parties (for more than just president). However, beyond the basic shift away from the far right, I don't see the economy's performance over the next half year making a huge difference in how people vote. Just my opinion though, I don't follow politics quite as closely as economics -- I'm not a big fan of where the US is today, but I'm more torn than usual about what will do the most good in the long term. I’m not sure it’d make much of a difference politically. The stimulus package was pretty bi-partisan and even though the unregulated free markets Bush supported certainly contributed to the credit mess, McCain is doing his best (and not unsuccessfully) to distance himself from Bush.

The American perception that Bush screwed up is driving the selection of less conservative candidates in both parties (for more than just president). However, beyond the basic shift away from the far right, I don’t see the economy’s performance over the next half year making a huge difference in how people vote.

Just my opinion though, I don’t follow politics quite as closely as economics — I’m not a big fan of where the US is today, but I’m more torn than usual about what will do the most good in the long term.

]]> By: Anna http://www.handlingfinances.com/2008/05/04/paying-off-debt-stimulates-the-economy/#comment-203 Anna Mon, 05 May 2008 18:10:01 +0000 http://www.handlingfinances.com/?p=74#comment-203 Wow, that sounds pretty terrible! I posted the initial comment because people basically have said that they are not stimulating the economy like Bush wants, but paying off debt. But it's true that it doesn't matter if you pay bills, buy stuff or put it in the bank, you are stimulating somebody! Wow, that sounds pretty terrible! I posted the initial comment because people basically have said that they are not stimulating the economy like Bush wants, but paying off debt. But it’s true that it doesn’t matter if you pay bills, buy stuff or put it in the bank, you are stimulating somebody!

]]> By: Anna http://www.handlingfinances.com/2008/05/04/paying-off-debt-stimulates-the-economy/#comment-202 Anna Mon, 05 May 2008 18:06:58 +0000 http://www.handlingfinances.com/?p=74#comment-202 Exactly! If you really want to bite Bush (not stimulate with your stimulus check) you would have to take our check in cash and stash it in your mattress! The other, more effective way would be to start riding your bike and stop buying gas! Exactly! If you really want to bite Bush (not stimulate with your stimulus check) you would have to take our check in cash and stash it in your mattress! The other, more effective way would be to start riding your bike and stop buying gas!

]]> By: Patrick http://www.handlingfinances.com/2008/05/04/paying-off-debt-stimulates-the-economy/#comment-200 Patrick Sun, 04 May 2008 21:23:19 +0000 http://www.handlingfinances.com/?p=74#comment-200 I think you've got a good handle on the current situation. Paying off debt does stimulate the economy, if only because it gives the banks an excuse to lend more money. In the end do what is right for your situation, and you will probably be ok. You can't control the rest of the economy, but you can do your best to ensure your situation is good. I think you’ve got a good handle on the current situation. Paying off debt does stimulate the economy, if only because it gives the banks an excuse to lend more money. In the end do what is right for your situation, and you will probably be ok. You can’t control the rest of the economy, but you can do your best to ensure your situation is good.

]]> By: Mrs. Micah http://www.handlingfinances.com/2008/05/04/paying-off-debt-stimulates-the-economy/#comment-197 Mrs. Micah Sun, 04 May 2008 12:14:00 +0000 http://www.handlingfinances.com/?p=74#comment-197 Indeed. Paying down our debt will go to an American lender (thus jobs there) and free up more money later to spend and invest (again both good for the economy). So I'm not feeling particularly guilty. :) Indeed. Paying down our debt will go to an American lender (thus jobs there) and free up more money later to spend and invest (again both good for the economy). So I’m not feeling particularly guilty. :)

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