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What do people do with stimulus checks? Yes, buy stuff — but also pay down debt

Jul 3, 2023
A recent study from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York shows that people often use government stimulus money to pay off debt — especially if they have a lot of it.
"Paying down your debt actually increases your future consumption, and that gives you a higher lifetime satisfaction," said the New York Fed's  Gizem Koşar.
Marvin Recinos/AFP via Getty Images

How have pandemic relief programs helped people facing financial insecurity?

Sep 14, 2021
Early data from Columbia University’s Center on Poverty and Social Policy show child poverty dropped after the first child tax credit payment in July.
Democrats want to keep pandemic relief programs like the child tax credit going.
Getty Images

Retail sales were flat in April, falling short of estimates

May 14, 2021
But considering what we're comparing them to — the stimulus-fueled month of March — that's not so bad.
In April, people spent less on things like clothing and furniture and more at bars and restaurants.
Mario Tama/Getty Images

March retail sales soar 9.8% thanks to relief payments

Apr 15, 2021
Newly vaccinated and armed with $1,400 stimulus checks, Americans went on a spending spree last month.
Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

How recipients will spend COVID relief payments depends on their income

Mar 26, 2021
The worst off are likely to use them to fend off economic disaster. The best off may well splurge.
Middle-income households may increase their spending a bit, and pay down debt. But Camilla Yanushevsky at CFRA Research said some of them may hold back, because they’re worried.
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Many will see $1,400 COVID payments hit bank accounts today

Mar 17, 2021
Tens of millions of taxpayers will get the direct payments Wednesday if the IRS has their direct deposit information.
There was some initial confusion because the IRS said that it began processing payments on Friday. People were online on Monday wondering where their deposits were.
William Thomas Cain/Getty Images

The COVID relief package is official. When will we see direct payments?

Mar 12, 2021
The White House says relief payments sent by direct deposit could start hitting bank accounts this weekend.
Getting checks out to Americans who are already in the IRS’ system should be quick this time around.
Jeff Fusco/Getty Images

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