Wondering How To Spend Your Stimulus Check?

 

Every dollar you spend is a reflection of your values.” – Rachel Cruze. 

 
 
Here Comes the Sun, 12”x2”, 500.

Here Comes the Sun, 12”x2”, 500.

If you need it or not, want it or not, a stimulus check is coming your way. Emphasis on the word stimulus, meaning a thing that rouses activity or energy in someone or something; a spur or incentive. These checks are not about saving or investing but about helping each other through tough economic times.

There are many ways to use these checks that help out the community as well as yourself. Shop small and local if you can, or at least small if your favorite artist lives out of state. You can:

 
 
A definition of happiness is doing something you love with others who also love the doing.

A definition of happiness is doing something you love with others who also love the doing.

 
 
Cynosure Table Lamp, 20” tall, 300. w/shade

Cynosure Table Lamp, 20” tall, 300. w/shade

Invest - in you. Take a class, online or off, pottery, yoga, or art. You can learn a language, bookbinding, or accounting. Who and where is what matters. You want to keep the money flowing in your area by investing in yourself and someone else.

Nourish - by donating. All food banks need your help. In the Raleigh/Durham area, there are several: Durham Rescue Mission, Urban Ministries, Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina, and Interfaith Food Shuttle.

Hydrangea Vase, 11.25” tall, 300.00 and Yuletide Table Lamp, 15” tall, 250. w/shade. Shop

Hydrangea Vase, 11.25” tall, 300.00 and Yuletide Table Lamp, 15” tall, 250. w/shade. Shop

Nest - by settling in. Make your environment truly yours. Set the tone of your home with a new kitchen backsplash or fireplace surround. Purchase a lamp to brighten a dull corner or a stunning vase. Things that can soothe your mind, excite you into activity, or make you smile. Cultivate beauty. Beauty can shake us out of despair and makes all of us feel better. We live in NC, where you can always plant something. For ideas, check out the blog post from last week.

I plan to split mine up. Give some to a food bank, buy a new dress at my favorite locally-owned clothing store, and buy a new box spring for the guest room. Whatever you choose, spend it.