Stimulus Package

This time I'm really going to spend it!  No, not really.

From MSNBC: "Democrats in Congress are also pushing efforts to assemble a second economic stimulus program that could total $150 billion or more. On Monday, Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke said a “significant” stimulus package is appropriate. The White House has yet to endorse the idea, but has said President Bush was at least willing to consider a second stimulus measure."


Of course it goes without saying that I think this is stupid, and that the government is wasting its money.  In case you're not aware with the specifics, the last round of $600 checks cost around $150 billion total to send out, and congress is thinking about another one.  Of course this is an even bigger waste than the $700 billion bailout package, but really, people need to spend, right?


Where I'm really torn is that when everyone was living above their means at least my stock portfolio and 401k were doing well.  I was even profiting on high gas prices.  Now, in order for other people to start living within their means my portfolio has to take a hit, and I don't like that one bit.

Lamenting over what used to be is a lost cause so now I'll just continue stockpiling cash like the rest of America, cross my fingers that the US doesn't do something to make all that cash worthless, and wait until brighter days.  At least if we have a 2 year recession then I'll feel like I've got some safety net for the next 20-30 years.  If it turns around in a few months then I won't feel very comfortable putting cash back in to the market right away and will miss the opportunity.