One of the striking things about this epidemic is how VERY unequal its effects are being. I have friends who are working at jobs that terrify them. I have friends who have been forced off work and would love to have any job. Some people qualify for regular unemployment and others don’t. And so on.
There is, of course, much to criticize about the recently passed stimulus bill. I’m not going to get into all of that here. But the individual $1200 payments will go to a very broad swath of the population. For some of those people, it’s not nearly enough. Much more help will be needed going forward. But some of us are in a different situation. Through a lot of luck, a long career as a nurse and a few good choices, I’m pretty comfortably retired. My needs and wants are modest, I have all the income I need to meet those needs and none of my income sources have been affected by the epidemic. When that stimulus payment comes to me, it would just go into the bank. Which accomplishes none of what it was intended for. It wouldn’t help those in need and would do nothing to keep the economy alive. So I’m practicing a little individual socialism and giving mine away. And, since I know it’s coming and don’t have cash flow issues, I already have given it away. Half went to a couple I know who were struggling before this and lost one of their incomes and half to small organizations helping the homeless at a very local level. I’m not telling you this to seek compliments. I don’t think I’ve done anything special. That money would not have changed my life any — but it can make a big difference to those it went to. I’m telling you this as a challenge: If your situation is at all like mine, if you aren’t taking any financial hit from this epidemic and have what you need for yourself, please consider doing likewise. Don’t just treat that money as a windfall — put it out into the world where it will make a difference.
I’ll add an additional note as an update: If there is a small business you patronize that is shut down or a service person — hair, nails, whatever — that you have a regular relationship with, think about helping them out, assuming you are able to afford it. Could be an outright donation or buying a gift certificate or paying in advance.