Receiving No Stimulus Check Means You Are Blessed

Summary

The article suggests that not receiving a stimulus check during the pandemic may indicate a person's financial stability and higher income, which can be considered a blessing as it reflects a secure financial position.

Abstract

The content discusses the implications of not receiving a stimulus check amid the coronavirus pandemic. It posits that those who did not qualify for the stimulus due to higher income levels are fortunate, as they likely have stable employment and savings to withstand economic downturns. The article contrasts this with the broader population, many of whom struggle with savings and have been adversely affected by the pandemic's economic impact. It also touches on the historical hardships faced by Japanese Americans during World War II, emphasizing the importance of helping others in times of crisis. The piece concludes by encouraging those in a financially stable position to give back to the community and assist those in need.

Opinions

The author believes that individuals who did not receive a stimulus check due to higher income are among the "lucky ones" and should consider themselves blessed.
It is implied that those with higher incomes are more likely to have emergency savings and thus be better prepared for economic crises like the pandemic.
The article suggests that the ability to save money is a privilege that many people do not have, highlighting the disparity in financial security among the population.
The author expresses that the pandemic has revealed the importance of emergency savings, as many people were unprepared for the financial impact of COVID-19.
There is an opinion that the current situation is an opportunity for wealthier individuals to help those less fortunate, advocating for generosity and community support during the crisis.
The piece draws a parallel between the current pandemic and the historical plight of Japanese Americans during WWII, emphasizing the value of assistance and empathy in difficult times.
The author encourages a mindset of gratitude and philanthropy among those who are financially secure, promoting the idea of giving back and paying it forward.

Some People Are Lucky

After the coronavirus struck and Congress passed the first stimulus bill to provide checks to Americans impacted by the pandemic, the media reported about the checks. The news anchors often spoke as if everyone would receive the money. That was not the case. Most of those reporting on news programs likely were blessed to receive no stimulus check as were others like them who are more financially successful people and have higher incomes.

Since the amount was $1,200 per tax payer who reported on their 2018 tax returns as earning $75,000 or less and $2,400 per couple who earned $150,000 or less, those who did not qualify for the stimulus checks were blessed with good jobs and incomes above the average. If they made more money than that, they likely were not hurting financially during the early stages of the pandemic as so many people were.

Although some people who earned more than the threshold amounts have businesses and may have later ended up with money problems, those who did not receive a stimulus check because they made too much money can consider themselves among the lucky ones. They can count their blessings.

People who had higher income amounts and did not receive the stimulus money were more likely to have savings to sustain them during times of trouble. Most should have been prepared for emergencies which could come. Indeed, it is recommended that all people have emergency savings. Unfortunately, not enough people do as saving may be difficult.

It’s not easy to save money when money is tight and there are bills to be paid. Although it is good advice to have at least one month’s worth of income saved or preferably up to six months’ worth of income in savings, it is not something that most people have achieved.

Since studies indicate that most retirees have relatively little saved for retirement when they reach retirement age, it is logical that most younger people have little or no savings. These difficult times show us that saving for a rainy day is good advice, but many people were unprepared for the pandemic.

This is a strange world in which we now live as the economy has been basically closed for a period of months. Millions of people are still working from home, and healthcare workers are working tirelessly to save patients suffering from the dreaded coronavirus. People are still testing positive.

Essential workers in some fields are working, and they can count themselves as part of the fortunate ones. Many people have suffered setbacks and hardship as they have been impacted negatively while they are concerned with the spread of the virus. Millions of people have applied for necessary unemployment benefits and received financial help.

During this unprecedented time of uncertainty amid a global pandemic, there have been many changes which have come about in daily life. Businesses and schools have closed. People were not able to get services which they had previously deemed as necessary such as spas for exercise, salons for haircuts, restaurants for the pleasure of dining out, or movies and sporting events for recreation. Many businesses have been closed and are just starting to reopen. Business as usual is non existent for the time being.

For those who did receive a stimulus check and who may receive another one during these difficult times, the government is trying to help. People do care about the trials which so many people are going through during this pandemic.

Japanese Americans suddenly lost their homes, jobs, and financial security during World War II when they were forcibly removed from their homes on the west coast of the United States. Restrictions were placed on them. They lost their earthly possessions and were placed in American concentration camps in desolate and remote areas of the country. Their bank accounts were frozen. Life was extremely difficult, and some people never fully recovered from the ordeal. Very few people were willing to help them.

If you are blessed to have made enough money that you did not qualify for a stimulus check, you are among the fortunate. For those who have an abundance of money, it would be well to help someone else. Many of the wealthy people are giving a lot, and many others are giving what they can. There are so many people in need at this time of crisis. Helping others is always a good thing. Giving back and paying it forward is something worthy of consideration for anyone who is in a position to assist others.

If you are fortunate enough to not have gotten a stimulus check because you make good money, you can count yourself lucky. That means you may be in a position to give back. If you did receive a stimulus check, perhaps there is still someone you can help in some small way even if it is by showing a little kindness. Counting your blessings and trying to help others will make this world a better place.