How to spend stimulus/tax refund

[justplaintired]

Ok, I know this question is probably covered in another thread, but I can't find it. My question is, what is a good way to spend your tax refund or stimulus check. I know nothing luxury wise. But is say getting a dog neutered a good way? Or how about having an electrician install a ceiling fan? I need mulch for my yard, and some flowers. Stocking up on household stuff at sale prices? We have 2 places on house that desperately need painted, very high and power lines, I can't do it, can I have that done? We got an estimate for $350, which seems far and if it's ok can we have that done or is that a luxury? How about stuff like that is that a good way to spend it down?

I know this probably seems like a dumb question, but I want the receipts not to be questioned.

I guess basically what are some safe ways to spend it. We get back $1795.50 and I want to make sure we spend it right. We need so much, and some seem like maybe they might be questionable, like flowers for the yard, is that ok? I just don't want any problems, and it is suppose to be mailed out this Friday. So now, I need to make sure we use it right.

[Cali]

You can always send it to me. LOL

Car repairs, house repairs, dental work, medical, groceries, utilities, etc.

I spent my small tax refund before I knew I was going to file. And we just got our stimulus and spent it on things for the house, kids, dental, etc.

[Stilltheone]

Good question!

I'm spending mine on my daughter's private school tuition...We owe them $800 for this year and I'm also giving them the remaining $1000 towards next years tuition.

[keepmine]

All of those items you mentioned are far from luxury purchases and go to maintaing a reasonable lifestyle. There will be no issues.

[TX Bluebonnet]

Things like installing ceiling fans and landscaping (ie: flower beds) seem like luxuries to me, as in not being neccessities. So does paying for private schooling.

[justplaintired]

All of those items you mentioned are far from luxury purchases and go to maintaing a reasonable lifestyle. There will be no issues.

Thank you, I thought they seemed ok too. I noticed txbluebonnet doesn't think they are reasonable. Are there any guidelines for this stuff? There should be somewhere. I know for us it's very important to spend it right, we don't want any problems. We are way below the median income (not bragging, wish I could say we weren't), and this stimulus won't come close to throwing us over. We just want to be sure we do this right.


I know flowers aren't a necessity, but I love to garden and want a pretty yard.

The house is peeling paint bad in these spots and if we don't do something we will have problems down the road, and honestly we probably won't have the money to have someone do this without using our stimulus check.

I do appreciate all answered, I just wish I knew what the right way is. I need to go to the eye doctor, it's been almost 4 yrs since I had my eyes checked and that seems reasonable. Having my dog neutered also seems ok.

Any other opinions on this would be great. I figure we should have our check by the middle or end of next week.

[justplaintired]

You can always send it to me. LOL

Car repairs, house repairs, dental work, medical, groceries, utilities, etc.

I spent my small tax refund before I knew I was going to file. And we just got our stimulus and spent it on things for the house, kids, dental, etc.

If only I could! I wish I had the money to save us all!! LOL I certainly would if I could.

[Stilltheone]

Things like installing ceiling fans and landscaping (ie: flower beds) seem like luxuries to me, as in not being neccessities. So does paying for private schooling.

How is paying for schooling a luxury item?

[TX Bluebonnet]

Thank you, I thought they seemed ok too. I noticed txbluebonnet doesn't think they are reasonable. Are there any guidelines for this stuff?

It's not that I think flowers and fans (as in your example) aren't "reasonable". I was only answering in the context of having to possibly justify to a trustee how it's spent. Personally, I wouldn't want to risk any purchases/spending being borderline/questionale as far as it being a luxury, neccessity, or reasonable. But what's the worst that can happen if part of it's called into question? Wouldn't they just ask for that portion to be handed over? Beats me. Yep, guidelines sure would be nice!

[TX Bluebonnet]

How is paying for schooling a luxury item?

Because we have free public schools available.

[Stilltheone]

Because we have free public schools available.

Public schooling wasn't an option for us. My daughter missed the birthday cutoff by four days and they wouldn't allow her in. I wasn't going to hold my daughter back an entire year simply because of four days. She was ready to go to school.

This "luxury" item is something we've been paying for for 2 years now and is not a "new" expense. Luckily, my attorney protected my stimulus with our exemptions.

Good luck OP!

[keepmine]

Trustees did not go to law school to make decisions on flower beds and ceiling fans. The fact is, you have a right to maintain a reasonable lifestyle. Those items are inexpensive and make no difference in debtors ability to repay debt.

[justplaintired]

Trustees did not go to law school to make decisions on flower beds and ceiling fans. The fact is, you have a right to maintain a reasonable lifestyle. Those items are inexpensive and make no difference in debtors ability to repay debt.

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! I kind of thought the same thing, but sometimes as we all know while your in BK you have a tendency to overthink things. I won't buy a flat screen and I won't go on any vacations, but I will use it wisely and buy things to maintain a normal lifestyle!

[Cali]

How can private school be a luxury if the child is already enrolled? You suggest taking the child out of the school?
I paid tuition with my some of my stimulus.

Things like installing ceiling fans and landscaping (ie: flower beds) seem like luxuries to me, as in not being neccessities. So does paying for private schooling.

[Cali]

And not all public schools are good.

Because we have free public schools available.