$1400 Richer (Maybe)

Among many things, 2020 was a year of hyping up 2021. This was, quite frankly, a premature miscalculation by the general public. Despite failed attempts to promote yet another year that more closely mimics a hazardous waste site (thus far), a singular joy slid into many people’s bank accounts this month: stimulus checks. 

College students who are listed as dependents may have been eligible for this round of stimulus payments (also known as Kamala Kash, stimmy, Biden Bucks etc.). So, in true Gen-Z fashion, I used my social media accounts to get involved in other people’s business and find out what they spent their $1400 on. Here are some responses I got:

Kevin Stewart, friend from high school: “Real answer: saving it for rent. Fun answer: fingerless gloves every color of the rainbow.” I genuinely respect both this decision and the fashion statement.

Michael Lee, PLNU alumnus: “Maxed out my IRA contribution for the month and put the rest into ETFs and index funds.” I won’t lie to you, I only partially understood this but it sounds very adult and interesting.

Chimara Anyiwo, PLNU alumna: “Invested in the stock market.” Also a very adult-sounding decision.

Sam Cragun, neighbor from my childhood home: “Socks.” Glad to see he’s doing well.

Micah Lohman, PLNU student who is apparently very attentive to national finances: “There was a stimmy?!” 

Beatrix Colmet Daage, friend of a friend whom I met one time: “I got new tires for my car and fixed my oil leak. I wish I spent it on something more fun!” I was also surprised to receive so many mature (less fun) responses, but I am proud of you, friend of a friend whom I met one time.

Kaylee Deluca, former roommate and designated speed dial friend: “Jojo beans hasn’t given me one yet.” Tip to students: Remember to check with your parents or legal guardians if you’re a dependent. In this round of stimulus checks, adult dependents are eligible if their taxes were filed in 2019 or 2020. If you are eligible, any money will be calculated into your parent or guardian’s check. However, if you didn’t file a 2019 or 2020 tax return, the IRS can’t calculate your payment. 

Honorable mentions of responses I got include a motorcycle, tuition, parts to build a PC, a trip to Vegas, a laptop, a record player and a graduation present which I cannot disclose because it was shared by a friend’s mom who swore me to secrecy. 

While everyone spends their stimulus money differently, there’s one thing I learned from this epic journey: joy is not only found in stimulus checks, it is also found in strange responses to questions posted on social media.

By: Rebecca Elliott