Coronavirus relief payments, promised as a part of the $2.2 trillion stimulus program, began arriving in Americans’ bank accounts on Dec. 29, 2020 via direct deposit. Checks are also being mailed. For local residents, the funds are going to various needs and the occasional treat.
After analyzing data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the National Retail Federation, GOBankingRates found that the average American pays $12,696 annually for rent and $4,049 for utilities, so it’s no wonder that six out of the 12 people interviewed by The Era plan on using at least some, if not all, of the $600 on bills, such as utilities, rent and car payments. Though that may be true, others discussed alternate plans for the money.
For example, while her boyfriend Vinny Bielli said he would be using the money to cover bills while on paternity leave, Great Valley resident and new mother Kaylea Miller decided she deserved a treat after a stressful year.
“I’m buying something fun this time around — something for me,” she explained.
Bradford resident Gail Eakin said she will not only be paying bills, she will also be providing her daughters with new bikes, as they’ve outgrown their old ones.
Similar to Eakin, Salamanca resident Scott Marshall also had family in mind.
“I plan on some of it to fix my car to make it safe to drive my baby around, and get him some clothing and catch up on bills,” he noted.
Bradford resident, Dawn Bishop, was also planning on doing some much needed car repairs, while Lenamae Scarandino of Bradford hoped to buy some new snow shoes and save the rest. As for Bradford resident Jennifer Smith Moshier, she plans on possibly purchasing new appliances.
Bradford native Ken Knox, now of the Buffalo, NY, area, plans to use the stimulus money to help out his son.
“I’m retired and will gift it to my college-age son who was a dependent last year, but isn’t a dependent in 2020,” he explained. “Since he isn’t getting an award, I’ll give him mine.”
Lastly, Bradford resident Shandra Wilson decided she wanted to part of her stimulus to benefit those working hard in the hospitality industry.
“I’ve been lucky enough to work steadily throughout the pandemic, but for years I supported myself entirely with tip money working in the hospitality industry,” she said.
“Restaurants and servers have been hit so hard, so I plan to use a portion of my stimulus to leave some hefty tips as I dine out or order take-out in the coming months.”
