“My husband and I decided to spend our stimulus package on new appliances for our kitchen. It was part of a renovation we did to update a 1950’s style kitchen.” Hilary, 34, Project Manager-PublishingSalem, MA
“Bought a new hot water heater and tires for the truck both of which we desperately needed. Gave 10% to our church as a tithe because all good things come from God. “ Helen, 61, clericalZion, IL
“We used our stimulus check to help pay for a new fence that we put up in our back yard. We recently purchased a dog and are planning on children so that was a big priority for us. The check didn’t cover the entire cost of the fence, but we used $900 to cover a …
“New shed and garden plot. A storm took destroyed the old shed last year, and the garden will ease grocery bills and provide “safe” produce.” Jim, 58, lab technicianGreensburg, Pa.
“I purchased a Table and four chairs and a living room sofa with my tax refund. My boyfriend purchased an entertainment center and maintenanced his car with his.” Susan, 36, Purchasing AssociateLawrenceville, GA
“My family bought a new picture window for our New England home. The double-pane, argon filled window should help cut our heating oil costs significantly this winter (and hopefully earn us a tax credit). The rest of the cash will get put away for heating oil this winter.” Victor, 32, Engineering/Defense/DRSFitchburg, Massachusetts
“We paid off several HIGH interest loans that we had to get since I am currently out of work and hubby’s job doesn’t pay enough to meet the bills, especially since moving into our home this March. We did, however, splurge on some plants to landscape the front yard. “ Darla, 34, unemployed teacherOlathe, Kansas
“New roofing materials to replace an old roof and new bathroom fixtures/walls/tub surround/shower doors to replace water-damaged bathroom walls in a 60-year old home.” Nicole, 46, Customer Service / Data ManagementSyracuse, New York
“With our Stimulus Check, my family paid off our credit card debt. There was a tiny bit left for seeds for the garden pictured here.” Laura, 52, HomemakerCeveland, Ohio
“We moved into a new apartment but had no furniture. We used our check to buy a couch, which my cat and I sit on often. “ Nicole H, 20, College StudentProvo, Utah