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Stimulus Programs: Cash for Buyer’s Remorse? | Our Finance

This post is from GRS staff writer Adam Baker. Baker, along with his wife and 20-month old daughter, will be spending the next couple of months exploring Thailand as they continue their recent backpacking journey. Since the start of the economic slump started in 2008, the U.S. government has issued several incentive programs in an attempt to stimulate some positive movement in the economy. First,... Read moreThis post is from GRS staff writer Adam Baker. Baker, along with his wife and 20-month old daughter, will be spending the next couple of months exploring Thailand as they continue their recent backpacking journey. Since the start of the economic slump started in 2008, the U.S. government has issued several incentive programs in an attempt to stimulate some positive movement in the economy. First, came the popular $7500 tax credit for first time home buyers, which was to be paid back in $500 increments starting with the 2010 tax year. Next, they extended the credit further into 2009, increasing the limit to $8000 and removing the burden of having to pay it back over time. This past summer brought the controversial Cash for Clunkers program, which then spawned “Cash for Appliances.“ Most recently, the first-time home buyer tax credit has been extended and expanded yet again. These incentive programs have drawn everything from wild praise to heated protests. Did Cash for [...] View page