Many states in the United States are having primary elections today. If you are in one of those states exercise your right to vote… ITS FREE!

Everywhere you turn, except today the economy has been an important news item. The stimulus package is supposed to help people, but will it really make a difference if people use it for debt?

Everything isn’t doom and gloom. Today in 24 states there is a primary election for presidential candidates but also important local races.

Today is Mardi Gras because Lent starts tomorrow.

Party while you are watching or avoiding watching the election returns.

You could be celebrating with the Superbowl XLII Champions the Giants.

According to CNN Money

Americans who would receive a tax rebate under Washington’s proposed economic stimulus legislation are most likely to use their rebate money to pay down debt, according to a consumer survey.

If you have debt, paying off your debt is an admirable thing. Since many people are in debt this doesn’t mean that this will really stimulate the economy. In the long run when people received tax “prebates” in 2001 the recession was lessened but not staved off.

This is what you can do. Get your pocket change and start putting it into a jar. Give some of it away, use some of it to pay your debt if you have any, and invest some. Doesn’t sound like it will do a lot but a lot of people do not like to carry around change. When you get enough of it, apply some to any outstanding debt, or add it to an emergency fund.

Try to live on less per day. About one-sixth of the world’s population lives on a dollar a day. Try to spend no additional money for the day. If your rent, utilities and food are paid for, then cook up a meal and enjoy. Older people do not think about the convenience of fast and quick food restaurants like many younger people do. Try to make quick and fast meals at home and you can save.

When you have a little extra money, don’t let it burn a hole in your pocket… do something constructive with it, divide it into thirds then save it, donate it and invest it.

Many economists think that we are already in a recession. That is because people have pulled back their spending. In some ways, it could be that this isn’t. By pulling in the reins and taking control of your spending you are working toward better spending habits that hopefully will last.