Has the stimulus program really worked? On a CTA bus this week, I heard an announcement that the CTA has used federal stimulus dollars to purchase the more energy efficient bus that I was riding. The announcement like the bus was nice, yet it had fewer seats. The stimulus plan many opine that isn’t really working has made some communities and neighborhoods focus on getting people to spend money in their own neighborhoods.
Do you spend money in your neighborhood? Money.com highlights a community that encourages people to spend $50 a month at neighborhood businesses. This isn’t a new idea, some northside Chicago communities are suggesting the same thing as well.
The general idea that has been used in Chicago is to spend $50 a month in your neighborhood. Spending $50 in your neighborhood each month can be a budget breaker unless you include the money in your budget. If you are going to the local small café or restaurant a couple of times a month and spending money that is one thing. The article also suggests there are large corporations that have adopted the slogan because their businesses are in the community. Though it is true that large businesses are a part of the community they have a greater support system for corporate owned chains. For independent owned franchises depending on how you feel, may or may not be included in your spending plan.
Who wants to spend an extra $50 a month on things they don’t really want? If you have small stores with consumable items like food or beverages in your neighborhood then the local stimulus plan can work. Also, the stores have to offer things that you would actually use and need, otherwise it’s just wasted money. A stimulus plan has to be used for things that are necessary, even if it is a local one.
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