What would help YOU most in this tough economy?

RIchard,
It is not what I want to but rather what I don't want to see. The "package" should not have ear marks. The special interests during a time of such severity is ridiculous. Why can't they just vote on the issue at hand??!!
Chris Huerta
St. Petersburg, Fl

What I need most is a tax break for single people. I'm not a burden on the government for any free handouts, but yet I don't get no tax breaks.

If the federal government is going to disperse tax payer money, I would like to see that money help tax payers directly. If the financial institutions who receive bail out money are mandated to lower interests rates of all existing mortgages to 1 or 2%, the monthly premiums would be drastically reduced making the payments very affordable. The homeowners would be more likely to make those payments and would have available money to spend elsewhere. THe mortgage lenders would make less profit from these loans but would not wind up with thousands of foreclosures. They would be receiving monthly payments and homeowners could stay in their homes. It would benefit all involved.
That is what I would like to see.

Robin, If the government would offer a flat rate 3 percent or lower mortgages, 15, 20, 30 year rates, the new construction housing market would pickup very quickly. Or people with a house can refinance and have a lower monthly payment, giving them more money at the end of the month. Why should the banks borrow money for zero percent and we can't.

I think giving the American people money in there pockets would help like maybe 20,000 per housewhole. People would buy cars, put down on house, buy things they need. This would put money back in the economy.

instead of bailing out the banks and automakers what about the middle class it's got to the point where you either have money or you don't .the gov't should get a handle the oil companies.whenever the price of a barrel of oil goes up it goes up at the pump but when it goes down it doesn't go down at the pump its just plain greed .

bill

What if our government gave all of its citizens a million dollars, instead of bailing out the auto industries and let the citizens decide whether or not they want to buy any new vehicles. In my opinion it would help the economy out alot faster.

Use the money to hire half of the unemployed in the U.S. to build cages for all the corrupt bankers, traders, and con artists. Once the corrupt bankers, traders, and con artists are locked up, hire the other half of the unemployed to poke them with sticks.

What about student loan forgiveness?! I just finished law school with around $77,000 worth of debt (and I worked two part-time jobs). I was lucky enough to find a way to consolidate, but I'm still stuck with a payment of almost $600 a month for the next 30 years. Though I may be biased, I believe students deserve a break more than irresponsible homeowners.

CASH IS THE ONLY THING THAT WILL HELP ME OUT THRU THIS DIFFICULT TIME AS HOURS ARE GETTING CUT BACK ON JOBS,ETC. IS THEIR ANYTHING IN THE STIMULUS FOR US HOMEOWNERS WHO ARE HAVING TO LET OTHER CREDITORS PAYMENTS GO DELIQUENT SO WE CAN MAKE OUR HOUSE NOTES...? WILL THEIR BE ANY HELP FOR SENIORS WHO ARE HAVING TO MOVE IN WITH THEIR CHILDREN DUE TO LOW INCOME AND PRICES TOO HIGH FOR THEM TO LIVE ON THEIR OWN NOW? WHATS IN IT FOR THEM?

How about taking the stimulus package and splitting it 50 / 50 between tax cuts and projects. The cuts would be larger so people might be more willing to spend at least some of it. The projects take longer to implement so they would follow the tax cuts in time to keep the effect in place. But please please make the projects worthwhile and not just mindless beautification projects but true infrastructure projects to make long overdue repairs and / or new infrastructure to ease life for citizens.

I believe payroll tax relief would be the most effective way to
stimulate the economy, maybe suspend those taxes (Fed Income, Social Security, Medicare) to those earning under $80,000 a Year, from six months to a year, this would be real economic stimulation for those who still have jobs.

For those who who have lost their jobs, first provide tax incentives
to businesses for each New full time Job Position created (Not
redesignated, Renamed Ones),

next extend or re-instate unemployment for those who are actively
seeking employment by proof of valid job applications only (done weekly)!

(Must use E-Verify to qualify for unemployment, so no illegal aliens
benefit from our stimulus package).

I qualify for the $7500 new home owner tax credit/loan. What happens if I take it, and aren't they voting now in congress on it should be a tax break or a loan.

Tax cuts or grace for small business provides revenue to reinvest in infrastructure and hire almost immediatly. Limit the cut to 1-2 years and look for results in three months vs spending billions. Most small business would invest and hire immediatly under there terms and results could be measured before commiting billions with uncertain results. I'm a small business owner.

All these stimulas packages from Bush to Obama totals around one and a half trillion dollars to bail out big business. Why not bail out the American people. Why not give that money to us. What would happen?maybe pay off our bills and pump that money back into the economy plus when buying items you pay taxes on them. Win,win situation sounds like to me. Greg, Tenn

Personally, I make over $150K/year and a tax break would probably go towards tuition and fees for my two college students.

In the package, I think that the US Government and the state governments should all invest in solar panels and CFL bulbs for every government building including the White House. Much of the cost if not all would come back in the form of lower utility bills for the Government and it would put prople to work installing them. In fact, the government could loan funds to any building owner they lease from to make the installation and should not lease any new space from any building without solar and CFLs.

I really need a job, I recently finished a 4 year degree in Accounting and Finance, have worked in a local automotive dealership until recently. They laid off several people because they closed a franchise, my biggest obstacle is either I do not have enough experience or too much. I am trying to work in the corporate or governmental arena. I really did not want to work as a CPA but I am rethinking that option.

Help with student loan repayment; whether it be in the form of forebearance without the hefty fees associated with it, or interest-only payments or payment amounts based on what I can afford to pay. Sallie Mae has become a nightmare, actually they ahve been a nightmare that I was able to keep up with until last year, and my advanced calls to them about having problems keeping up went unresolved and know I face a lawsuit and my husband (the sole provider) faces the real possibility of being laid off. We have 2 kids and I am pregnant, this is almost more then we can bear.

GIVING US MONEY WILL HELP, BECAUSE IF YOU DO GIVE TO US WE PAY BILL'S AND IT GOES BACK TO THE BANKS ANYWAY

JAMES

I just want people to know that CitiCorp Had order that plane long before we all got into financial trouble. Planes are not something you but off the shelf like a microwave oven or something, it is purchased sometimes years in advance. I don't want my tax money going for something like this either but this is one thing I have to have my say about.

It would help if Obama would make banks accountable.......For once

These politicians are out of touch. We the people who make less the $30K a year need a check w/a substantial amount in our hands to assist us. Not some little piece of candy to suck on..

When will CNN give a voice/coverage to families who are worried about paying ALL the taxes for other people who want their student loans erased, free-bee housing deals, etc. The entire country has its hand out and those of us who PAID our student loans at 12% interest, saved and bought first homes with NO help, saved and stayed out of debt are now expected to foot the bill for everybody else? Where is the accountability? We've lost half our retirement and savings for college for kids, will have higher taxes, and all because we worked hard and are responsible? What's the matter with this country? Of course, some people legitimately need help right now, but we're in this mess because of greed at the top and irresponsibility at the bottom. What's changed?

A tax cut on a paycheck only helps those currently employed and not those of us already unemployed in the short term. I have worked with people here on visas sending mega bucks to their homelands. The government should limit how much is sent out to help stop bleeding out our economy.

I'm with Cheryl. I recently changed status from married with children to single with children and took a 12,000 a year pay cut due to the tax liability for being single. Especially in these lean times it hurts.

Hi Robin. Seems to me a lot of food could be purchased for hungry folks right here in the US with the 150K those folks used to clone a dog.

A few moments ago, you shared a comment about forgiveness for student loans. THAT IS AN IDEA!
I graduated as a non-traditional student in 1996 with a degree in Animal Science/Business from OKlahoma State. I now work in a temporary appointment at the USDA. I make $27,000 a year, I still owe $20,000 on student loans. If I had the income potential of an Attorney, I would not even think about student loan forgiveness...but the $250 I pay a month out of my $1600 take home...it's a lot. It would allow me more than $45 a month to eat on after I pay the bills.

And to top this all off, my Ordained Minister Husband has just left me for a younger woman! And my temporary USDA appointment ends Feb. 28! And in this economy- will I be able to find another job?

Now to say this economy has me scared to death? That is an understatement. I have never been so frightened.

I work in a plastics factory.Or use to before i got laid off.Now I am getting so behind on my bills its not funny.Pretty soon i wont even be able to pay my electric or heat bill.We need a stimulus check so that those of us who are way behind on our bills can try to get caught up.

I'd like to see tax cuts, I'd like to see help for small businesses, I'd like to see mortgage help for people who are having problems. I want to see the banks that got money held to accountability & make sure they are doing what they were supposed to do – free up credit. Small businesses employ the lions share of this country, they help in their communities and they don't get anything – unlike the big corporations who send jobs out of the country. I don't want to see earmarks, I don't want to see frivolous projects. I want to see wasteful government spending ended – that would free up some money too. Help people work and take home a decent wage.

I would like to see the single taxpayer get a tax break. I would like to see the government add 100% tax break on health insurance and medical expenses.

I haven't heard any talk as to whether retirees will participate in this stimulus package. My parents (both in their 80's) receive Social Security checks, not paychecks........ How will they benefit from the tax-cut portion of the package?

Why not give the stimulus package to the people themselves and let them stimulate the economy. Whatever they would spend the money on would stimulate the economy. The lawmakers trying to decide what to spend it on are not in a financial bind as the common working man or woman is. If the government would give each taxpayer a percentage of the money that would be the fastest way to get this great country back on the right track.

We all need jobs created!!! But I think if we get any of the stimulus money, let's be honest and say that we're going to pay bills and get caught up. That means the money will go to the credit and oil companies and that is not helping the local economy where we need it most.

hi robin. i was just wondering my husband has been laid off for the past year. he can't get a job until he gets his GED, how will the stimulus help us . alot of people are like us. how will the president help people out that has'nt work in over aq year. i watch your show every moring. you really keep us informed on the world today. if you could please let me know about my question it sure would help me out alot. from debbie

I think what would help more than anything is rather than give 20 dollars a week tax rebate (I am already thinkjing about buying a second home on that one), why not take the 350 billion dollars and pay off those families bad mortgages rather than give the money to the banks that are already saying, "I don't know what we did with the 250 billion stimulus you gave us, it went into general funds". With the families relieved of 1000-1500 a month house payment, they could easily reinvest that savings back into upgrades on their homes, purchases for their homes or god forbid.....groceries.
I just don't really see the purpose in giving the money to people who have not only lost it once, but twice.

I have watched my income drop to almost zero over the last 3 years, being in the same industry it is hard to make a career change and at my age business can hire someone younger and cheaper. With the loss of income we have used all of our savings, cannot pay our bills and will have to file BK, also facing foreclosure.

Like many we owe more than the house is worth and we do want to keep it, we have asked for modification on our loan but Countrywide does not care, they tell us they cannot modify a loan owned by Countrywide Bank, our first is not eligble for a modifcation because even though it is an ARM it has not reset yet an will not for 4 more years.

Our problem is that we want to pay our mortgage, but our income has dropped nearly 100K, this economy will turn around and our income will go back up and things will return to normal. What we need is for our leaders to help us keep our home. Putting us out on the streets will not benefit anyone and will only prolong the problems in housing where all of the problems started.

This is our 7th home and our perfect credit of over 34 years has been ruined and we cannot refinance our mortgage and we have nowhere to turn too.

I believe the Republicans had a request for people on Social Security to receive a $300 check in their version of a Stimulas Plan. Did this not get included in the final version? We senior citizens need help also.

I think the government has really missed the boat. Give each household around $300,000 and let us stimulate the economy.

What would happen if instead of giving the money to the big businesses to buy more jets, if the money was given to the people. The money could be spent with the stipulation that mortgages must be paid, loans paid and any outstanding debt. This would give the creditors their money and isn't this what it's all about?

I think what is needed is a down payment assistance program to spur the growth of the housing market. Of course, buyers need to have outstanding credit.

Good morning.
Where is this 800 billion going? To the banks and corporations who couldn't get it done right the first time? The executives get to stay in their position yet hudreds of thousands of layoffs are occuring. What business college do these executive go to? I'd like a piece of that pie. Here's an idea, how about the feds give every mortgage holder in the US a bailout. You pay off our mortages which in turn pays the bank directly and you can even call it the Robin Meade trickle UP affect.

Steve in Syracuse

Please check out my video to help the homeless.
http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-170419

i.m not the sharpist tack in the world but i think if the country would bring some of the work back that were sending over seas it would put people back to work. and when we call in for assist we may be able to understand the person on the other end.
I'm 78 years old thank you.
Glen Kenton

Hey Robin and Richard! After losing my job at a tire plant here in Texas i start my mornings with HLN. Just wondering how the tax breaks Republican Lawmakers only talk about helps all the people who haven't a job. It's hard to benefit from low taxes when your not working and paying any wouldn't you agree.

If Obama is for CHANGE..he should take a very close look at welfare reform. There is too much abuse in this current system. One great example: Women continue to have babies while collecting welfare,much easier to pump out another child than to get an education and work.

with all of the money the government has spent on large corporations they could have given every citizen; man,woman,child, in the US 1.4 million dollars. We in the middle class would then be able to pay our bills and put money into the economy instead of being burried by it.

with the trillion dollars spent on stimulus packages the goverment could have given more than a 100,000 dollars cash to every taxpayer
i think that would certiatly stimulate the economy more than anything
"you cant eat a tax cut"
i also belive goverment should be self suporting,i have to support my family why cant they,
also why cant bigg oil be sued for proffitering during war time??
why cant george bush be tried for crimes aginst humanity,starting an unlawful war,killing more than 600,000 iraquies,wich is more than saddam ever did
why isnt there allternitive power on every goverment building (solar panels) after all we have to pay for the electricty

lol; just a few thoughts
sincerly pissed off

No earmarks, No bailouts, No Way!!! The US government doesn't need to spend billions of dollars that they don't have. If the government keeps borrowing money from other countries to, before you know it we won't even own our own country!

Has anyone met a CEO or his cronies worth their pay. Why not fire all of the high, overpaid upper adm. of the companies that are wrecking the economy and rehire them with honest people like bankers and businesspeople that have been keeping their companies afloat, with a fraction of the outragious high pay and perks. Even hire some of the new graduates for some of these roles as it seem all of the above could do much better for much less and still be grateful and not take advantage of others beneath them. Also citi shoud use the 50 million for the jet to rehire some of their people, or rather many for 50 million. Also if other companies did away with their overpaid people many others could return to the jobs they have just lost. A business degree is not like a degree in rocket science or surgery, so good ethical people to take their places should not be hard to find, not that I am putting down any degree, as I have a degree and it was not easy to accomplish under any circumstances.

i am disable how is this money going to help me ? i can not even fix my old 1993 truck

With the way that things have been I have been out of work for a year and haven't paid my second mortgage in a year. So it is serously affecting me because I may lose my house. I have had to get help with my utilities. It would help alot if I could find a job. I live in Manitowoc, WI and there really isn't anything here, so we are looking to relocate to Green Bay.

A Tax break for "the little people;" those of us living on social security with little else to help us. Even the price of dried beans has practically doubled in the past few years!

Some of this bail out money needs to go to the unemployment offices around the country. Give it to the unemployed workers, not the crooks running failing companies, like AIG, AND OTHERS

I really don't know what would help the most.This whole thing started a chain reaction.It will take time to get it all going again.Everyone appears to be afraid of a total economic collapse.So banks continue not to loan businesses money.Because of the cut back in general overall spending, prices of a great many things have gone up to try to keep businesses income high enough to stay in business and keeping people employed.For many, it is job cuts.I worked for a company that Sony sent some of it's CD and DVD packaging to.They will be shut down Saturday.Sony will be trying to handle it all at their plant.So for now I am unemployed.I am a seinor citizen but not old enough to retire.There are no jobs where I live.I had worked most of my life as a body and frame tech on automobiles and when the dealer ships slowed on car sales and people began to spend insurance money on bills instead of getting their car fixed, Body shops cut way back and many have gone out of business.Here they have skeleton crews and are not hiring.So I took a job for a lot less money in factory production.and now it closes.So I mean where do you begin and what one thing is needed most?It all needs to be fixed pronto but since that is impossible we will have to wade through this.My wife does taxes and this is tax season so she is working and we are just getting by,barely.One more problem and we will go under.I just hope the government gets it straightened back out.

As a teacher and a small business owner (yes, I have two jobs), I'm doing better than I've ever done in my life. My school system is talking about giving us teachers a couple of furlough days (inservice days off without pay) to save money for the system, though.

Ithink housing is the quickest way to fix the economy when a new home is constructed that money circulates 7 times in that city before it goes to the corporate Gods. The giving money to government projects it will fuel an already corrupt government. I think the government should take all the foreclosed homes and allow anyone that can pay for them the chance to own a home. I don't think credit should matter but if that person doesn't miss a payment and cleans his credit up if it isn't good reward them for doping good with $50,000 I just picked a number but we are rewarding the fox that ate the chicken so to speak by bailing out the banks and then trusting him to watch the chickens again. We need to help those who are doing right not the ones with feathers n their mouth

A JOB

How about cutting interest rates on student loans? Everyone is so worried about the interest rates on mortgages, but I am now $170,000 in debt thanks to law school, and I have private loans that have a 12% APR. That is just outrageous! I'm only 25 years old, but the way things are looking, I'll be 50 before I pay these loans off! Students are the future of this country, and everyone is concerned about the country's education. How about taking a look at what happens to our students AFTER school?

My daughter has $58,000 in student loans, she has a Bachelors in Music Education, but she was too poor after college to get her teaching certificate, so she is working in a Veterinary Office for $10.00 an hour, would be nice if those not working in their educated field could get excused from their loans,or even partially, I mean she can't even pay on the bill.

We have heard that the economy will get a little worse before it gets better. I think we will have to ride it out, what other choice do we have? But I think we will need to see a turn around in something soon, before Americans forget about that hope they have right now. Hang tight fellow Americans.

I am a homeowner that purchased my home back in 2006. I was lead to believe that when my 2 year arm kicked in I would be able to refinance my house with no problem.
Now I am in a situation I am unable to get out of. My monthly payments have gone up along with my other bills. I am just holding on by my teeth at this time.
I am waiting for the promise of help for homeowners like myself that was promised under the Bush administration as well as under Obama's campaign.
So far I am frustrated that the only help is for 1st time homebuyer's, not the people that are currently in foreclosure or the people that may wind up in that situation in a few more months.
I know that even if a bill was passed today to help those in foreclosure it will still take months or even a year before it trickles down to those in trouble. By that time it may be too late to help!

I would lower speed limit to 62 mph this would lower gas prices and help make every day things more affordable!

I think each household needs to receive a stimuls of about 60-80k to get this economy going. As I did not get to spend my last "TINY" stimulis because like most americans, due to this wonderful tax bracketing, we owed the IRS.(they kept it, so we did not even really benefit from it) But in all honesty we need more than $600.00 per person to get this economy going. I also think if they do decide to give each household a stimulis, half should be given in check which could be spent on anything, including bills, and the other half should be sent via plastic and made to be spent out in this economy rather than utility bills, etc. Have a good day Sunshine!

I would love to get back to work.I build houses for the rich a shameless in Sun Valley Idaho.

The single biggest problem in this country is the continuous loss of manufacturing. We cannot survive by allowing manufacturing jobs to go to foreign countries and use US dollars to buy the products they produce. The government should impose regulations/tarriffs. taxes. etc. to stop companies which have become rich in this country from taking away our livlihood and expecting our support through the purchase of their products.

I think there needs to be a push to educate people. If you make less than $30,000.00 in 2009 – you obviously need a new profession. A person ( let alone a family) can not live off that. Get the government to help people go back to school ( for free) and teach them something useful. With a 2 yr nursing degree – my sister makes $60,000/yr part time! With a 2 yr paralegal degree a friend makes $47,000/yr. People need to quit getting free money from the government in the form of stimulis checks and get something that can sustain them in the long term. And there ARE jobs out there – they just require and education.

It's kind of sickening to hear of all these millionaires getting MILLIONS if not BILLIONS for their corporations or companies. Why not just give it to the citizens of this country, to pay off debt and bills. If I'm not mistaken, couldn't every U.S. Citizen over the age of 18 get a check of somewhere in the neighborhood of $200,000 each? Because of the economy, especially here in Michigan, there has been no jobs because of MULTIPLE REASONS! I'd RATHER have a job but thank GOD I'm getting a big $250 a week unemployment benefits, but how long will THAT last! We've recently turned OFF our furnace, just to save money on our heating bill! I can't AFFORD a $200 a month heat bill! Taxpayers need the money. We need across the board tax cuts immediately in this country! U.S. CITIZENS need help, not illegal immigrants or people from other countries! HELP US NOW!

I can't believe that we bail out CEO's who drove their compaines into the ground and robbed honest citizens of their retirements. Who know the bail out coming ,and then gave themselves and other excutives major bounses and then bailed. Now, like rats they are fleeing wall street and heading for points south. The FBI and the Federal Security and Exchange comm. should be hunting them down and freezing all their assests. Like madoff they trying to bury all their money with wives and family members. These men are more criminal and dispicable than most of the criminals in Jail now. It appears to me that Washinton is turning a blind eye to all of them . As I write this more and more Ponzi scheme's are coming to light and I bet there are thousands more out there. Madoff was exposed ten years ago. Now the SEC says they don't have the abilty to track them all down so I suspect that these theifvies will get away with this.

the big problem with the goverment bale out projects is most of the jobs will be given to hispanics. anyone who has passed by a job can seethis me how this is going to help america if most of this money is going south of the border

what would help is to get back to work in the oil feilds i weld pipeline's as soon as OBAMA was elected all pipe line company's got scared layed every one off 1000's of job's and it's getting worse we had new line's to lay and old one's to bring up to date they have all been put on hold we don't need money for new job's just the money to keep our old one's we have plenty of oil and natural gas here LET'S KEEP IT IN AMERICA

I totally disagree with these people wanting their mortgages paid off with a bail out.. So many have already lost their homes. That would not be fair. Everyone needs a piece of this "bail out" pie. Not just the Ceo's who continue to think that they can do this over and over again!!

I think we have to stop talking about how bad things are, and start to be part of the solution, talkin' about solutions, not the problem,

Fear is a great part of this situation.

We have cut back. When shopping we go shopping for food we go to the salvage grocery store. Example Chi an oil you buy at beauty salons to put on hair before straightening cost a little under $30 I purchased for $3. For Christmas I purchased a second hand store a leap frog toy for my child that cost $16 for for $5. Plastic containers used for storage I don't buy. I clean old mayo jars/plastic containers and label them and store home made pancake mixes. Going back to the basics and spending more time in the kitchen. Homemade veg soup w/ heart shape peanut butter and jelly makes meals fun for the children. I have spent time looking up basic/simple receipes. We are drinking more water...which is healthier for you less senseless snacking and more sensable. A good idea is to get w/ friends and family and buy in bulk, clip coupons, call around for seasonal produce and pick and can in quantity. Each individual gets their own colored towel so when done drying off after bathing you are already clean and can reuse more than once. We are thinking of selling our home because we already own land w/ cabin. Why have an extra bill. Income tax will be put back for several months house payments in case one of us or both get laid off. Trips to the library provide free books and movies. We save money by More family time w/ cousins giving the children more play time and memories that will last. We have more drastic measures to save money if we have to. Examples cutting off cell phones, cable...things you can live w/out.

I SUGGEST A TAX CREDIT ON ALL PURCHASES OF USA MADE PRODUCTS. MANUFACTURERES COULD REGISTER WITH THE STATE AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AND BE ASSIGNED A REGISTERED NUMBER IDENTIFYING EACH PRODUCT.

Student debt forgiveness is the best idea if heard. I'm 23, living in michigan w/ $30,000 of student loan debt. Working two part-time jobs to stay alive and using my education only as a consultant for elderly homeowner; only because no one is hiring. Student loan forgiveness will allow those with education, with the potential of higher income to spend our money on other things besides our loans.

For companies and investors to understand that they need to stop laying off jobs. Most companies are profitable and would remain profitable even if they kept these employees. The REAL problem is that companies and Wall Street believe that companies MUST make a certain level of profitability and if they don't, their stock value drops! Why! It's times like this where we need companies to understand that they might just need to break even in order for the economy and country to survive this recession. Why isn't anyone talking about this?????

This is a shout out about the President's stimulus package. Our house hold budget is not doing well. I am disabled and unable to work. My wife works three jobs. My son works parttime at Sears and is getting good grades in his third year in college. My sister in law is living with us after she lost everyting during her battle with canceer. We are beind about a thousand dollars a months. Our overall income is 39,000.oo per year. We have been married 27 years, I love my wife. She has two lumps on her arm that keep her up much of the night. She told me she cannot afford to go to the doctor because the is no money. This has been our lots for a few years now with not enought money.
I think this desprestion will last at lest six years or more for everyone. what do you think about the ecomony? Please, check out my art work under my name on http://www.fineartamerica.com
Love your news Robin Meade

I have a question. When i got in a bind managing my money w/ college loans w/ fluctuating interest rates or to many credit cards w/ to high of interest rates when i was younger no one bailed me out. I picked up another job or did without. The big companies I called for help w/ lowering interest rates, dropping late fees, etc. no one wanted to help. But I think its funny how now we are helping those big companies and bailing them out.
What is being done to change how creditors run their business-giving loans out that they know are way above your means or w/ such high interest rates( a limit would be nice). Not everyone knows what questions to ask until its to late. Example when you go to pay a loan off and you did not know if it was an interest first loan. You think you are going to pay it off early avoiding all the interest but only to find that the interest for the full term is added on first .

Bailout is necessary, most jobs are going away, the government will end up taking care of the people with other services like Unemployment benefits and food stamps. Those blocking the bailout of the companies are completely out of touch with their constituents, they need to leave Washington DC and come home to see reality and talk to the people losing their jobs. I just lost my job iwas doing for 15 years.

I am almost 64 and recently fired because my boss had a friend that needed a job. As a nursing home Administrator there arent many jobs in Wyoming. I am too close to retirement for companies to hire. I have been looking for a job since Nov without luck. Wyoming has a low unemployment rate but all the employment is in the oil fields for younger workers. There will be no extention of unemployment rates without federal mandate and people close to retirement fall through the cracks. I have worked for over 50 years and this is all new to me. I would like the Feds to look at all states to assist with unemployment and not overlook the demographics of the unemployed work force.

I own a small family business selling childrens products and the bad economy is killing us. What we struggle with is losing our business to online retailers who don't have to charge tax. When we show and service the products it is frustating when "we saw it online, free
shipping no tax" When people are looking to save and are buying a
$300-$500 stroller, that tax adds up and we lose the sale. The simple act of collecting tax on internet sales would help the small business greatly and it would be a help to the states that could be benefiting from that sales tax. I know consumers are supposed to send in sales tax to their state when they buy online but come on, who does that? Also, because, we are self-employed and if we are forced to go out of business after 25 years, we can't even collect unemployment! Give
the small business owners a tax break!

What would help me. If they put more of that money into my pocket.
The elected officals in Washington act as though we don't know what do with the money if they gave it to us. Let me tell you , I would put food on my table for my family. No big screen tv for me . I just might put oil in my fuel tank out side my trailer home to keep my family warm. Yes, I might even pay some bills that are falling behind. Stupid me. No I wouldn't buy a cadillac, or a chevy right now because I don't know how long my job might last. I just want to be warm. I want my family to have food on the table the next time I sit down to eat. I know when you are sitting in the White House and you know where everything is coming from it's hard to see the little guy living in up state New york along the Canadian border. I don't want 850 billion, But, I have to wait six months to see $1,000 or a year. That will do nothing except kill my family, I can't wait for the goverment to spend 850 billion dollars and hope that I might get a job or the wait and hope that the thousands of projects our beloved President has proposed will work. I don't millions of Americans can wait either, $1;000 won't help any of us. It will not even caught up what is already gone pass due. Yet , the president wants us to wait for Wall street and Major industry to get back on its feet . In what two years ten years, I will be dead before they get off their back sides and decide Oh we are sorry we did'nt react soon enought I guess we the American people are expendable.

First I would buy plane tickets for all the CEO's that have asked for bail out money and fly them to some third world company. Take their passports away so that they can not return to the USA. You can throw in in the oil execs's also.
Then replace them with kids who have just graduated from college and limit their compensation to no more than one million dollar's per year for the rest of their career's. I would also put a cap of 3% on all mortgage and credit card interest present and future. People would then have some money left over to spend.

Credit is the problem. If you don't have you cannot do anything and nobody will talk to you no matter how much money you have. How many of us got good credit by the time we finish college?
Credit system need to be looked at seriously.
When foreigners comes here fresh, they get all kind of loans easier than the regular American. That is why most businesses are owned by foreigners. When they decide to leave, we end up unemployed.

I think that the government should create more jobs with the stimulus package. Since there are a lot of people out there that does not have jobs and can't make ends meet. I also think that the companies that are knocking on your doors because you maybe late on paying your bills should look at the economy and see that we are having tough times making ends meet and give us more time to make the payments. Just like I read in the news that an older man died becacuse he could not pay his electric bill and his electricity was turned off. Would the workers for these companies do this to there on homes. I also think that the companies that are getting the money should not use it to go and make big stupid purchases like airplanes and ball parks. We all need to come together in this time of need.

My solution to the economy? I work in Wyoming for an irrigation company. (no permanent layoffs, farmers always need water). When it gets cold, we don't run water...so I live in a trailer and move to Arizona for 3 months. It's cheaper than heating bills and no mortgage!

Robin, I am so sick of how politic is so corrupted. It is not FAIR when individual politician do wrong and get away with it! Where is the logic in letting a person who doesn't pay taxes for a couple of years be in charge of the United Sates Treasury? If any of us neglect to pay taxes the IRS would not leave us alone.

to help the real consumer, why doesn't the government make the banks and credit card people stop all their fees for a time and let us really pay off our debts. This would free up REAL money to spend.

To quote a man of great integrity: "It's NOT what my country can do for me, but what YOU can do for your country!" (JFK)

I don't mind paying taxes, but to what point? Congress and the House are responsible for this mess so why don't they take a pay cut? Giving money to failed companies such as the car makers does nothing more than reinstitute failed policies.

I have an idea: LOWER HOUSING PRICES, CAR PRICES AND ENERGY COSTS! The government could subsidize energy costs....that would help everyone. DUH!!! I hate to be disrespectful, but after hearing the comments made about our President by the congressional leaders, they've earned that one. To bad they won't listen to the PEOPLE with their high and mightiness.

While there are millions who deserve help, there are also millions who are in the situation they are in due to their own actions. I have no sympathy for those who have financed their lifestyle for years with borrowed money. I own my own home morgage free, and have always paid all my bills on time and in full.... It is called living within your means.

Freeze credit cards top rate at 20%. One of my cards recently went to 36% and I have never been late on it. (Advanta)

This costs the government $0 and will really help people.

If payroll taxes are reduced, how will this help the unemployed who have no payroll taxes.

Hi,

Love the show. What would help: 1. Each company that is handed a bail out buck should have to freeze ALL salaries and unnecessary spending. 2. The company has to pay back the money lent to them for this bailout. 3. CEO's do not receive any bonus/ gift money until the company is solvent and showing a profit for the entire year. 4. Monthly reports to the American people on spending and achievements should be given to the print media so that we have an idea of what they are doing to get back on track.

Foreclosures: Calf. has a gentleman state: Give tax incentives to buyers who will buy the foreclosed homes.

I know what the question was about but this is what I am afraid of; having the company do the same ole same ole thinkg and our government agreeing to this process.

Sandy

I'm not sure how these packages can help the average guy. I am the average guy, let me show you.

* I own my home. It's upside down by 200,000.00
* I was laid off my corporate job in 06 that I had for 13 years.
* At the time I could easily afford my home.
* I had a mix of self employment and w2 jobs since layoff
* I extended myself on credit to survive and keep my family in their home and to pay bills.
* I owe the IRS 7500 in 05 taxes that i'm making monthly payments on.
* The 08 stimulus credit went to my back taxes, i know owe 5500.00
* I'm married with 3 children, my wife is a stay at home mom.
* My savings, 401K and pension have been depleted.
* I had to return my truck because i could not afford it anymore.
* I was forced to miss a mortgage payment to be considered to have my loan remodified. (that does NOT make sense)

So, my credit is not worthy. I have no savings. My home is upside down and I'm living paycheck to paycheck.

So what's the answer? I now have to pay for a bail out package that is genuinely not going to touch my family.

I couldn't sell my home if i wanted too. Now, i can't buy a new home with my credit the way it is... so.... now what?

Okay, enough complaining...

I will rise out of this. I will once again develop a business or income that will take care of my family. I will have a savings again. I will pay for college for my children.

But based on what i've seen. I will also bail out the irresponsible businessmen and politicians with my future taxes but I will bail myself out with hard work and time.

Brian.

I Totally agree with Melisa / Becky / William on this...I am a Democrat but I also think that is why a lot of Dems are turning towards being an Independent, because of the "pork" in those new laws they vote on.

Btw / @ James.....You must be living in the wrong area.....I have traveled most of Texas, and the money is flowing like water here..
They are Building & Building and putting in more housing / Starbucks are going IN , & a lot of Malls are being built....

We’re in the middle of the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. Voters made it clear they’re sick and tired of partisan warfare in Washington. Is anybody listening?

Maybe if the House and the Senator's took a pay cut, it might tell main Street people that we are all on the same TEAM.
And that we all are doing our part to make it better.

Thank You

I Totally agree with Melissa and Becky on this one....

Anyone that purchased a home with an ARM knowing that when it did adjust they could not pay the mortgage,should count their loses.They are as much as fault as the shifty lender. Those that could afford the rate but lost their jobs should receive help. People say "just print some money a hand it out we will pay the bills". That would be easy but devastating to the dollar,we would be in worse shape. I to have been laid-off {in Florida} but guess what..This weekend I*m headed to TX where a job is waiting on me. I do not want to leave Florida but i*m doing what it takes to live. Do not expect OBAMAS plan to help anyone in a life changing way anytime soon. You are AMERICANS start acting like it and stop waiting for government welfare!

Good morning,
We’re in the middle of the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. Voters made it clear they’re sick and tired of partisan warfare in Washington. Is anybody listening?

Maybe if the House and the Senator’s took a pay cut, it might tell main Street people that we are all on the same TEAM.
And that we all are doing our part to make it better. If this came about
I think Main street people would feel better.

Good Morning Robin,

What would help me most Robin? A job. I dont need a handout, bailout, or mortgage rate help. Just a job.

I have been laid off from my construction admin job in SW Florida for many months. A irony to even say "housing construction" and Florida in the same sentence. After sending out literally hundreds of resumes, after unemployment ran out . . .fearful of losing my home . . . I said goodby to my home, set the alarm, got in my car and drove 2 days to my brother in another state (where I could stay for minimal money) and found a temporary job that barely allowed me to continue my mortgage payments and still eat. Tho that lost its importance and I lost nearly 30 pounds : ) Needless to say, the temp job came to an end and here I am back in Florida and scared to death. Wondering how it came to this.

A date with Robin Meade would help alleviate the stresses of these tough times.

No, I'm just kidding. A tax break and a job (or job security) would help me most, I believe. I like to work, and pay my bills. I do not wish to resort to slanging crack.

Hey fellow 'Cool Kids'! I'm surprised that in all of the above comments I just read, no one mentioned Health Care? Here's my 'story', in short, LOL (not my forte). I am currently on SSD. I became disabled (mentally, mostly) beginning in the fall of 2004. Was 'let go' from my job just before Christmas of that year! In 2005, I SOMEHOW survived with NO INCOME, owning my home, which went into foreclosure ,a nasty and protracted divorce with ALL debt in my name alone! *Hint* You don't just marry a person, you 'marry' their CREDIT history!
Yes, I too, was out there pounding the pavement applying for jobs, willing to take anything! Kids, here's the rub... I was DENIED two specific jobs because of my Credit Rating! The 'funniest' one was a delivery driver for Krispy Kreme Donuts! Kids, I was anorexic at the time... how much SAFER could their Donuts be?! So, while awaiting the Disability Descision (which finally came, in appeal, in 8/08!) I worked a couple of different part time jobs, because I had (forgive me Lord) gotten 'used' to having a roof over my head. And yes, I live in a low-income housing community, in a tiny apartment that I am TRULY grateful for!
Okay, to the issue of the Health Care connection. I am 47 "calendar" years old, with both a personal and family history of SEVERE heart disease. Once the Divorce was finalized, in 2007, my 'healthcare coverage' ended. Here in SD the 'rules' for Medicaid (for example) are only for children, or DETERMINED Disabled people with minimal income! Because my Disability Claim was still 'pending'; I didn't qualify! Another reality, at least here in SD, is with regard to low income housing. It is just that, LOW income, not NO income; to qualify.
Anyway, after the protracted and ugly 3+ year 'battle' with SSA, as I've said, I was adjudicated in August, 2008! Praise the Lord! Remember this is about HEALTH CARE? Like in "Preventative 'maintenance'"?You guessed it; exactly one week after the "Psych" Disability determination, I had my first heart attack! The only 'treatment' for this particular anomaly? Implant a Pacemaker! Oh sure, I'll just put that on my.,. Debit Card? Currently, I am continuing to 'battle' with SSA on my Medicare Part B eligibility, which will also be retroactive to May 2007!
You guessed it, the Medical Providers are not 'waiting'; at least one of them from the Cardio Event has already turned my account to collection and just added more dollars to the claim! Argh. It's that same 'snowball effect' that also has me currently approximately $50,000 in credit card debt, with ridiculous interest and now legal fees that there is no way on God's Green Earth these lamo companies are going to be able to collect! Usury Law! That's for another Blog! Be well America and hang in there!

why not give taxpayers a substantial stimulul amount, such as $3000-$5000 each and let them pay up past mortgage payments, buy new cars, buy something they need or want, wouldnt that stimulate the economy better than giving it to the banks and auto makers to squander on frivolous things like new jets, redecorating offices etc. ?
It would be an immediate return to stimulate the economy.

I HAVE BEEN WATCHING THE NEWS ALL MORNING, AND IT DISGUSTS ME TO EVEN "HEAR" A REPUBLICAN SPEAK!!! THEY CARE ABOUT NOBODY BUT THEMSELVES!!! SURE, THEY THINK OBAMA SHOULD "LEND" MONEY OUT, NOT GIVE!!! BECAUSE THATS THEIR WAY!!! THEN WILL COME BACK WITH INTEREST TO THEIR POCKETS!!!I AM ON DISABILITY, AND HAVE WORKED FOR 30 YEARS, WITH ONLY (3) JOBS!!! I WOULD SAY THATS A PRETTY GOOD RECORD, AND NOW I NEED HELP, AND YES I NEED ANOTHER STIMULUS CHECK TO HELP ME PAY SOME MEDICAL BILLS BEFORE I HAVE TO HAVE ANOTHER SURGERY IN MAY!!! THE REPUBLICANS OF COURSE ARE GOING TO VOTE AGAINST THIS THEY ARE NOTHING BUT MONEY HUNGRY, RICH FOLKS WHO CARE ABOUT NOBODY BUT THEMSELFS!!! I AM A "DEMOCRATIC" AND ALWAYS HAVE BEEN, AND THE STORY IS,, LIKE MY DAD WHO WAS A PHYSICIAN TOLD ME, THEY ARE FOR THE POOR, REPUBLICANS ARE ALWAYS OUT THERE FOR THE RICH!!! DON'T EVER FORGET IT!!!

I am doing much better then a lot of people, but soon I will be in an ARM mortgage. They are not doing anything for the people that are making there payments and want to refinance but cannot because my house will not appraise at what I owe. It is not that I do not make my payments but I want to continue to be able to make my payments. I have tried multiple times with different companies and they will not even discuss it with me. This is what is worrying me. I know it is not where a lot of people are but thank God I started a financial plan with Dave Ramsey before things got really bad and now we are ok.

Here is a stimulus SOLUTION that would work RIGHT NOW and for ALL AMERICANS across the country, and it would not give money to businesses or organizations that don't need to be getting tax payers hard earned money, since this solution would allow taxpayers to give money to whomever they want...if they want to at all.

No federal tax anymore...and make it retro effective for 2008. Immediately, everyone could file their returns and get back all the tax money they paid into the federal gov't last year. Talk about a fast economic stimulus!

boost what is that military bases have plenty of work now but even though the money is inplace for the jobs there all on hold wonder why if peaple have no money they cant spend it.....

Put the money in the hands of the people, you know like (We the people...
If we spent it we would stimulate the economy. If we saved it, the banks would have more money to give credit to others. I wish some financial person would look at this and just say this might work or why it won't.

When I got laid off 11 months ago I knew my world was going to change dramatically however, I never imagined how bad things could get so quick. As a single mom and having the only income in my household I’ve had to not only face coping with being unemployed but also with the residual effects that I never expected. Like many families the mortgage, utilities and food come first when you’re only income is unemployment. The credit cards, well that’s a pipe dream right now. My credit score went from being in the 600’s to having every credit account closed on me because I can’t make the payments. I had to go to the state for Medical insurance for my daughter (still a minor) and myself, of course state plans will not cover therapy for the depression that has since set in since my world changed. Sometimes you feel like the Lone Ranger but you have to keep going even if it’s one hour at a time. Although I have yet to see a light at the end of the tunnel I haven’t given up yet. If anything I've been forced to make changes which have really helped and might help you too!! I listed them below.

1. I had the mortgage re-modified by going from a 30yr loan to a 40yr with a lower interest rate.
2.Downgraded cable, internet, phone and cellular service plans.
3.Sold off most of my jewelry. (That was not easy)
4.Clipping coupons and watching the sale papers at the grocery store.
5.Sold my car. (Couldn’t afford it anymore) (Not good when you need it to get to an interview however those are scarce and getting worst) I don’t recommend this to anyone that doesn’t have to but in my case almost everything we need is within walking distance. We do walk a lot!!
6.I registered with our township for X-mas gifts for my daughter. (It was either that or nothing)
7.Registered at the local food pantry. (We don’t use it much but when we need it, it’s there.

Thank you for letting me share some of my world with you….

I drive a 2007 Ford Taurus. I was proud of the fact that I drive an American made car. However, I have now been told that it needs $1,500.00 worth of repairs. I am not happy that my relatively new car should need that kind of work done. I would like to continue to support OUR economy but I'd also like for my hard-earned $$ to purchase a reliable product. What will Ford do for me?

give 100,000.00 toall tax payers at a third of the cost of the money left and not print any more all so citi group jet back out cost 100s of jobs and money to pass around...

Robin, I am 80 years old and most of my elderly friends depend as I do on Social Security and our hard earned savings which are rapidly disappearing as prices for things we need go thru the roof . What is in Obama's stimulis package for us? We are not on any payroll to get tax cuts, and already face cutting down on food and heating. Please help us by asking this question so loudly on your show that it will get the attention of our Congress before they pass this bill. Thank you. We seniors enjoy your show.

You have been asking how the economy is effecting us. We live in Wyoming with many resources in oil, gas & coal. Work was booming until the bank crisis and oil prices falling. The more gov't controll we have on drilling and coal the less we work and the less taxes we pay to support the big tax base needed to fund all of these bail outs. I say tell the gov't to let us build our businesses with less regulation and more tax breaks, let us work our land and restore it. These things things will bring more work, which provides more jobs which generates more taxes to build a tax base to pay for all these gov't bail outs.
Now all we need is a money manager in Washington to manage our hard earned dollars we pay in. They need to stick to a budget, spend on only what they can afford, pay off debt & have a saviings. Now isn't that what we learned money management 101. If it works for our personal finances, why can't it work for the gov't. Pretty simple!

825 billion with no guarantee that all this this spending will work is scary. Maybe the government should give every american household 1 million dollars each to spend on their bills and save the remaining 824billion. People will pay their bills and spend some of this money and maybe this will stimulate something

Congress and the IRS to reinstate tax deduction for interest paid on credit cards. That would put more cash into the consumer's pocket.

I'm curious why the public hasnt taken action over AIG and all the others we the tax payers have bailed out by protesting out in front of these scandals companies and put a stop to this. I WANT MY MONEY BACK!! or a million $$ bonus as well.

I have trouble finding medical care because of IDENTITY THEFT. It would be easy to STOP , if banks required a photo id. to open a new account or card. Yes this would mean no new cards issued over the internet, but would greatly reduce id theft!

It is easy to make a snow ball rolling it down hill but it is really tough to make rolling UP HILL . In other words the little guy needs a job he gets paid and buys >>>groc., clothing, autos, tvs<<<< and so on, thus creating demand witch should create more jobs to meet demand . Why am I telling you you know how it works . Up hill battle and it never ever rolls in a straight line and gets heaver as you go. So the more little guys you have helping the easy er it should be. But first take money away from A I G and give to small buisness owners to keep there employ's and maybe even higher more. Seems A I G is the hole in the dike and requires a lot more than a finger to plug it. Unless you use the middle finger to say no more A I G in fact pay back what you have been given so far. Then disappear!!!

Morning Robin...we here in ski country have taken the economic hit also...our managers have cut back hours rather than jobs...I am working 4 (8) hour shifts now and just barely meeting my budget, but we're OK for the moment...a stimulus check (like the last Bush stimulus) deposited in my checking account would serve as a buffer and a comforter when I look at my account every morning on the net, though I will probably not run out and buy a flat screen TV...I tend to believe "my glass is half full, rather than half empty"...

Please tell people about 2010 Census jobs available. They can start w/ a brochure available @ public libraries or on line by searching 'census jobs'.

Thanks,
Pat

Robin!!

Why is no one talking about all these companies dumping our jobs in the U.S. and rehiring for the same positions overseas?? Check Microsoft they are hiring for 5000 positions in the Philippines! All the same positions they laid off in the U.S. It's not about the economy it's an excuse to get cheap labor

Money will not help . recovery will only occur when the government does a complete spring cleaning, Congress must put its houses in order, honor the bill of rights and follow there hearts not our wallets.

Enough is enough with all the money going out to the "AIG Field day fund." The fastest, cheapest way out of this is to bail the people out. $325 million or 1 mill to every actual taxpayer, would have solved all this months ago, but again the dufuses we elect just don't get it...

One last comment..STUDENT loans. So you want the government to forgive your student loans.. you are so annoying. You were in college,while I*ve been busting my butt for years.Instead of blowing a horn or painting you should have obtained a degree that would provide. No college and a 83,000.00 a year job and I worked hard for that money. Believe me it took years to make that kind of money but I worked hard and earned every penny.Stop crying and get to work.Stop asking for hand outs take responsibility for your own actions. Your bail out request will effect me in the long run and I*m tired of supporting the system.

the gop is worried the stimulus money won't get out quick enough? then why are they slowing the process down? i really do not think obama could have done anything to make them agreeable. they are stuck in their old ways, with persistence from obama change may happen. i agree with most of the stimulus. if money is given to private businesses, the same old problem will come around. if the government is in charge then more will be distributed fairly. maybe we got in this mess because people are greedy, selfish and forgot how to get ahead by being ethical and caring about others.

On the bailout, instead of giving more money the government needs to step in an divide up all accounts between insurance companies that have prooven successful over 50 to 100 years and let employees also divide up between those companies and kick the upper management to unemployment which would save would save some money $450.000 in bonuses not to mention the expensive parties for the upper management .

Greg Scott

Does the Republican Party have to become extinct for it to understand that Americans have had enough their do nothing, block any idea attitude toward average Americans. I have not heard a single new idea from this party in years.

What would help some is the willingness of creditors to work with those that are unemplyed. I have been unemployed for less than a month, and am amazed that creditors will not help at all with any payment plans unless your account is 60 days or more past due!!! Those that are trying to be proactive and work with creditors before it affects their credit are the ones being hurt, and the ones who are late on and past due on their accounts are the only ones getting help. Isn't their something wrong with this picture? Maybe I should just be a deadbeat!!

I would like to see more help with student loans. The interest rates on these loans are causing payments to be way too high! With professions like nursing now requiring a Bachelors for entry level and Masters for Management, who can afford to advance in their career if they can't get money to go to school. Many nurses cannot get financial aid because they "make too much", but can't afford to repay the high student loan payments either.

In my opinion I think, the bail out is a mistake. There r approx. 800m
people in the U.S., 3/4 r familys, I know this would sound funny, but why not give that money back 2 the people, 4 example, every family gets enough money 2 pay off all there credit, which includes, cars, credit cards, home mortgages, everything, + $25,000.00 cash back. but this has 2 b in understanding that the will b used 4 paying off debts, except 4 the $25.000 cash back. all the Mortgage co., loan co's.
Busness loans etc. will b paid back and the moneis will be placed back into the economy.. and basicly cost less, than what the gov. would put out 4 these big corp. that will use the money 4 personel agendas, we would b basicly starting our financial system over.. I Respect President Obama, But if he wants 2 b remembered as a g8t President and really introduce a change. Then Give it back 2 the people and give the a chance 2 really live the American Dream .. President Barack Obama will indeed he a HERO God Bless America
Thankyou C.E.Garrett

I would like to see them eliminate all the unnecessary spending in the new stimulus package

I tried to do my part to stimulate the economy but they wanted more-more-more
It appears to me that Chrysler doesn't want to sell their vehicles! Last Friday after hearing about the "deeper discounts" they would be offering, I went to the local five-star dealership to take a look. Finding the truck I wanted we negotiated a price- however they said if I waited until Monday the "new" pricing would save another $1500- great! Monday comes, I return to the dealer and after "redoing the numbers" not only is the truck NOT $1500 less, it's almost $2500 more for the same exact vehicle I test drove three days earlier! Can someone please explain this insanity? By the way, I already contributed to the first bailout and therefore didn't feel compelled to stimulate Chryslers economy by over paying. Keeping my hard earned cash- THAT stimulated me!

Is your government really this stupid? Handing out money only helps until that money runs out. The underlying problem is still there. Stop the banks and other companies from sending our jobs overseas so that Americans can get those jobs, pay their morgages, buy things and pay taxes. Then you have a fix. Talk to Jamie Dimon at JPMorgan Chase.. Tell him to stop sending thousands and tens of thousands of jobs to India and the Phillipines and then we'll have jobs here for our own people. What good is sending jobs overseas going to do if your customers here at home have no jobs and therefore no money to put in your bank? While you're at it, ask him what happened to the money the government gave him. People, stop putting your money into businesses thats end jobs overseas.

I work in automotive, almost 25 yrs. Work started slowing down, then layoffs. Having to work in other departments for less pay. Now the company wants to reopen contract and take 10 percent more away. I have a single income and barely making it now, let alone take a $5 pay cut. They also want to take 1 year of our pension away. The company says if they don't do this they will have to close the doors. This will be voted on by the employees, if it passes I will lose my home. I can't believe President Obama plan passed. $500. tax credit for single--Oh boy what will I do with the extra dollar a week. Sick of being raped by the government. If so many people are struggling why take so much away from us in taxes. Our income can't support the rising costs of everything. Now I will be making an income that I made 15 years ago. WHAT THE HELL!!!!

Banks get a double dip. The stimulus package gives the tax payer $1000. That's it, what a joke... Meanwhile the banks get billions or tax payer dollars. Why don't they just give us our taxes back to pay down our debt to the banks this way everyone comes clean... Not just the banks.

This is to : " Debra " who was typing in Capital letters....I understand what you are saying, and it's true, they are for Big Business / Large Corporations / and so on......But another thing that they don't know is that for some odd reason, they (the Republicans) think they were the ones that landed on plymouth rock, and "they" are the ones that made the wheels spin, manufactured things and for some odd reason they think that they were the ones who "sweated" to make this country as great as it once was..... I agree wih you....

i've been working in the automotive area for over 16 years and the the one thing that just ticks me off about the industry is that most of the dealership's you work at seldom think about there empoyee's, were the ones who do the work and seldom do the big wigs upstairs ever think about it especially now with the way the economy is . all they think about is themselves , they care only about one thing,SALES! SALES!, SELL!,SELL!,SELL!.( speaking from exspierence.) if they thought a little more about the people , like around the holiday's and maybe quit trying to buy us off with cheesy gift's , (i know because i've been the recipeint.) and showed a little more apprecation, instead on closing down more dept, and laying more people off then maybe the employee's would be a little more dedicated,( like taking a pay cut) then there would be less unemployment . i've been laid off now3 to 4 times because of the same GREEDDY! dealer. sory i can't mention his name but i will tell you this,one of the reasons this person is taking the action of clossing most of his dealership's is partly because of his GREED!. now thing's are startting to fall apart because he got to GREEDY. now he's screwed and so are most of the people including myself who worked for him. of course i'm even more fotunite, he screwed thing's up for me 4 TIMES

another stimulis check would sure help

I agree that the Wall Street discretionary bonuses are BAD! But how many of them are actually sales commissions, where financial consultants gets over half of their annual pay from "bonuses" if they make their quota? Some of these commissions might be part of a written employment contract. The furor about the $18 billion "bonus" number needs to separate these two types.

Robin, between the bailout and stimulus package approximately 1.6 trillion dollars of the taxpayers. It's already been proven that everyone tries to make a buck off this with the bonuses and free money for banks. This doesn't help the taxpayers in any way to aid in home losses and credit scores in which America revolves so strongly on. Give this money back to the actual taxpayers. Not in cash but in a debit card for paying on loan, which then the banks will get their money and then they can give out bonuses, credit cards can be paid saving their credit scores, and everyday items can be purchased which will help inventories and unemployment. Give a spending time of 6 months and any remaining money left over invest that into restoring employment issues with a department that will identify and return illegal aliens back to their country and hiring TRUE legal Americans for employment. People need money and help now. How will a stimulus package help the taxpayers now? Instead of raising taxes, make this free/fair trade a competitive trade with the market. Keep it simple without loops holes. America needs help now and no bailout or stimulus package helps them now. Banks and insurance companies can't be trusted as proven by their actions to date, so how does additional money help Americans through more investing? As far as I'm concerned, the money for banks is like a double jeopardy. In the end they get money from the taxpayers and still want the all their money from homeowners and borrowers, so even this ways they still get their bonuses, just in a different manner. Let the American taxpayers resolve what the banks gets with either paying off their loans, or paying off enough to mange their bills through these tough times.

My daddy use to say "you can bail, and bail, and bail til your hearts content but eventually your gonna have to fix that hole in the bottom of the boat".
I think if you did the math between the 700 billion the first round and the 830 billion this round the government could have given every family that filed a tax return $20,000.00 and let the tax payers choose who and how to stimulete the economy. Granted some would have saved but most would have used it to bail out the auto industry, the housing industry, the travel and resort industry, the banking industry, their state government, etc.... The money belongs to the tax payer and sould trickle up because it sure hasn't trickled down.
And I have to wonder if myself or one of my family members would have called Bank of America or AIG, or GMCA and said "hey I'm alittle straped for cash this month, would you mind giving me a bailout" I wonder what response I would have gotten.
Thanks for allowing me to vent and I'm afraid it will only get better if we and the government will change the way we do buisness. I'm afraid that rock bottom is the only way that will happen.

What we don't need is more bale outs. You have to realize that the money doesn't exist. the money is created to pay the bale outs, and we the tax payers (our children) must pay it back with interest. If the money is given to the tax payer it will be only a loan because WE have to pay it back + interest. This is another Chicken Little story, the only sky that is really falling is on the fat cats. I will pull myself through this, without a bale out and so will most of the rest of the US population.

THE TRUTH!!! $825B my eye! $1.2T and going to rise! We don't need the pork we need government to be consistent and for this newly elected President to act like something other than an executive order weilding maniac and dictator and realize that you can't throw money at a dead horse and expect him to get up and spend it. Gees! is he going to tell us all individually how he expects us to spend any supposed money that we might get and pound his chest if we don't do it? It belongs to us and we (excuse me OUR CHILDREN ) are going to have to pay it back. And for the record do any of you actually buy off on the idea that people working in the auto industry, banking, realestate, tech sector or anywhere else that has laid off and will continue to, actually line up for and take jobs building roads, bridges and other infrastructure or is this just a way to continue to help out illegal people keep their jobs and/or get new ones. Seems to me that the government is fast creating it's own Ponzie Scheme!

Just think, if Congress and the President would listen to Americans, then we would have this stimulus issue resolved already...and to 99% of the country's citizens' satisfaction! No federal taxes...make it retroactive for '08...we will get money in our pocket each week and we will get back all we paid in for '08! Talk about stimulating the economy.

Oh, and, for the people who didn't work and pay taxes last year...and don't have jobs this year...they should get to keep drawing the unemployment they are getting now and receive a refund equal to the amount they paid in the last year they worked.

If you think my plan sound ridiculous, just ask yourself this question: how can paying $335 million of tax payer money to teach sexual disease education help any one of us? Yet that is what is in the stimulus bill now!

You know the economy is really bad when you can't even get a job in health care! I just finished college after 5 years of hard work getting an education because you are suppose to be better off with a higher education, and I did it because I wanted a college education so I could create a better life for my family and not have to live off the government or state. I obtained an associates degree in Applied Science as a Respiratory Therapist, but cannot get a job in any hospital within 50 miles of my home because they all have a "hiring freeze" going on. All the hospitals in my area need to staff their open positions in my chosen field but are not doing it because they cannot afford to. I too have over $80,000 in student loans I am going to have to start repaying! How am I going to do that when I can not get a job in my chosen career to pay them back. I can not even consolidate them because the banks are not loaning out any money right now. What is sad is that I thought getting an education in health care was a sure thing! There is always going to be a need for health care. What is going to happen to my family when it comes to not being able to pay back my student loans when I can not get a job making the money I thought I would be making? I can not afford to go to a different state to find work because I have a mortgage to pay here and can not get out of it unless I have enough money to pay it off.
The government needs to do something about making it so employers can hire the staff they need to run their business. There are many more people like me out there who have the education and skills to fill these jobs if employers get rid of the hiring freeze and start staffing these jobs.

I think any bailout money should go to the people that are the back bone to this nation. That's right, THE PEOPLE! Let us get out of debt! Let us determine what companies we want to survive and what companies we don't want to survive. If the government would've given each tax payer an equal portion of the original $750 billion bailout, I think we'd be on a better road to recovery. The American people would've used their portions of that money a lot more wisely than the big corporations that have gotten it. We'd have our credit cards, our vehicles, our houses, and everything else paid off! We'd buy another house or property somewhere. We'd buy more vehicles! We'd put money into stocks, mutual funds, etc. But more importantly, the people that have been laid off because of this economy now, wouldn't have to worry about if their houses and modes of transportation are going to be gone in the very near future. My heart goes out to everyone that has lost their jobs.... So Mr. President Obama, give the bailout money to the people that need it the most, THE AMERICAN PEOPLE!

Mortgage and credit card relief for everyone, not just those in default. The banks have not helped the consumer with their bailout! Instead they cut credit card accounts to what is owed and raised the interest rates to unheard of highs. They have also required payments on most cards in less than a 30 day time frame. My house is not worth what is owed on it with the devaluing of the housing market. All mortgage interest needs to be lowered. The consumer is the foundation of this country. If the foundation is weak, the house collapses. Even with 2 good jobs, we live paycheck to paycheck, barely making ends meet because of higher and higher payments. Cutting all debt in half for everyone would allow people to pay off what they owe and free up money for saving and new spending.

What would help me most: The ability to re-enter the workforce to enjoy the luxury of being called a "taxpayer" again. I have been unemployed since Nov. 2006, as a result of being forced into an, "Involuntary Disability Separation", by the University of Toledo, following a job related injury. Since that time, I have made numerous attempts to secure alternative employment, and to be reinstated to my previous position, however, the University of Toledo has used every "hook & crook" tactic they can think of to prevent me from returning to my job, and active pay status – a taxpayer. Currently, the University of Toledo is violating my rights to reinstatement by refusing to follow the time lines stipulated in the Ohio Administrative Code; 123:1-30-01 through 123:1-30-04. I should have been back to work over 60 days ago. Isn't it great to me an American these days?

The stimulus bill will stimulate the economy. However, there are some items in the bill that should not be present. More so, we need to look outside of the box. The United States has always lead the way in producing new hardware/software technology. Technology that creates a greater overall well-being of life. We the people, need to stop crying about the economy and start inventing new products that create new jobs and thus, increase the exchange of goods and services. Go green, or go home.

Regarding the payment of bonuses Obama told the Wall Street executive that they should:
“show some restraint and show some discipline and show some sense of responsibility.”

The same should be said to Obama and Pelosi with regards to the $800B+ pork spending bill they passed in the house which provides little stimulus but provides paybacks to the many political ally's that helped them achieve their majority. This is not stimulus!!!

I know that there are good intentions at the White House for us, but I think we, the people of the United States, should gather at the steps of the White House and let our voices be heard. Let them take us in, if our mortgages fail, or we are hungry. We could all sleep around the steps of the White House.
While this is a good place to vent, if this is the best that CNN or other media can do for us, maybe if we can do better. It really may be up to us to make changes and say enough is enough. Help us, not the big corporate "people" who have no idea of responsibility, and we will ultimately have to foot the bill for there bonuses and jets!
Any takers?

Glad you asked! The answer is MONEY. Cash to the American people, (not the corporations, etc.) to use as each person's situation dictates.
For me, that would mean paying on (or off) mortgage, credit card debt, and student loan debt. Give each adult $100,000. (If you don't believe they are going to pay their bills, buy cars, etc., then attach strings so you KNOW where the money is going.) This will mean the banks will receive money RIGHT AWAY (as from me – not the government). We will be able to buy things without increasing debt, and employment will go up – you have to have people to make and sell things. So money is first and then jobs to get us back on track. I worked over 35 years and am a senior citizen, but can't get a job now. A job fair here last week had 200 some jobs and around 7,000 people looking for work. Give us the cash now! (Lots of so-called "jobs" are trying to sell somebody something they don't have the money for.) Thanks for listening.

How about a retroactive tax deduction for 2008 and extend the decutions through 2012 on Credit Card Interest Rates? We had this deduction back in the 50's and 60's. Really helped when tax time rolled around in April or helped pay a bill or two off. This would be almost an immediate help to many families.

The banks certainly havn't done us any favors. They didn't mind uping the ante on the interest rates they charge. I can't help but believe this is hurting many families.

I have a comment in response to the, "One last comment..STUDENT loans. So you want the government to forgive your student loans.. you are so annoying. You were in college,while I*ve been busting my butt for years.Instead of blowing a horn or painting you should have obtained a degree that would provide. No college and a 83,000.00 a year job and I worked hard for that money. Believe me it took years to make that kind of money but I worked hard and earned every penny.Stop crying and get to work" made by william. My husband is a veteran who served his country in wartime, and contributed to an education fund for his later use, which the government took before he could use it. He has worked since he was 16 years old, taking any job after 9/11 when he was without work, going to school to qualify for another job, and steadily worked his way back up only to be told due to bad economy there will be lay offs at this job too. I would love to live in your fantasy world where you just have to stop crying and get to work. How about everyone stop crying and go defend themselves instead of sending others to fight for America?

OMG! Help homeowners? What about the people like myself who have already lost their home??????????????????

Food Stamps need to be reformed. I work at a MO. grocery store. And the cards have a cash side that is suppose to be used for non-food items like health care products. My proplem is they use the cash side for cigs & boozes. And they purchase t-bone steaks & candy. It don't seem fare to me that there are alot of people who are having a hard time making it. And here 80% I ring up are name brand or high cut meats. I am writting this becuase I seen a report on CNN about Food Stamps and wanted to point this out. Maybe someone could do a report on this. I don't think must people know this about Food Stamps.

just wondering if we will ever be able to take money out of our 401k without having to pay dearly in taxes or with restrictions on being able to take it out for only certain reasons.

We need jobs for real Americans not jobs created by corporations for illegals. We need to have Made in America products in our stores not products made by foreign countrie not interessted in a quality of life for anyone. I can't believe we actually deal with such low lifes at America's peril. Our Constitution is there to protect the citizens of USA, just do what is right for the legal USA citizens and that is a start. As far as the market goes, why be upset by the low numbers? In light of the latest news exposing all the lies created by investment managers were the market highs a true picture of reality? Did investors really have what they though the numbers revealed? We just might be running at the correct market numbers now?

I hear about a bailout plan for first time home owner, but not one thing to help the people that who owe very little on their home. We have only a little 8,000.00 left to pay our home off. My husband lost his job and It takes every penny we have just to make the payments. We are in our late 50's and early 60's. I beleave that someone has forgotten the one's that have made their house payment even if the payments were late. Now that my husband is out of a job we may lose our home over less then eight thousand dallors. We have no medical inc. The Bank will make arangements Im sure for a month but then the payment are so high after that we would not be able to pay it. At our age it would not stand to reason to refinance our home for another 10 to 20 years why we might not be living at that age. We have made payment for 19 years. I just wonder how the home owner bailout plan will help us to keep our home. It looks like they are thinging of the people who make foolish misakes thet make with off the wall banks.
Thank you so much.
Nancy

@ Deanna, Michigan.....You're in the wrong state, honey.....
Everywhere that I know of, people that have an education, such as you, can easily get a Job in heath care, or at any hospital, or health care home....something's wrong somewhere !!

Congress needs to stop rewarding the liars, cheaters and fraudsters with this bailout money and give it to the American taxpayers! We'll consider it a refund against the poor job done with our tax dollars in the past. Americans will TOO spend that money (and not save it as was implied) because Americans are not only really hurting financially but they couldn't hold onto a dollar if their lives depended on it. Our economy is based on consumer spending and like Pavlov's dogs, Americans have been conditioned to spend, spend, spend.

I would like to see the internal revenue service start picking on these car companies and other "Big Guys" that have obtained our tax dollars and now are buying jets and other luxeries while our prices keep going up and earmarks are hardly being investigated. These big companies should be held responsible as well as our politicians for all this money that is being used for frivolities, the working class can't even imagine. These huge, un-Godly BAIL OUT LOANS should be accounted for to the penny. BUT when the money gets to be such huge amounts, the smaller amounts,(Ex:<$100,000.00) can be hidden and spent without as much as a blink or a second look. It gets lost in the translation. I would love $100,000.00 to be tossed in my direction if I didn't have to account for it. However, because the "little guy" makes so little, it is much easier for the IRS to question,"What happened here?" I hope President Obama starts looking into all this frivolous spending and makes ALL ACCOUNTABLE. Look at our local governments, and in big buisiness and look at all the assistants to the CEO, and the CEO's assistants , assistant..........TOO MUCH WASTE!!!!!!!!!!
Time marches on and the BIG GUY always get HIS first. I think it's time to change this....Our economy is screaming for BIG CHANGES!!!!!!

I agree with all that said to give the taxpayer a LARGE lump sum of money. Maybe they should base that lump sum of money on how much they made for the year. The less you made, the more you would get back. I disagree with the thoughts of the GOP that many people would save the money. Only the wealthy would save it. Our economy is near collapse people are jobless, have lost their homes, can't afford to buy new cars, let alone pay for the ever rising cost of their basic necessities like food and utilities.

There is much talk about helping homeowners with their foreclosures and that's fine, but what about all the people who don't own homes?

My children are grown, independent and out on their own. This should be a time of being able to 'catch up'. Pay off bills, buy new appliances, a car, make home improvements or what else we need. But we can't because we are worse off than before. Our combined income only covers the basic necessities and that's it. Savings, what's that? We can't afford to go to the doctor, get our eyes checked, or teeth fixed and that's with insurance! Just give us the money. They could give us a small sum (much larger however than a measly $300.00, $600.00 or $1200.) to see if it stimulates the economy. Then take it from there. I'm pretty sure they would see a good result.

Give me the money. I servered this country for nearly 30 years and can not afford a house. I am being taxed to death. My son is unemployed and living at home also. I don't care how they do it, tax break, cash. No fear i'll spend it and stimulate someones bank account.
Larry NC

There was once a comment made, above stating "Why bail out homeowners who were irresponsible?" Well let me first say that it wasn't that we were irresponsible, most of us had companies that we owned and worked several overtime hours per week just to keep it going so that we wouldn't lose our business!!!!!!!!!!! I owned a company and worked 60-80 hours per week to keep it going. My business failed, IN THIS ECONOMY and I then lost my house. I was not being irresponsible whatsoever. No I don't feel that student loans should be paid off. I think the schools need to come down on their fees per quarter credit hours. THAT SHOULD BE MANDATED. The government shouldn't have to bail student loans out, the government should mandate smaller fees for school. And by the way, I was paying student loans at age 18, while in college and paid them until I was 26 years old as well as having a house payment beginning when I was 21 years old. I worked 2 and 3 jobs to get to where I was. Yes we need help in this economy and I strongly feel that the majority of the money needs to come to us, the AMERICAN CITIZENS! Now they are stating that they are afraid that if we get the money, we will all keep it in savings. THATS SO SELFISH OF THEM! I think a huge percent of the monies that would be given to us, would be spent out in the economy. That's just another excuse to not give us more than 1,000.00 per household.

I understand that people are having a really tough time right now, but there are people taking advantage of the whole economic meltdown. I would like to see some sort of "background check" before "help" is given to people. There are people who are living together, (because marriage doesn't mean anything in our country anymore) and have purchased a house. But because they are not married only one person is on the loan. Well, if they don't like their loan, then they are letting it foreclose and getting a bigger house under the other persons credit. Now I hear that our government is going to give tax breaks to people who have foreclosed, and people who have purchased a house in the last year!! Not only are these people contributing to our meltdown, now they are getting rewarded!! What about those of us who are dealing with the fact that our houses are not worth what we paid, but are continuing to stick it out and make our payments?? I think something needs to be done. Help the people that REALLY need help, that have lost their jobs, etc. But these loan companies are in this mess because of people working the system!! Come down an them! Dig into their background! We are all suffering because some people are getting away with being dishonest!!

Some help! I've never been unemployed until now....I'm just trying to keep a roof over my head and my heat on. How can all these atheletes make millions of dollars when millions of people can barely buy groceries for their families?!??!?!!?!?!

With the banks lowering consumers credit limits on credit cards, has FICO made adjustments to their system to adjust for this? An example: You start with a $10,000 credit limit. At one point you have a "high balance" of $6,500 on a $10,000 limit account, utilizing 65% of your limit. The Bank lowers your limit to $5,000, but on consumer credit reports it shows a "high balance" of $6,500 and a "credit limit" of $5,000 giving the appearance of going $1,500 over your limit. My understanding is the FICO system takes credit score points away for going over your limit. Why can't the banks adjust their numbers to reflect utilization of 65% of whatever the credit limit is? That's all that was really used. Has FICO made adjustments to their system to accomodate this lowering of limits? NO!

hi robin i'm sean in santa rosa and i am a novice political blogger and i really like your show and i have to say to your question its a no brainer "money".

"sean in santa rosa"

What would help me the most is to see our government allow individuals and small businesses not to pay taxes for 1 year, have the banks forgive the outstanding mortgages that are defaulted on and renegotiate new loan payments that can be met and stop sending foreign aid to countries who don't support democracy or our nation.
By doing this the people would have more money to infuse into the economy, allow people to stay in homes which would otherwise stay vacant giving the banks a steady cash flow and give us more money to invest into our people. This sounds too simple but the other plans I have seen are too dependent on everyone agreeing as to who gets what and what's in it for them. With a simple plan everyone knows what they would be getting without any surprises.
Obama says "Yes we can" but the question is "If we can, when?"

Here is my question? Why did the government go after companies and individuals like Enron, Adelphia, and Joe Nacchio from Qwest for Fraud and is not looking into the banks and finacial institutions? They have bilked the american public more than the companies listed above. These executives that continue to pay bonuses to upper level management from taxpayer dollars should be prosecuted!!! I find that this generation of US Citizens will not stand up and make a stand even if it means losing everything they own. We can not put people back to work with bailouts that do not create jobs and give the taxpayers relief. I am of the age group that protested the Viet Nam war and brought our troops home. Now we say no to the bailout in the greatest magin and it still gets passed. Are all the US Congress afraid that we will check their income tax return and find out they don't pay taxes?
This truly amazes me to no end. If each American receives a refund, what will they do with $750.00 go to dinner? In the grand skeem of things this does nothing for anyone I know. Even if we gave each American over the age of 21 $100,000 each they would spur the economy by paying bills, keeping their house, and or buying cars. Today the banks have no encentive to help the American public, nor does the US Congress,. If we just going to print money for the heck of it why not make the bailout 50 trillion dollars and give everyone some money.

What is with that Fat junkie Rush Limbaugh saying that he hopes that The president fails. Some American he is . He is not a good role model for any kids today. He is bigger each time i see hi

I WATCH Y'ALL EVERY MORNING, ROBIN YOU MAKE MY DAY WITH YOUR SMILE AND MORNING SUNSHINE, IT DRIVES GILFRIENDS CRAZY... JEN YOUR HOTT 2, BOB YOUR COOL BUT I CAN TELL YOU HAVE TO BE ON YOUR BEST BEHAVIER. RAFIER YOU ARE ALWAYS BASHING GUYS MY AGE, BRETT FARVE, KURT WARNER, ECT... I WILL SLAP YOU IF I EVER WIN A CONTEST TO BE AT THE SHOW 1 MORNING... NOW ABOUT THE STATE OF THE UNION, THE U.S.A. NEEDS TO ROLL UP OUR SLEEVES AND GO TO WORK. I OWN A SMALL BUISNESS, BETWEEN HOME AND BUISNESS TAX I PAY ALMOST 50% TAX A YEAR, IT'S KILLING ME...REMEMBER THE GREAT ROMAN EMPIRE, IT LOOKS LIKE HISTORY IS REPEATING ITSELF. 1 LAST THING NO MATTER WHO YOU VOTED FOR, OUR PRESIDENT DESERVES ALOT MORE REPECT FROM EVERY CITIZEN THAN HE IS GETTING. 1 PERSON DIDN'T GET US INTO THIS MESS AND 1 PERSON WILL NOT GET US OUT OF THIS, I HEAR RUSH COMPLAINING EVERYDAY ABOUT THE EVEL DEM., BUT HE NEVER HAS 1 IDEA TO FIX THE PROBLEM, I WOULD LIKE TO HEAR 1 POSITIVE COMMENT FROM HIM... MARK

In reference to Obama's plan to help the economy. How about sending out vouchers to each person in low or middle tax brackets. These vouchers would allow these people to go out & purchase a brand new car. The government already knows due to our surplus checks & etc. if we are single, married or married with children. Naturally if you are single or married with no kids you would get say a voucher for $20,000, married with children would get a voucher for $30,000 (since they would need a bigger vehicle). Then they take the voucher to the dealer of their choice & purchase a vehicle. This would also allow these families to have money for much needed things like, groceries, utilities & medical needs.

The tax break they just passed $1500.00 for purchasing new cars. FIrst you have to be able to get the loan, even people with good credit are having a hard time getting loans. Secondly, these people then have to be able to afford the monthly payment.

I don't think it takes a rocket scientist to figure this out. Many more people would be helped with the vouchers.

Just watched this morning as you interviewed the gentlemen from a lending company who wrote a book. Frankly I think he is completely out of reality. He stated that really the rates for adjustable weren't that bad because they were low in the first place. Well mine as been raised to 12.75% a increase of $500 in about four years. Did he not see the news report on the woman who is squatting in her house in I believe Indiana because her mortgage almost doubled and now she has lost her home. What part of the answer needs to be is for the companies to forgive the late fees, put the owed on the back of the loan and refinance at an adjustable rate that is fair. There are people like me everywhere and if he doesn't think that we are a huge part of the mortgage and economy problem then he is short sighted and uninformed. I do want to say that I did appreciate how you tried to get him to answer the question on the subject. But would have liked to see you have some of these facts to hold him accountable.
Thank you I have never ever done this before but this is such a problem that is wide spread friends and co workers. I felt I needed to speak.
Jesse
Vermont

What would help me in this economy ?? I would like all the banks who have loans out to people to refinance to lower rates, or 0% for a graduated payment for 3 years and then have a ceiling interest rate of 1 or 2 %, ie I have a school loan and a credit card and a mortgage I can't afford anymore .. if all my lenders would work with us and become proactive I could still make payments and it wouldn't be an endless shelling out of money just to interest .. no interest for awhile refinance at a lower price

OR ... Obama should give every American over 55 – $1,000,000 instead of giving it away to irresponsible corporate heads – this would cost less than the Stimulus Package and would get the cash flowing

The economy has hit our area hard. There is a 17% unemployment rate. My son and I both have lost our jobs, unemployment has run out and there is no hope of finding work anywhere.

Somehow we are still making it no thanks to the Bank of America who raised our interest rate to 30% for being late on one payment. The government should make an immediate change on this practice instead of it going into effect two years from now.

I don't feel sorry for those who are losing their homes due to the ARM loans they took out. They should have realized what they were getting into in the first place. The lady behind me bought the house on an ARM, paying $550,000 for a home not worth $250,000. Her payment went from $1,200 to $3,600. All I can say is duh! And besides, any bailout on the books isn't going to help the people who didn't buy on one of those phoney mortgages or has lost their job.

Get the cheats off of welfare! I know countless people on welfare who don't need to be there. They really find it easier and make more money on welfare than those who actually work (or want to). One example, woman I know gets $700 money, $528 food stamps, rent almost free under section 8, (she pays $30 a month), health care free, prescriptions free, after school program free, babysitting free and she drives a brand new car.

The person who wrote that there should be limitations on what they can buy with that money is right. I worked at a grocer where the day the money was in the welfare accounts, the lottery tickets and booze was going out the door faster than anything else. No booze, no cigarettes, no lottery tickets, no dog or cat food. When people on welfare live better than those who don't there, is something wrong. Buy cheap toilet paper like the rest of us.

Stop the free handouts to all the illegals in this country and make sure all employers verify you are legal to work at their business. I can't begin to tell you how many illegals are working around here because it's cheaper for the business.

Send me a stimulus check instead of sending it to the banks. Let ME send it to the bank to pay off some of that 30% interest.

I want to know how this stimulus plan will help me. I have been layed off. Nothing around here but manufactering and they are sending their work overseas. We need to stop some of this. No one will be able to buy their products. Everybody will be unemployed. The 4% interest rate or money for buying a car won't help people like me. No finance company will refinance my house or give me loan for a car, because I am unemployed. So how is this plan going to help all the unemployed and the ones to come? They have got to help everybody, not just certain ones. Don't forget about the little people. KEEP JOBS IN AMERICA!!!!!!

To Larry, Houston, Texas
I have already thought about relocation because I know there are numerous jobs in Respiratory. Beleive me, I have looked. Had a couple of offers too. But how can I afford to leave my family behind to take these jobs? We wouldn't be able to afford moving to another state, pay rent plus utilities in some cheap apartment, and continue to pay the bills back in Michigan on our home until someone maybe buys it for what we still owe. What is the solution?

How about rounding up all the illegal immigrants who DONT belong here and take all the money they get for healthcare, welfare , food samps and free education & every other entitlement that US citizens cant get and divide it up and send it to unemployed US citizens

I read the blogs on here. Is it really helping. Is anyone listening? Is congress or the senate paying attention. Why are there not more people asking them the hard questions? Why are some of them not being held accountable. Real world, how can they make decisions for what is best for the people when they have lost touch and do not know or care about what happens or affects people anymore. They knew we were headed in this direction and sat on their thumbs like it would go away. All of these people are still drawing a paycheck. What about the people out here who no longer have jobs, make less than $15,000 a year with a family. We need and want jobs. Buy American made, where? Hail to Wal-Mart. Find something in there not made in China! If I can't get money to start a business or go to school and I have to pay taxes, then why in the hell does anyone not from this country get those benefits. New Generations HA! People used to stand up for what they believed in and draw a line they would not cross. Now, anything goes and everyone can be persuaded to waver.

Why would people protest outside the homes of bank CEOs? I don't think any off these people were held at gun point to buy a home they could not afford in the first place. They should blame themselves, not the banks. I am sorry, but I have no sympathy for those folks. They are not victims, when actually they are a large reason why we have a financial crisis. If they all would have paid their loans maybe the credit crisis would not be as intense as it is.

If our concerned politicians want of help us, why not give the money to the people? An amount of $200,000 to taxpayers would remove a massive debt in America and put the money in circulation where it should be. Is anybody in government listening?
Ralph

It would stimulate the economy, give aid to the "Big 3" (and all of the industries that support them), AND put money in the banking industry if the government used some of the rest of the money to give vouchers to citizens, with good driving records, for any of the new cars manufactured by the Big 3 valued at $20,000 or less.
Happy voters, stimulation of the economy, boost to the auto industry and the many industries that support them, and money for the banks as many would be able to pay their debts once again.
Jobs kept, public assistance not needed, and the majority pleased.
Why is this not an option?

I see some mention spreading the wealth... give the money to the people... to a degree, that would be proper. People who have acted responsible would have money to go out and spend to stimulate the economy; people who are in debt would have a chance to clear their debt resulting in the banks having money to loan again.
Oh, but in doing that it would be fair to all citizens and wouldn't allow the already filthy rich to become even richer, my bad...

No, I do not need a car at this time. This idea was mentioned by a friend of mine who works for the state of Ohio. She sees firsthand how the economy is affecting real people and how public funds are insufficient for their needs. The answer is not to keep giving to those who do not, or cannot, contribute. Rather, the answer is to give to those who do contribute so that they can continue to help those who cannot help themselves.
The present stimulus package will, hopefully, provide jobs in the future.
What about now?

Hi Morning Express

Maybe a good Idea to keep people in and from losing their homes could be to lower all homeowners interest rate to 3.9% and extend mortgages to 40 years without a refinance since a large part of Americans are or have lost their jobs. This would help stimulate the economy by putting more money in families budgets for spending.

Wouldn't it be more beneficial for the auto workers to take a cut in pay (no matter how wrong it seems) then not have a job at all?

i have always paid my debts on time & have excellent credit. however, i was notified that the interest rate on two of my credit cards will jump 10% in april!!! not only that but the new rate will apply to an existing balance at that time even if i don't make any new purchases. how is this legal???

thanks
like the show

pat

ps

guess that will teach me to be financially responible!!!!!!!

Our econ needs stimul plus help on our defi our country can pay off debts by inventing massive air filtering tech for not only america first especially for promoting this technology. Also where trees are concerned in large amounts always provide fire hazored systems.Through our government scientific breakthroughs is the key to solving most of our defi.

I need tax relief. We are simply OVERBURDENED with taxes. I don't OWN my house and property, per se. I simply "rent" the very small piece of Earth that I need to survive on. I pay $3,000 every year, and it keeps going up and it is a ridiculous amount for the amount of home and property I have. We are taxed until we are taxed EVEN MORE! I can't take it any more. We're taxed from the moment we are born until AFTER we are dead. The amount of taxes we pay on EVERYTHING is just absurd. Every single thing you can think of, Uncle Sam has his hand in. We need a complete overhaul of the tax system, tax rates and things that can be taxed, it's all quite simple. I need about a 50% reduction, across the board, on every single tax I pay on every single thing. Everything in our lives, is taxed, there is no escape and the way that our government, our own Senate, Congress and local officials irresponsibly wastes our tax dollars is simply unacceptable and it needs to stop. It's going to come to a point where the American people are going to have to rise up and revolt because there are no other alternatives.

atomicpunk2005@yahoo.com

Ralph Spence – I agree with you 99.9%. Rather than say American Taxpayers, I would say American adults. The reason for this is: many people worked 30 or 40 years or more (and paid all their taxes); they lost their jobs 2 or 3 years ago and have NO income now, relying on family to pay their bills and support them as best they can. Your suggestion of $200,000 should more than get everybody back on track and get the economy booming.

For those who suggest tax refunds based on last year's taxes – that doesn't help people who lost job, car, etc., because if they had NO income, they probably paid no taxes last year. Hence, those who need it the most, would get the least (even though when they were working, they paid for other people's unemployment benefits and other programs). Just show us the money!

What about student loan forgiveness?! I went back to school with the promise of a better JOB, well guess what no job just student loans. I am 64 years old and in not so good health I am on social security of little more than $400 a month My loans are coming due and the payments are over $300 a mth. I believe that with all the bailouts the Government could help with student loans I believe students deserve a break more than irresponsible people who go out and have numerous BABIES just so they can get help. Please this loan is all I am asking to be forgiven. I will never get it payed back, Thank you very much Earline

I'm not sure I'm in the right place. As I understand it, the stimulus package will put $8.00 per week in my pay check.

I am retired. Living on my military retainer and social security. Which of these checks will see the $8.00 increase?

Jim

I currently have a 403 (b) with a former employer. There was a recent merger and any amount less than $5000 will be moved into an IRA unless otherwise directed. I recently spoke with a financial advisor who reccommends transferring the money to a Roth IRA. I am not anticipating returning to work for at least another 6 months and may not have retirement accounts eligible to me for another year after that. Is a Roth IRA the way to go with my $1000+ in the account? I already consider the funds in the account as unavailable to me and would like to continue with the savings.

What Makes Cents....

I would like to suggest to you what I believe would help all who are being laid off.

Instead of laying off an employee, why not give them (the employee) the option to continue to work at the unemployment rate of pay...still keeping their health insurance...still being productive and even cross-training to do other jobs necessary for the growth of the Company, until things improve and they will be the first rehired....possibly with a bonus. I know when I was no longer working, I just became depressed...because I had to work , I needed to work. Today I still have not found another job and I receive unemployment. I rather be working, I rather be productive. I feel that we can better serve ourselves, both employers and employees with this type of an option. Production will not fail, companies will not go under, people will not feel disregarded or powerless, and we the employee will still be active, productive and appreciated. I really want you to hear this idea and see if something like this will help everyone concerned. If not please tell me why.

Sincerely,

Angela Savage Austin