Don’t need your coronavirus cash? Here’s how to spend it

Published March 24, 2020 8:33pm ET



Amid the coronavirus crisis, plenty of partisans on both sides have lambasted the notion of forgoing means-testing or minimally means-testing direct cash relief to consumers. Although the modified version of the Senate Republican bill no longer casts out quite as many people who would need the money as it previously did, it will still reward people who claim they don’t need the money. If you really believe you don’t need the money, here are the best ways to spend it.

The workers and businesses hit the hardest by expanding shelter-in-place enforcement and mandatory business closures are predominately service businesses. Of the estimated $1,200 in cash that most people will get, those who can afford it should seriously consider spending a good deal of it on gift cards for businesses that have no possible way of operating for at least the next month. If you have a preferred nail salon or small brick-and-mortar store that has no means of delivery, you can essentially give small businesses a cash advance with a gift card.

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