 TITLE: Consumers Feeling Better About the Pandemic, Economy CONTENT: Half of Stimulus Recipients Will Use Funds for Monthly Bills\n------------------------------------------------------------\nWhen asked how they planned to use federal stimulus funds—specifically the payment that started going out in December 2021—50% of those that received or anticipated receiving the payment said they would use it to pay down current monthly obligations, including bills and loan payments.\nWhen compared with how they answered this question in March 2020, the ratio of consumers planning to use their stimulus for monthly obligations dropped by 9%—showing that consumers may have more financial flexibility now than they did before.\nThe other primary use of stimulus check money was contributing to savings: 44% of those that received or anticipated receiving a stimulus check said they would use the payment to increase savings.\nThe rest of the group reported various uses for the stimulus payments, including 9% saying they'll use it for shopping and entertainment; 7% for investments; 5% for a large purchase; 5% for vacation; and 5% for something else. END