In other words, the only amount that reaches our economy goes to corporations and their investors, and that can take a quarter year or more.

It doesn’t put money into the pockets of anybody that would in turn spend it and therefore actually stimulate the economy.

If you want to really spend our money right, treat yourself to a good dinner at a locally owned independent restaurant. The proprietor will spend it in the community, buy more food, which more likely than not comes from and American farmer or food manufacturer. The tip will be added into the wages of a server, who will spend it locally as well.

Just a thought from johnny.

#12 buy a new lens for my camera

#13 speculate in some way out investment (penny shares, options, whatever). If it comes off you may have multiples of what you started with. If not…well it was all spending money. The gambler’s rush/entertainment value will last much longer than going to a casino and the odds are no worse

#14 ….

Actually, I’m beginning to think this is a dangerous train of thought

I really like the “classic” circulating early 20th century coin designs – the Indian Head cent, the Buffalo nickel, the Mercury dime, the Standing Liberty quarter, and the Walking Liberty half dollar.

Proof coins were minted from 1936 through 1942 (suspended during wartime and not resumed until 1950) and the nickel, dime, and half dollar are all scarce and can be found in superb condition. In higher grades (I like the “64″ grade as this is where I often find above-average eye appeal combined with reasonable price) these can be truly stunning coins. If I had the money I’d want to buy these, and I see little downside risk as the supply is not going to increase and I don’t see them falling out of collector favor any time in the foreseeable future.

Mintages generally rose modestly each year; the highest mintages (and lowest prices) can be found in the 1941 and 1942 issues.

The 1941 and 1942 dimes are the lowest-pticed of the whole bunch. (I kick myself today for not having bought a really nice Proof-64 Mercury dime for $100 at a coin show five years ago.) Proof Buffalo nickels were minted only in 1936 and 1937; these are scarce and pricey.

I also like nice Morgan dollars (but never never never buy a 1921 Morgan – the old dies had been discarded and the 1921 was re-engraved and is ugly and collectors hate it and it sells for lower prices than all other Morgans) and Standing Liberty quarters (1916-1930). These quarters
are all scarce but are downright rare in higher grades.

When I was a kid I was a “date” collector who had all the current coin albums and tried (good luck with that!) to fill all the holes – one coin for every date and mint mark.

Now I think “type” collecting is the way to go. Who needs 150 different Lincoln cents? Now I’d rather have ONE nice Indian Head cent, ONE nice Buffalo nickel, etc.

One Word: Get it all in cash. Go out shopping for a day and buy 5-10 high priced items that you like. Bring them home but don’t open them. After two days, return all but your favorite one to the stores and put your refunds in savings.