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Tuesday, January 29, 2008

How Will You Spend Your Tax Rebate?
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I still can't get over how abrupt all this talk about our country's economic slump seemed to bubble-up over a 10-day period. We're supposed to be talking about Super Bowl XLII. Prior to last week's financial crash we all seemed fat, dumb, and happy, except for those who had lost their jobs to outsourcing and families uprooted from their foreclosed homes.

Like I said: fat, dumb, and happy.

So now Uncle Sam is sending 2007 taxpayers a check to make things right. Found money!

No two families are going to get the same amount. We may get $150...who knows? The politicians don't want you to save this money - you must spend it in order for it to stimulate our economy. It is your patriotic duty.

Well, how are you going to spend your tax rebate?

Here's my first rule: Spend it only on products manufactured in the United States. Guess that means no trip to Best Buy, Wal-Mart, etc. Widening the trade deficit would only make matters worse.

What could you do with $200? Instead of buying a new DVD player, get a family membership to the nearest museum or nature park. You can support your local community and always have something to do every weekend for a year!

Are you expecting $500? Get yourself some quality new or used exercise equipment. The 'USA only' rule does not apply to used merchandise because 'used' revenue stays here in America. Visit the global want-ad website Craigslist. You will find an awesome bicycle for under $500.

Did you say $1500 is heading your way? Now you're talking! Maybe you'll find the nerve to go ahead and get evaluated for LASIK. The signs on the buses advertise $399 LASIK, so it should run about $800 for both eyes, right? Hmmm, we need to talk. Check out the (very) fine print at the bottom of the ad. Yeah, go get the magnifying glass, I'll wait.

Discount LASIK typically applies to patients with very small amounts of nearsightedness and no astigmatism...someone wearing -1.00 glasses. Guess what? Most -1.00 myopes don't wear their glasses and tool around in a mild blur. Discount LASIK is usually performed with an older, less precise refractive surgery laser - you get what you pay for.

If you still want to splurge on LASIK, $1500 will likely cover about half of your total expenses: surgery, facility fees, postop eyedrops, etc.

Make sure your surgeon has loads of proven experience, loads of satisfied patients (ask for references), and adequate time to care for you before, during and after your LASIK. Specifically ask if an ophthalmologist is directly managing the postoperative care - not a 'physician extender'.

Old laser? Unhappy clients? Hidden charges? Nonphysician followup? Take your bundle of newfound money somewhere else. Caveat emptor!

Remember, it is your patriotic duty to spend your tax rebate. Spend wisely.

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Posted by: Dr. Lloyd at 10:56 AM

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