I’d like to hear your thoughts about the Economic Stimulus Package, and in particular – what you’re planning to do with your payment? If you’re eligible for one, that is… What is an effective, or even ethical, way to use the money?

• A friend faced a dilemma when they decided they wanted to donate their payment to a charity that helps the poor in overseas developing nations…   Is that an ethical use of the money?

• Since the government is giving it out to stimulate the Australian economy, is it wrong to spend it on things that will only benefit other nations?

• Then again, the money doesn’t come with any rules about how to spend it. Once it’s in our bank account, it’s ours to use as we choose…

• Courier Mail, March 15: Professor Paul Frijters, an economist at the Queensland University of Technology, says the best way you can help the economy along is to support the industries that normally struggle in tight times…

• For example, purchase any durable goods you might need but were putting off – a fridge, a car, a washing machine… Since those sort of companies often suffer a lot in a downturn.

• The experts also suggest taking a holiday or buying tickets to a concert or a game, as the tourism and entertainment industries need our help too... They also say it’s important to have some fun amid the gloom and doom.

• Will you spend yours? If so, how? Are you using it to cancel some debt? Or will you save it, and not stimulate the economy much at all just yet?

* Tear Australia is running a campaign called "Let's Give It Away", encouraging people to give their money to people in need. It offers three possibilities - Two focussed on Australia, and the third focussed on overseas need. See  www.letsgiveitaway.org/