Anyway, this year the payout is just over $1,600 per person. Although this is historically the eighth highest amount ever given, and is five hundred dollars higher than two years ago, there is still a great deal of grumbling, as it is about $1,100 less than it would have been under the old formula. Considering that it is almost perfectly in line with inflation when compared to $990 amount we received when we were here back in 1995, I'm fairly happy with it.
There is one significant change since 22 years ago that is a little sad. Back then, travel agencies were offering amazing deals in exchange for a PFD check. For example, one year we received three round trip first class tickets (on the now defunct Reno Air) to any destination in the U.S. and were able to use it to fly to Michigan for Christmas. It is the only time that I have flown first class, and I have to say that it was much more enjoyable than normal coach flights. Today, I don't see any similar sorts of offers for anything, let alone travel. Perhaps its that reduced buying power that really has people upset.
Some of ours will be spent on travel this coming year. We are certainly using a portion to send Janelle to Michigan in time for the birth of our first granddaughter. Hopefully the rest of it can be set aside and not just dribble away (as money can tend to do). For myself, I don't have any interesting purchases that are on the horizon (aside from some possible travel plans).
I was, however, just reminded that I need to get another coffee card for the Java Joint. I guess the PFD came just in time.