For one thing, it's a very small amount of money. You won't be able to turn it into a better job, better housing, or pay off your debts. Credit cards will regai

For one thing, it's a very small amount of money. You won't be able to turn it into a better job, better housing, or pay off your debts. Credit cards will regain the balance soon, or a dentist bill will wipe out the savings. Everyone wants to get free money. That doesn't mean that a small one time payment will actually make a substantial difference in the long run. Do these lesser developed countries have Medicaid, food and housing assistance, and high household debts? If I had to guess, the money went towards very different things, and the situations really aren't comparable. In fact, I suspect that the ease with which Americans can get into debt- hospitals charging after service is provided, credit cards, etc- may be the most significant factor. Also of note, the $500 payments are less than the extra additional unemployment payments made during COVID, and if you have kids the $2k were less than the stimulus checks.