Area Family Spends PFD Check Eleven Times Before It Arrives

WASILLA — The Hendersons have, by their own estimate, spent their household’s Permanent Fund Dividend on a new four-wheeler, a trip to Hawaii, a chest freezer, the electric bill, Christmas, and “probably the truck payment” — all before the money has hit their account.

“Every time someone says the number out loud, we buy something new with it in our heads,” said mother of three Tammy Henderson. “Last night I spent it on a hot tub. This morning I spent it on fixing the hot tub.”

Financial advisors recommend Alaskans treat the dividend as a one-time payment. The Hendersons treat it, in Tammy’s words, “like a mood.”