Unless you've been penguin watching in Antarctica for the past several months you're aware of the government tax rebate that has started showing up in mailboxes and bank accounts.
And unless that fishing boat didn't have a radio, you know the object is to pump more money into the economy.
We spotted an interesting article in this mornings USA Today newspaper and we thought we'd share it with you.

When it comes to your rebate check, the idea is to spend, spend, spend.
But there's one question you need to ask yourself, before you get carried away.
Is what's good for the economy, good for you?

Lets check out some scenarios.
If you want to add to a down payment, to purchase a house.
That's better for the economy, than it is for you.
A big purchase like that, will make a big impact on the slumping housing market.
Besides your tax rebate is such a small percentage of what's required for your down payment, that you're probably better off using it somewhere else.

How about, adding it to a down payment, to purchase a car.
That's also better for the economy.
Even if you buy a foreign car, it's likely it was made in a U.S. plant and therefore you're supporting auto dealers, which employ over one million people in the US.
And, of course, we all know this one, as soon as you drive a car off the lot, the value goes out the door.

This next one, benefits both the economy and you, at the same time.
Spending money on remodeling your house or buying appliances.
Home remodeling employs local people, from contractors to workers.
Plus, the goods used are usually made in the States.
And remodeling can be a good idea, because it'll increase the value of your home.

Buying electronics or a new HDTV.
You can argue this benefits you. But it doesn't.
Plus, this type of purchase isn't really helping out the economy because almost all electronics are made overseas

T hen there's vacations, my favorite.
Except in this category it matters where you're going.
If you take a vacation in the US, your equally benefiting the economy and yourself.

But if you travel outside of the US, then that changes everything.
And that should be pretty self explanatory, unless you're flying on an airline owned by a U.S. company.
Last time I checked the dollar wasn't doing too well.

Ok now lets talk credit cards, the lifeline for many of us, including myself. When you pay Down Credit Card Debt, you're the one benefiting here.
So do this. Those interest rates can be killers.

It's always good to think about the future.
Like, investing in a retirement savings account.
The long term benefits go to you.
For example, if you put say 6 hundred bucks in an I-R-A today, it'll grow to 6 thousand in 30 years, assuming an average annual return rate of 8 percent.

Staying in the mind set of thinking ahead.
Boost your emergency fund.
With economic uncertainty these days, an emergency stash is a smart move.

In total about 130 million Americans are receiving an economic stimulus tax rebate.
Have fun spending....or saving.