Rebate checks: How to spend 'em

Probation and parole officer, 37, Okmulgee County, Okla.

I have already spent mine, actually. I had several things planned for this year, and I am moving forward with all of them, thanks in part to the tax rebate.

We will be going to New York for our family vacation (and braving the airlines). Plus I am totally remodeling my bathroom, and we bought a new lawn tractor.

The tax stimulus check didn't quite cover any of those things, but it was a great incentive to stick with the plan. What we have done to counter the higher food and gas prices is take fewer side trips, no leisure drives, eat at home and avoid the temptation to shop the department store sales.

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