As gas prices quickly rise to nearly $4 a gallon ($3.77 in my neighborhood — thankfully I live near an Indian Reservation and can get it for the low-low price of $3.44 a gallon), the government has decided to start sending out the much needed rebate checks on Monday, a week earlier than originally planned.

I have seen countless articles from financial experts on what to do with the money — stick it in your savings account or pay off debt. Seems logical to me. I’m not too concerned with boosting the economy by purchasing a flat screen TV or a new summer wardrobe. I’m more concerned with boosting my credit rating and safety-net. Our rebate check will be nice and safe in the bank. Sorry George.

Retailers hate people like me! Lucky for them they’ve devised some ingenious marketing plans to put all of those rebate bucks in their pockets. It’s going to be a feeding frenzy to snatch up $106 billion dollars.

Sears will be converting tax rebate checks into gift cards at cash registers and online, and adding on another 10 percent. The gift cards have no expiration dates or fees, but shoppers must purchase a gift card equal to the entire amount of their rebate check.

Wal-Mart’s customer service centers will be cashing rebate checks and running special promotions to encourage spending.

Home Depot is planning a campaign to encourage shoppers to use their tax rebates to buy eco-friendly products such as programmable thermostats (and I’m sure a new turbo lawn mower and shiny grill).

You can get all of the details here.

So what’s your plan? Will retailer promotions and incentives sway you?

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