UPDATE: Wednesday, April 30 -- 4:00pm

Several local retailers want you to cash your rebate checks with them. Some are even offering you additional money.

Rachel Metzger says her buying habits are changing.

"A little more careful about what we spend," says Metzger of Madison.

So, she was happy when we told her about a new incentive at her local grocery store.

"Let's the consumer know that we are aware of their needs and being proactive," says Wil Buchanan, manager of Copps on University Avenue.

It all centers around your so-called economic stimulus check.

Copps and Pick 'n Save stores will cash your rebate. That money then goes on a gift card to use solely in their stores. In addition, an extra 10-percent will be added to your total.

"For example, if they bring in a check valued at $300. We will give them $330 in the form of a gift card."

"I would definitely think about that," says Metzger. "Any little bit, you can get, helps and since I shop here anyway, I would definitely spend that money over time."

The world's largest retailer says it's also giving back. You won't get any extra cash to spend, but Wal-Mart is waving its check cashing fee.

This week, Wal-Mart says it also lowered prices on several popular items, like cereal.

Kmart, Lands' End, Menard's and Sears are among the other retailers hoping you'll spend your extra money at their checkouts.

"I'm thankful that they're considering doing it," says Metzger. "Any extra bit of money we can get at places, we normally shop at anyway, is appreciated. So, I think it's a great idea!"

If your check is coming via direct deposit, Copps and Pick 'N Save are ready for you, too. Just bring in proof of your rebate.
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***ECONOMIC STIMULUS CHECK INCENTIVES***

COPPS; PICK 'N SAVE, RAINBOW (ROUNDY'S SUPERMARKETS)
-10% added to rebate check cashed at store locations
-Must show photo ID
-Don't have to spend all at once
-Checks accepted through Sept. 1, 2008

LANDS' END; KMART; SEARS (SEARS HOLDING CORP.)
-Convert rebate check into gift card at store locations
-10% bonus gift card added
-Promotion runs May 14 to July 19, 2008

MENARD'S
-Covert rebate check in to merchandise credit checks
-Receive 5% additional credit

WAL-MART
-Will cash your tax rebate check for free -- do not need to spend money in store

KOHL'S; SHOPKO; TARGET: No extra rebate incentives in place (as of 4/30/08)

BEST BUY; HOME DEPOT: Did not return NBC 15 inquiries (as of 4/30/08)
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Posted Monday, April 28 --- 8:50am

Click HERE for deposit schedule

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Those long-promised tax rebates are now on their way to U.S. taxpayers.

People who chose to have their rebates directly deposited into their bank accounts will see the money there beginning today. The government's paper checks will start going out on May 9th, a week earlier than previously announced.

The extra cash is part of the economic stimulus package intended to help Americans cope with rising gasoline and food prices, as well as aid a slumping economy.

The Internal Revenue Service says all checks for those who filed tax returns on time are scheduled to be deposited or mailed by July 11th.

President Bush announced last week that the rebates would go out a bit earlier than expected.

Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

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Some federal tax rebates being diverted for child-support payments:

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) -- Many Wisconsinites will be getting long-promised federal tax rebates soon, but some of those payments are being diverted.

The state Department of Workforce Development says all or part of the economic stimulus payments to more than 171,000 people in Wisconsin will be intercepted because they're behind in child support payments.

John Knaack of Outagamie County is not happy about that because he's among those affected.

He asks how keeping that money from him is going to stimulate the economy.

But his former wife, Karla Lehman of Shawano, says the back child-support payments will help stimulate her finances.

Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.