What Your Tax Rebate Will Buy You

Americans expecting to use their economic stimulus check for a vacation, gas and groceries might have to think again.

Around $130 billion in rebate checks have begun to be disbursed with the expectation of spurring the economy, which has been hit by job loss and rising oil costs.

"The money is going to help Americans offset the high prices we're seeing at the gas pump, the grocery store, and also give our economy a boost to help us pull out of this economic slowdown," President Bush has said.

How to Be 'So Money' With Your Rebate

The question for many is: How far will it take you?

If you're a family of four and are getting $1,200, then expect to spend more than half of your check on food.

In March, a family of four spent $625 on monthly grocery costs using a low cost plan, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. That's about an 8% increase from a March 2007 grocery bill. While some grocery stores are offering incentives to individuals who cash their checks in-store, many Americans will lose out on this extra discount due to direct deposit.

Meanwhile, at the pump, motorists have been feeling the pinch since oil prices set records after crossing $100 a few months ago. We took at a look at five states to get an idea of how much Americans across the U.S. are spending to get from point A to point B. Using an estimate of 15,000 miles a year, car owners will drive 1,250 miles a month. If you own a 2009 ToyotaTM Camry that allows 26 miles per gallon (an average of the 21/31 mpg on the company Web site), here's what MainStreet.com expects you might spend using the monthly fuel gauge report from AAA: