How to Maximize Your Economic Stimulus Rebate Payment

Beginning in May, 2008, each taxpayer who filed their 2007 tax return, will receive a tax rebate from the IRS. The taxpayers must have made at least $3,000 of earned income but under $75,000 (single filers) or $150,000 married filing jointly). This rebate falls under the Economic Stimulus Act. Taxpayers will receive rebate checks of $600 to for single filers and $1200 for married filing jointly. Additionally, taxpayers will receive $300 for each dependent child who qualified for the Child Tax Credit on the 1040. These rebates will begin arriving in May and are processed according to your SSN (in case of those filing jointly it is the SSN of the first tax-payer listed).

I have been watching internet finance and banking news for information regarding the Stimulus rebate check payments. I just received an email from Meijer, a large mass merchandise chain store in the mid-west part of the US. Meijer is offering a 10% addition to your economic stimulus payment in the form of store coupons. You can receive up to $120 in coupons by purchasing Meijer gift cards. For each $300 Meijer gift card you purchase, Meijer will issue a $30 coupon. Each person can recieve up to four coupons at $30 each. I read the fine print detailing how the gift cards had to be purchased to qualify for the coupon. You can pay for the gift cards with a check, cash or any credit card or debit card. Here's how to maximize your Economic Stimulus payment.

First, using whichever bank or store debit or credit card that offers you the best rebates, purchase the gift cards with this credit card to get the rebate points. You can also open up a new card and take advantage of the first time buyer points. Meijer offers a Meijer platinum Master Card, for example, any will usually give you 10% off from your first purchase (make sure that this covers gift card purchases). Meijer offers several senior citizen discount days each month; senior citizens get 10-15 % off their entire order using their Meijer cards. Meijer also assists seniors with free local transportation.

Next, buy as many Meijer gift cards as you can use to recieve your $30 coupons. You can purchase the gifts cards online and also use them online as well. Meijer.com gives you access to all the merchandise chain-wide; I live near Meijer and still shop their online store for the special prices and availability. Meijer does offer quite a few free shipping offers. This is perfect for the homebound and those with limited mobility.

Like Wal-Mart and Target, Meijer carries a full line of products: grocery, household, clothing, sporting goods, automotive, toys, furniture, yard, garden, appliances, electronics and more. Meijer's prices are highly competitive and their products are very good. They sell the kinds of items people use everyday. About 95% of our area shops at Meijer as their favorite local mass merchandise store. Meijer also matches competitors' ads. Meijer has a gas station as well which will give you $.05 off from each gallon of gas if you pay with your Meijer card. You can still take advantage of all the sales and clearance prices with your gift cards. Meijer has a full pharmacy which offers six common prescriptions free, as well as many senior discounts and perks.

You could increase your Economic Stimulus Payment by 10% as well earning debit or credit rebates with this plan.