Rebate checks: How to spend 'em

Graphic designer, 40, Sarasota, Fla.

My wife and I were going to spend the money on some much needed new furniture until we saw that because of the increase in home values, our taxes increased and our insurance increased so we are now in the hole in our escrow by $1,200.

The rebate check will now go straight to our mortgage company and the new furniture will have to wait for another year.

As with most people, the minute you get a little extra money, there will always be something else to spend it on - car repairs, home repairs or some other emergency.

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