The White House really wants to give the economy a shot in the arm. So those tax rebate checks will start going out on Monday -- a week earlier than previously announced.

President Bush says he hopes this will help us cope with rising food and gasoline prices.

Of course, the reason they're giving us this money is so we'll buy things.

Financial experts, such as Greg McBride at bankrate.com thinks many people would be better off if they used the rebate another way.

"You know, at the end of the day, you can make a pretty good argument that people will be better off financially if they take that rebate check and use it to pay down debt, boost their savings and put themselves in a better financial footing.

"And economically we will benefit from having more consumers that are in a good financial position and able to spend in the years ahead as opposed to just going out and blowing that whole rebate check now and not making any headway in terms of overall financial progress from the debt and savings standpoint," he said.

Remember, the checks will be spread out between now and July. Some will go out later. A message for those who got an extension -- the IRS says you must file your return by October 15 if you want the rebate money by the end of the year.

More Information:

Economic Stimulus Payments Information Center

Tax Rebate Schedule
(Please note: The schedule has not been adjusted to reflect the president's decision to send out the checks ahead of schedule. Therefore, readers should subtract seven days from all dates shown.)