• May 15, 2008

While consumers still say they are planning to spend a good chunk of their economic stimulus checks-about 40%, reports the National Retail Federation-what they'll buy has shifted since its last poll, back in February.

"Due to the rising cost of fuel, the largest leap in rebate spending will come at the pump, as 17.2 million people plan to use some of their tax rebate check to pay for gasoline, up from 12.1 million people who planned to do so in February," the NRF says.

And 21.2 million people say they expect to spend some of their rebate for food, up from 20.4 million people in the earlier poll. Among the losing categories: Furniture (only 2.7 million people plan to use the rebate for this now, versus 4 million in February), cars (2.4 million vs. 3.2 million in February), and "me" time, such as at a salon or spa (2.9 million vs. 3.5 million in February).--Sarah Mahoney