Get a 10% Bonus on Your Economic Stimulus Check by Buying Groceries!

Many of you will soon be receiving their economic stimulus checks from the IRS. If you don't already have these funds earmarked for a particular purpose, you might want to stretch your check amount by spending it (or at least part of it) at a store offering bonuses - especially at the supermarket!

Several grocery chains are promoting bonus programs. Supervalue, Inc. Supermarkets (which include Acme, Albertsons, bigg's, Cub Foods, Farm Fresh, Hornbacher's, Jewel-Osco, Lucky, Shaw's/Star Market, Shop 'n Save and Shoppers Food & Pharmacy) are offering the 10% discount. The good thing is that you don't actually have to bring in your check OR spend the whole thing there. Rather, you can buy store gift cards in $300 increments (up to total of $1,200 per household) and they will add 10% of the amount purchased to each gift card! (Official Press Release.) Kroger stores (which include Kroger, Baker’s, City Market, Dillons, Fred Meyer, Fry’s, Gerbes, Hilander, Jay C, King Soopers, Owen’s, Pay Less, Ralphs, Smith’s and QFC stores) are offering an almost identical program. (Official Press Release. )

There are other stores, besides grocery stores, offering similar programs. At Radio Shack you can make a purchase as little as $50 and receive the discount. Other stores such as Sears & Kmart, require you to spend your entire stimulus check to receive a discount. (Official Press Release. )

An extra 10% at the supermarket is a great deal for most everyone, but you might want to think twice about commiting your stimulus payment to another retailer. If you end up buying things you don't really need, the 10% bonus isn't worth it!