One of the Big Items of news lately has been the incidence of almost-daily record high oil prices. And today oil prices did the same thing as an oil pipeline shutdown in the North Sea threatens to put further strain on already strained prices.

In practical terms, though, household finances are being affected by oil prices as well. Not only are gas prices going up (forcing changes to family transportation budgets), but transport costs of food are going up as well. Between "economic stimulus" measures and gas prices, food prices inflation is also becoming an issue in household finances.

So, what will you do with your tax rebate? The first checks are supposed to be out today. The government may have originally wanted you to go on a spending spree, but that is probably no longer an option for most people.