The nation has been teetering on the verge of what many economists are calling a consumer-led recession... but the fix is in! President Bush signed a $152 billion fiscal stimulus package into law today, asking Americans to put that money right back into the economy. Yep, that's right, you are being asked to do your part to perk up the economy by hitting the mall, the supercenter or even your local car dealer. To finance that spending spree the stimulus plan gives individuals tax rebates of up to $600, while couples stand to gain about $1200 on average. So does that mean you'll head for the sales rack or, as tonight's Money File commentator suggests, invest in your own financial future by paying down debt or saving for a rainy day?

Separately, the blue chips moved higher for the third straight day, but tonight' Street Critique guest says he's seeing a bear market that's in full swing. Paul Kangas' interview with Kevin Depew includes some stocks that Kevin says can help your portfolio survive the bear.