You generally don’t hear topics like government economic policy and tax law pop up in everyday conversation. But two little words have changed that this spring: stimulus checks.

How much are you getting? Where are you going to spend it? Will I have any left after I put gas in my SUV?

Those questions didn’t come from a chamber of commerce luncheon. They came from the fast food line, the sand volleyball court and the gas station down the street.

This post isn’t intended for people who plan to receive the stimulus money through direct deposit. But if you receive your check the old fashioned way — by mail — Wal-Mart would like to make you an offer.

The store said Tuesday that it will cash all stimulus checks without charging customers a fee. Wal-Mart usually charges an average of $3 to cash any payroll or government check. Better yet, the store does not even require you to make a purchase.

Some people might choose to walk right out the door with a $600 or $1,200 roll of greenbacks. If you’re like me, you might not feel comfortable carrying all that cash. I’m not even sure my billfold would shut with all those 20s inside. The infamous Costanza wallet comes to mind (for all you Seinfeld fans).

Again, Wal-Mart offers a solution. Customers have the option of loading their stimulus check onto a Wal-Mart MoneyCard — basically a pre-paid debit card that can only be used at Wal-Mart. It’s easy to see why the store offers this option. They get all the money in the long run. The debit cards work great for frequent Wal-Mart customers though, so to each his own.

Sam’s Club members won’t be left out. The bulk retailer will offer the same options as Wal-Mart.

See you in the check-out line.