The sky’s the limit: Remodel the house, take a vacation, invest in the stock market, buy an electronic gadget.

So what are most people doing with their stimulus payment?

Paying bills.

Congress passed the $150 billion stimulus package this year to try to keep the economy out of recession. They hoped consumers would churn the money back into the economy to spur growth. Most single taxpayers will receive $600, with larger payments for families with children.

The stimulus package has fallen short of expectations for many.

“To me, it’s not going to fix the main problems,” said Patrick Parrish of Stanberry, Mo.

His family paid for summer camp and tucked the rest away in savings.

“I think the only thing that will help is to fix fuel and food prices that everybody uses,” Mr. Parrish said.

Jennifer Price said she spent her payment. On gas.

“There was a big fear that $4 gallon gas would take the lion’s share of stimulus spending and eat it up,” said Ken Perkins, a researcher with RetailMetrics.

However, many retailers posted stronger sales than expected in May. The tax rebates get much of the credit.

Ashley Brown is looking forward to her check.

“I don’t have any big plans,” she said as she shopped at Wal-Mart with her two young sons. “Just when it gets here I’ll spend it.”

Businesses say they’ve seen some impact from shoppers spending their stimulus.

“We have been pleasantly surprised,” said Tony Franklin, managing partner of Anderson Ford in St. Joseph. “We’ve noticed there has been an uptick.”

A long, cold winter cut into sales for many retailers. Mr. Franklin said the auto industry in particular has taken a hit from gas prices. Consumers in general all seem to be looking for a more positive feeling about the economy.

The stimulus checks may help get the feeling back.

“I believe there are more people spending it than keeping it,” Mr. Franklin said.

Pat Burton, who owns Garfield Lumber with her husband Ed, said a lot of people are talking about the payments, but it’s hard to trace the impact on business.

“It was pretty slow during the winter, but it has picked up,” Mrs. Burton said. “I think there is a small impact from it.”

Decks and replacement windows have been popular items as homeowners fix up their place instead of moving to a new home, she said.

Consumers are expected to save or pay down debt with about 60 percent of their rebate money, said Craig Johnson, a consultant with Customer Growth Partners. They’ll probably spend the other 40 percent, giving an “overall modestly positive, but clearly positive” boost to sales.

Stores are hoping to cash in on consumers cashing their checks.

Shoppers who cash their entire stimulus check for Hy-Vee gift cards get 10 percent back in cash. For instance, a $600 payment would yield $60 back in cash.

Josh Bruce, assistant manager for store operations, said some people have taken the option, but many got their check through direct deposit, so they’re not eligible for the program.

As of May 30, the Treasury Department has sent out about $50 billion in stimulus payments, about half of the amount expected to be distributed.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Business editor Susan Mires can be reached

at susanm@npgco.com.