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Scott Jagow: But you can’t worry too much about inflation, or recession will surely get you. A poll out this morning finds that a majority of Americans expect a recession in the coming year.

And about those government rebate checks: Almost half said they won’t be spending that money. Our own Alisa Roth hit the streets of New York to put a voice to those opinions.

Alisa Roth: It’s bitterly cold in New York this morning. From behind her fur-lined hood and wool scarf, Kimberly says the idea of a rebate check warms her heart.

Kimberly: I don’t know, a nice dinner, a nice outfit. Whatever. Maybe save 50 bucks. Who knows? It’s not too much to work with, but I’m happy I’m getting it.

One in three people who responded to the Zogby poll say they would use the money to pay down debt. Like Carlos, who works for a finance company in Midtown.

Carlos: Probably just pay bills. Like I don’t need it, but it’ll help pay, you know, bills that I had to like, cut, get down — you know, credit cards, stuff like that, car payments, you know.

In the next block, Jose is protesting a company’s treatment of its workers, alongside an oversized inflatable rat.

Jose: I have no idea, I don’t know if I’m getting one, I don’t even know how to get it anyways. But if I . . . how much am I supposed to get?

The minimum check is $300. Married couples are eligible for up to $1,200.

In New York, I’m Alisa Roth for Marketplace.