Don't expect to get a check in the mail so you can purchase a large-screen television and you won't immediately notice a difference in your taxes right away. President Barack Obama's $787 billion stimulus package will not make an immediate difference in your life.

Even though this is one of the largest plans every passed by the United States Congress, it will not directly affect you unless you do not have a job or you are employed in telecommunications, construction or in a energy-efficiency industry. It is also helpful to first-time homebuyers and homeowners who are environmentally conscious.

You might notice an increase in your paycheck because of the "Make Work Pay" credit, in the amount of $400 for single people and $800 for those filing jointly. This will occur through reduced federal payroll taxes and is retroactive back to January 1 and lasts for all of 2009.

As with other tax breaks, there are some conditions. Only individuals earning less than $75,000 or couples (filing jointly) earning under $150,000 are eligible.

This is really a small amount, no more than $15 a week, that will help low and middle income families. Just like other tax rebates, it is hoped that these people will save the extra money or use it to pay off some debts. It will cost the government $116 billion and for what is will accomplish and that fact that it will not create any jobs, it seems like a lot of money meant just to satisfy supply-siders.

Those of fixed incomes, like retired people or those who are disabled, will fare even worse. They will get a one-time credit of only $250. Maybe they can buy a smart phone.