'Cash for Refrigerators' the next stimulus

With the federal "Cash for Clunkers" program such a resounding success and now out of money, prepare for the next wave of federal stimulus money -- "Cash for Refrigerators."

That isn't the formal name of the federal program, which is set to begin late this fall with rebates of $50 to $200 on purchases of high-efficiency household appliances, part of a $300 million stimulus to boost home appliance sales.

Users won't have to trade in their old dish washers, refrigerators or other appliances to get the rebate. The Energy Department expects most of the $300 million to be awarded by the end of November, although given the success of the car program, you might want to get in line early at your favorite home supply store.