As millions await stimulus checks, experts provide advice on how to best use them

Macedon, NY (WHAM) -- Jessica Melville says the past few weeks have not been easy. She's self-isolating at home with her 5-month-old son, Jonathan.

“It absolutely sucks that I am not completely able to provide for my family that way I’m used to," she said.

She's a hairdresser who was furloughed amid the COVID-19 crisis. Her boyfriend, Tim, is still able to work, but their overall income has taken a hit.

“I will qualify for unemployment, but I have not been able to get through the website," says Melville. "I keep trying, but it keeps crashing on me.”

She says she's counting on her stimulus check.

“The check will help with the stress I do have, like keeping a roof over our head and the electricity on," she said.

Those stimulus checks will be sent out to millions of Americans. Some will be in the amount of up to $1,200 per person, plus an additional $500 per child. Financial adviser George Conboy says it's crucial to make a list of bills that are most important and put the money towards that first.

“First thing we’re telling people is make sure you pay attention to your most important obligations. Your mortgage, your rent," says Conboy.

Erin Rogalski, a mother of three in Gates, says that's exactly what she and her husband are doing. But she says this check will only help get them so far.

“That’s not going to be enough if this goes on for months and months and months," she said. "If it only lasts until the end of May, we’ll be okay. But if it goes into summer, it won’t work.”

The stimulus checks will start being sent out in mid-April. You'll receive the check the same way you filed for your taxes, either by direct deposit or through the mail.