8 Smart Uses For Your Tax Refund (2024)

It’s America Saves Weekwhich is a national effort to help you set a savings goal, make a savings plan, and save automatically, which is exactly what we’re going to talk about in 8 Smart Uses For Your Tax Return. Join millions of others who are taking time this week to start or grow their savings. Make your pledge here and learn more about how you can be entered into a sweepstake to win some cash to help pad your savings.

Tax season is upon us once again.

Some of you loathe this time of year while some of us don’t mind one way or the other. Then we have the folks who anticipate it so much that they’ve already spent the money before it hits the bank.

If you’ve already spent your tax refund mentally and haven’t even filed the thing yet, I want to encourage you to take a step back and let’s think about this for a second.

What if you could use this refund to actually getahead of your expenses? How about starting an emergency fund for life’s little mishaps? Or creating unlimited future income?

I know some of those don’t sound as glamorous as a weeklong trip in Miami, a pair of new shoes, a new television, or a down-payment on a car payment (yes, you read that right..a car payment); but the alternative is staying broke.

Do you like being broke?

My guess is no. So, if you’re ready to overcome this cycle of never having enough money to last you until your next paycheck, or paying interest on credit cards — I’ve got some helpful advice for you today. Here are nine smart uses for your tax refund.

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8 Smart Tips for Your Tax Refund

1. Pay down high-interest debt

Maybe you racked up some credit cards for an unexpected emergency or last year’s Christmas. Whatever the reason is, if those bills hit your mailbox every month, they’re accruing interest.

If you really want to get rid of that credit card bill, you have to stop handing over minimum payments every month. While they might help keep you from getting a dingon your credit report, it’s costing you money in the long-run.

Do yourself a favor and pay off a big chunk or all of your credit card debt. I know it doesn’t sound fun to hand over a large amount of money to your creditor, but you’ll still be paying yourself because the money you’re saving on interest can now grow in a high-interest savings account or investment account.

2. Build up or start your emergency fund

If you have no lingering high-interest debts, the best way to prevent yourself from going into future debt would be to start an emergency fund.

Open a separate savings accountthat you will have limited access to and put all or a portion of your tax refund aside in this account.

Next time you have an unexpected medical emergency, you won’t have to reach for those high-interest credit cards because you will already be prepared.

3. Invest for long-term savings goals

If your debt is out of the wayand you have a solid emergency fund, next you’ll want to make sure your long-term savings goals are being funded.

I’m talking about future down payments on homes, all-cash payments for vehicles, vacations, or college funds.

If you and your spouse want to travel Europe in a few years, invest your tax refund into an investment vehicle. Since you won’t need that money for a few years, it will have a chance to grow at an average rate of return.

The same applies to saving for a lofty down payment or your children’s future education.

4. Pre-pay bills

If you have a variable income, the best way to assure your future bills are paid on time is to pre-pay them.

With a large amount of cash on hand, could you pre-pay your rent, electricity, water, or cell phone bills?

It may not seem like it would help, but pre-paying your bills will give you a little breathing room in your budget to continue building up your cash reserves for future lean months when your expected income doesn’t come through when you want or need it to.

5. Invest in your education

Is there a course you’ve wanted to invest in that will help your personal growth? Or maybe you’ve been looking into investing in a new hobby, like blogging?

If so, use your tax refund to invest in those courses or to pay for the expenses of your newly desired hobby.

This investment could pay off in an unexpected way. When I started Life and a Budget with a little left over tax funds, I never expected that I would earn over $7,000 from it the following year!

6. Perform necessary maintenance on your home or vehicle.

If you’ve been putting off necessary auto maintenance such as tire rotation, new tires, oil changes,etc, this is a great time to get caught up on these to make sure your car continues to operate properly.

The same applies to your home. If your faucet has been leaky or your oven has given out, make the necessary repairs while you have the extra cash.

Even if you’re up to date on all auto and home maintenance tasks, make sure you reserve some of your funds from your tax refund towards any future maintenance needs for the year.

7. Purchase life insurance

If you don’t have life insurance, you need some! Insurance companies provide some pretty decent discounts for individuals who pre-pay their life insurance policies for the year.

Compare life insurance quotes with Policy Geniusand secure life insurance with your tax refund. If your iPhoneis insured, please take the time to make sure that everyone in your home has some type of life insurance.

There’s nothing worse than having to deal with the grief of losing a loved one and during those times, the last thing you’ll want to worry about (or have your loved ones worried about) is burial expenses.

8. Make an extra mortgage payment

Reduce the life of your mortgage loan by making an extra mortgage payment or two this year.

Make sure you are clear with your lender that you are making an extra payment towards your mortgage and not pre-paying it.

If your lender allows, pay it directly towards your principal loan so that it will reduce the actual amount you borrowed.

Just imagine if you made an extra mortgage payment every year? You could shave off four or more years on your mortgage. See how much you can save with this additional payment calculator.

Wrapping ThangsUp

Of course, there are more fun things to do with your tax refund. A weekend in Vegas may sound pretty tempting and I know you’re certain that you will hit big over there and make your money back.

But let’s be realistic. You can spend all of your tax refund before you even get it or you can plan ahead and use your money wisely.

By doing the ladder, you’re setting yourself up for a future withfewer headaches because your bills will be pre-paid, your debt will be gone, and you’ll have money set aside for all that life will eventually serve you.

If you’re committed to your own financial success, I highly encourage you to make a pledge to save your tax refund this tax season.

America Saves Weekis a national effort to get good people such as yourself to set a savings goal, make a savings plan, and save automatically. Join millions of others who are taking time this week to start or grow their savings.

Take the first step today andtake the America Saves pledgeto save money, reduce debt, and build wealth over time. America Saves will keep you motivated with information, tips, and reminders to help you reach your savings goal.

Think of them as your own personal support system because let’s be honest – we all could use some support:) Plus, if you make a pledge using this link, you’ll be entered to win a grand prize of $500. See rules and all that jazz here.

Happy savings and make sure to pledge here!