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What Should You Do With Your Tax Refund?
Posted on 2/17/2016
Will you be receiving a tax refund this year? If so, you might want to think about the destiny of that money. By carefully considering how to use your refund in advance, you may be able to avoid asking yourself, later, that age-old question … “Where did it all go?”
A few possibilities to consider.
Will you be receiving a tax refund this year? If so, you might want to think about the destiny of that money. Here are a few options to consider:- Start (or add to) an emergency fund. Do you have a dedicated rainy day fund? Consider setting this money aside for a tight spot you may find yourself in at another time.
- Invest in yourself. You could put the money toward education, career training, or personal improvement.
- Use it for a down payment on a vehicle or real property. Real property may represent a better financial choice, but updating your vehicle may have merit – cars do wear out.
- Put it into a retirement account. If you haven’t maximized your contributions this year or have a chance to get an employer match, it may be worth considering.
- Pay down debt. Almost always a wise move.
- Get your home ready for the market. Spruce up the yard, exterior, or interior of your residence, or hire professional who can assist you with staging it.
- Improve your home with energy-saving appliances. Or windows, or weather-stripping, or solar panels – just to name a few options.
- Create your own food bank. What if a hurricane or an earthquake hits? Where would your food and water come from? Emergency food stores are worth considering.
- See a doctor, optometrist, dentist or physical therapist. If you have not been able to see these professionals due to your insurance situation or your personal cash flow, why not do it now?
- Pay for a getaway you have been dreaming about. If you are debt-free and feel financially confident, perhaps you should consider rewarding yourself with travel?
- Pay it forward. Your refund could turn into a charitable contribution (deductible on next year’s federal tax return, if you itemize deductions.)
Michael Bohne, CRPC® may be reached at 847-672-1823 or [email protected]
Stuart Cooper, CRPC® may be reached at 847-672-1833 or [email protected]
This material was prepared by MarketingPro, Inc., and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, nor their affiliates. This information should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy.