Save and Do More With Your Refund

What will you do with your tax refund?

Surely you can think of many ways to spend your tax refund this year. But before you hit the mall, take a few minutes to check out the 10 top ways to save and do more with your tax refund and make a plan:

1. Buy a Savings Bond:

With the Tax Time Savings Bonds program you can save part of your tax refund with U.S. Savings Bonds. For as little as $50, you can buy a savings bond and start saving for your family’s future.

• Savings bonds can help you by setting aside money for emergencies, or to get closer to your goal to buy a home, pay for education or save for retirement.
• You can buy bonds in someone else’s name to give as gifts and help your loved ones reach their dreams.
• To buy a savings bond, check the box on the paper or online tax form and indicate the amount of the savings bond(s) you want to buy. If you are filing a paper return, use Form 8888.
• Watch your mailbox: You will get your savings bonds in the mail 3 to 5 weeks after you receive your tax refund.
• Learn more about buying savings bonds with your tax refund.

2. Pay down your debt and overdue bills:

If you have overdue bills or loans, use your tax refund to pay them. Once your debt is gone, you’ll have more spending money and you may even sleep better at night.

• Late fees and interest charges can add up quickly and they can ruin your credit.
• Start by paying your bills, credit cards or loans that charge the highest fees and interest rates.
• If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your debt, get free help from a Consumer Credit Counseling Service agency.

3. Open a savings account:

Having a bank or credit union account will help you

• have a safe place to keep your money,
• save money by avoiding check cashing fees,
• get into the habit of saving,
• establish a financial history, and
• get affordable car and home loans in the future.

Learn more about choosing a bank or credit union.

4. Create an emergency fund:

Deposit your tax refund into your savings account to save for a rainy day. Or better yet, open a separate savings account or money market account at your bank or credit union. That way you can avoid using your emergency account on a regular basis and your money will be there when you need it. You should try to save the amount of money you would need to pay your regular expenses for one to three months in your emergency fund.

5. Save for retirement

You are never too young to start saving for retirement. You’ll need more than what you’ll get from Social Security to retire. Use your tax refund to add to your retirement account or find out how to open a retirement account if you don’t have one already.

6. Save for education

B.B. King once said, “The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.” Give your child—or yourself—the chance to go to school and have a better future. Put your money in a college savings fund so your money can grow safely and free of taxes. Or use your tax refund to get a GED so you can get a better job.

7. Buy or fix your car

Are you having trouble getting to work on time every day using public transportation? Have you thought of buying a car? Or if your car could use some TLC, you could use your tax refund to pay for some needed repairs.

8. Buy a computer

Having a computer could change your life. If you have Internet at home, you could take online classes or find a better job. Your kids can use a computer to work on projects and find help with their homework.

9. Repair your home

If you own a home, you know it’s hard to set aside money to fix it up. With more cash in your pocket, you can make needed repairs to your home, whether it’s replacing a broken appliance, fixing a leaky roof or adding insulation to save you money on heating and cooling costs.

10. Start a Business

Your tax refund can be a great way to jump start a small business. Find out the seven things you need to know before starting your own business.