If you’re like millions of Americans each year, you may have already received or expect a tax refund. So, what should you do when this money arrives? The “right” choice for you depends on your personal circumstances, as well as your financial goals.
To help you brainstorm how to make this money work for you, we’ve compiled a list (in no particular order) of eight smart ways to spend your tax refund. (Still haven’t filed? Here’s a pro tip: have your tax refund deposited into your PSECU account! Direct deposit your refund into your PSECU account using PSECU’s ABA/Transit Routing Number (231381116) and the account number of the share type you wish to have your funds deposited to, which you can find in digital banking. Learn more.)
If you have debt, your tax refund can provide an opportunity to reduce what you owe, taking some of the pressure off your future finances. If your refund isn’t enough to eliminate a debt entirely, you may want to consider refinancing the debt so that your extra payment goes further.
There are several ways to approach this, such as a balance transfer that allows you to move high-interest credit card debt to a lower rate credit card or refinancing an auto loan if rates have dropped since you bought your car. To determine what’s best for you, you’ll want to assess your finances and create a debt management plan specific to your situation.
Knowing that you’re prepared for the unexpected can give you a sense of peace. You can get started by making sure you have an emergency fund to help keep you financially afloat during times of crisis.
As a general rule, most people aim to put at least six months’ worth of living expenses in their emergency fund. If your current emergency savings fall short of that goal, depositing a portion of your tax refund into a higher yield savings account, such as a money market, can be a smart way to put that cash to work for you.
Due to the power of compound interest, the money you set aside for retirement now can grow significantly over time. If you’ve been struggling to contribute to your employer-provided fund or an IRA, using your tax refund to boost your savings can be a wise money move.
It’s never too soon to get your child started on the right financial foot. Whether they’re a young child or a teen, setting up an account of their own can help them learn important money management skills. Children under 18 qualify for a 4.00%* Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on PSECU savings account balances of up to $500, so if you’re able, you may want to help boost their savings by making an initial deposit to max out their extra savings.
If your child’s already set up with a savings account, consider establishing a fund for their future, such as a Coverdell Education Savings Account or a 529 Plan.
Does your house check the boxes of all your wish list items? If not, there are likely things you can do to make it better meet your needs or satisfy your wants. For instance, if you’ve transitioned to working remotely, you may need to enhance your home office. Or if you’re caring for a loved one, you may want to finish your basement to create more living space.
Depending on the scope of the home projects you’d like to take on, as well as the size of your tax refund, you may need additional funding to complete them. You can supplement your cash with a low-interest rate HELOC Plus. Using your tax refund will allow you to reduce the amount you need to borrow for home projects now, while using a HELOC Plus will give you the ability to access more funds if you need them in the future.
Maybe you’ve been considering going back to school. Putting your tax refund toward funding a degree can be a smart financial move. Paying cash will help you avoid racking up student loan debt, and investing in your education can lead to long-term financial gains by qualifying you for higher paying jobs.
The same can be said for training opportunities. Perhaps you love the field you’re in but need an additional certification to move to the next level. Or maybe there’s a professional association that would help you build connections after relocating to a new region. Using your tax refund to further your career development in these ways can open the door to more lucrative positions down the road.
No matter what your passion is, there’s likely a nonprofit organization related to it. Whether it’s ending hunger, curing a life-altering disease, or fostering abandoned pets, there is an abundance of community organizations working to solve important issues.
If you find yourself in a position to spare some of the money you receive through your tax refund, consider ways you can be a helper and direct a portion of your return to a group doing work that resonates with you.
Practicing good financial management doesn’t mean you can’t splurge sometimes; it just means you do so within your means. Earmarking a portion of your tax refund for fun can look different depending on your other needs. You may decide to do something simple like treat your family to takeout from your favorite restaurant or take a more elaborate approach and plan a road trip.
Allowing yourself some small indulgences can give you a sense of satisfaction while keeping your budget on track. Plus, our economy, small businesses especially, relies on consumer spending to stay afloat, so spending in your local community can help create a positive economic impact, as well.
Whatever path you choose, we can help you maximize the impact of your tax refund. From a refinancing option to savings shares that meet all your needs, you can achieve more with us. Learn more about our banking services today.
*APY denotes Annual Percentage Yield. Rates and information are subject to change at any time. Fees could reduce earnings on the account(s). The disclosed dividend rates are variable and may change after the member opens the account(s). Regular shares require a minimum balance of $5 to open the account. Youth Savings Accounts will earn a higher APY for balances of $.01 to $500.00. For balances of $500.01 and over, the Regular Savings Share APY will apply. View Truth in Savings Account Disclosures.