Guest post by Olivia West
Since we are in the midst of tax season, many people are probably making plans on what they are going to do with the money that they will be receiving back from the government.
Some people are probably planning on going on a trip, a shopping spree, or buying a new car while others are planning on paying it down on some debt or invest in a safe market.
Some people are probably planning on going on a trip, a shopping spree, or buying a new car while others are planning on paying it down on some debt or invest in a safe market.
However, studies have shown that most consumers, even when given the opportunity to pay off personal debt, do not.
So, here are a few options for using your tax refund:
Pay Off Some High Interest Debt - Whether it’s department store credit cards, a car loan, or even a student loan, try to pay off some debt with this year’s tax return. If you are still trying to pay down some holiday debt, knock those balances out immediately. Department store cards’ interest rates are on average 10% higher than commercial credit cards. It would be in your best interest (pun intended) to leave the plastic at home and use cash instead.
Put Money on the Back Half of Your Mortgage - With one extra payment per year, you can reduce the life of your fixed-rate 30- year mortgage by up to seven years. Not only will you be making one extra payment a year, but you may also get an extra month’s worth of mortgage interest deductions that will benefit you during the following year’s tax season.
If you do not own a home, take this opportunity to start saving for one.
Establish An Emergency Fund - Every family should have an emergency fund with at least 6-9 months’ worth of living expenses for a two-income household and a 12 month safety net if your family is being supported by one income.
If the breadwinner in the family loses his or her job, this cushion will allow enough time for one to do a thorough job search versus settling for a position due to time constraints. In an economy where the average American stays in his or her position for less than 5 years, having cash on hand is an absolute necessity.
Seek Out Assistance - If you are unsure whether or not you are making wise decisions with your money, seek out assistance. Feel free to go to www.westadvisorygroup.org to find a financial coach. Someone there will be glad to work with you to develop a plan for your financial goals.
So, here are a few options for using your tax refund:
Pay Off Some High Interest Debt - Whether it’s department store credit cards, a car loan, or even a student loan, try to pay off some debt with this year’s tax return. If you are still trying to pay down some holiday debt, knock those balances out immediately. Department store cards’ interest rates are on average 10% higher than commercial credit cards. It would be in your best interest (pun intended) to leave the plastic at home and use cash instead.
Put Money on the Back Half of Your Mortgage - With one extra payment per year, you can reduce the life of your fixed-rate 30- year mortgage by up to seven years. Not only will you be making one extra payment a year, but you may also get an extra month’s worth of mortgage interest deductions that will benefit you during the following year’s tax season.
If you do not own a home, take this opportunity to start saving for one.
Establish An Emergency Fund - Every family should have an emergency fund with at least 6-9 months’ worth of living expenses for a two-income household and a 12 month safety net if your family is being supported by one income.
If the breadwinner in the family loses his or her job, this cushion will allow enough time for one to do a thorough job search versus settling for a position due to time constraints. In an economy where the average American stays in his or her position for less than 5 years, having cash on hand is an absolute necessity.
Seek Out Assistance - If you are unsure whether or not you are making wise decisions with your money, seek out assistance. Feel free to go to www.westadvisorygroup.org to find a financial coach. Someone there will be glad to work with you to develop a plan for your financial goals.
Olivia holds a BS in Industrial Engineering and is a Certified Money Coach. She was obedient to the Lord and quit her engineering job to focus on her family. This stay at home mom/home schooling mom is now the co-founder and President of West Advisory Group, an organization that teaches individuals how to live financially free lives. In less than ten years after graduation, Olivia and her husband Norman managed to pay off ALL of their student loan debt, credit card debt, car loans, and personal loans! Olivia is the co-author of a newly released book “Debt Free at 33”. Follow Olivia on Twitter at Debt Free at 33.
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