Tax refund season presents a golden opportunity to revamp your finances. Here are three smart ways to make the most of your tax refund.
1. Give your emergency fund a significant boost
A recent Bankrate survey revealed that less than 40 percent of Americans can handle an unexpected $1,000 expense.
An emergency savings account is a crucial step to a savvy financial plan. Just ensure it’s a high-yield savings account that earns at least 5.0% APY.
Remember, it's all about the magic of compound interest, so once you make an initial deposit, have a plan to contribute monthly to your account. You want to stacks on stacks on stacks of cash earning high interest.
2. Boost your retirement savings
No pressing needs or high-interest debt? Then your tax refund is your ticket to a comfy retirement. Think of it as planting a money tree that'll bear fruit in your golden years.
Investing in a tax-advantaged retirement account like an IRA can turn a modest tax refund into a significant amount of retirement income. It's like magic, but better!
3. Get rid of high-interest debt
Got a high-interest debt on credit cards or loans? Let your tax refund save you money. Resist the call of a vacation and slay your highest interest rate debt first. This is known as the debt avalanche method and helps you save the most money in the long run.
Here is why the debt avalanche method works so well:
- Reduced interest charges. By prioritizing high-interest debt, you pay less interest overall. This frees up more money to be directed towards paying off the remaining debt faster.
- Faster snowball effect. As you pay off each debt, you can allocate the previously used payment amount towards the next debt. This creates a snowball effect, accelerating your debt payoff journey.
However, there's another approach called the debt snowball, which focuses on paying off the smallest debts first, regardless of interest rate. This method can be more motivating for some individuals as it provides a sense of accomplishment with quicker wins.
If you don't high-interest debt, then deploy your tax refund to reduce your car or student loan debt. Getting rid of debt is like hitting the financial reset button.
