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Updated: 10:45 PM Feb 9, 2009
Making the Most of Your Tax Refund
A credit counselor gives us a new way to look at your tax refund money. Posted: 6:00 PM Feb 9, 2009 |
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Before you spend your refund in your head, a local credit expert says put some thought into it.
In this "On the Money" report, we're looking at where you can get the most for your money.
Wayne Jennings, a Certified Counselor with Consumer Credit Counseling Services, says take a look at your budget and your situation. If you make more money than your living expenses cost you, he says putting it towards debt or savings makes sense. But, if you are living paycheck to paycheck, then it may make sense to use your tax refund for something other than debt
"Let's say your auto insurance is $1,200 a year if you have a tax refund of $1,200 you might be better off paying your car insurance for a year. If you apply it to a credit card you might get a benefit of $24 to $30 a month whereas if you're paying your auto insurance then you have $100 a month more to work with," he says.
Jennings says you may want to consider putting your refund in an emergency fund to cover car repairs or home repairs so you don't have to use a credit card for emergencies. He also says it might be helpful to set aside the money now for Christmas next year so you can avoid going into debt over the holidays.
To see more examples, click here.
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