Reasons to Spend Your Tax Refund

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A washing machine would bring me much more happiness on a day to day level than a family vacation. After the vacation is over and done with there is only memories, and maybe some pictures. I like gifts that keep on giving and awashing machine would do that a family trip would not. I dont like to travel anyways. Geography is just that geography and and its just a whole new set of problems if you were to actually live in one of those places, so do yourself a favor and make like easier in the here and now. Get a washing machine and bank the rest ( for a rainy day)

Suzie Q of VT 12:31PM August 22, 2011

I don't know anybody that can just blow a large tax return! maybe because all the people I know work at Walmart or some type of minimum wage job and often 2 JOBS just to get by.
So when they get their tax return that pays the taxes yearly on their home or fixes a broken stove or something they need really bad for their kids!!!
If you make good money and have your bills all paid - it is less likely you will get a
large return because you are probably older and don't have kids!

don of PA 3:04PM July 03, 2011

1) you have 12 months living expenses in the bank
2) your retirement accounts are on track
3) your name is @blondebotox @alphaconsumer, and you write cr*p for USNews.
Hint: Buy a vowel.

Suze's Tube of KY 1:41AM April 09, 2011

I would say do both save half of the money and enjoy the other half. You never know when you will leave this world. Whatever you leave behind others will enjoy for you if you didn't take the time to splurge a little or take a vacation. Life is too short and we should enjoy it with those we love. Memories is all we take with us and if all you did was work and save all you would be remembered for is just that.

MR of FL 1:21AM April 02, 2011

""people are better off using their refund money to enjoy life today, instead of saving it for some vague future purpose"""
I think paying off Credit Card Debt for things you already bought on credit cards and keeping any differenct in checking account is much smarter.
Happiness is being debt free, not listening to 2 Clown Professors who read in a book that people should blow their refunds like someone who just received their first paycheck.
"""Keep getting your refund, and use it to create a memorable experience."""
Blow your money like a fool?
This person works for US News Money??
Really?

Bingo of PA 1:35PM March 30, 2011

+1 to bingo above.
Once u know how much refunds u r getting this year, adjust ur taxes so u get no refunds next year, and put in that extra money every pay check into say an IRA account. Will get interest, plus adds some more to tax savings. IRA account also forces u not withdraw it unless u r in dire need, and this would deter many from even touching it.
Also bank interest rates compared to past and now have gone down so much it doesn't make sense putting it in some savings account.
Its time to think smart, if not smarter, than stick to tradition view.

Sri of GA 12:32PM March 30, 2011

Do you mean to me that you don't think I should put the $30/paycheck I save on withholding into a savings account? An rather give it "Uncle" to give back to me later, sans interest??? Perhaps you are too young to remember "Christmas Clubs?"
Sandy Brown, Covington, GA (Formerly of Big Pine Key, FL)

Sanford Brown of GA 4:04PM March 29, 2011

""And it turns out there are good reasons to continue receiving it, contrary to traditional advice.""
The Contrarion view is to not get the refund.
The Tradition view is to get it.
Contrarion advice is to not get it.
Get it?

Bingo of PA 3:58PM March 29, 2011