15 Ideas on How to Spend Your Tax Refund Wisely

It’s tax refund time, here is how to get the most from your return.

While it’s always tempting to spend your tax refund on a personal treat, there are other routes to consider that could help alleviate financial pressure and set you up for better financial success.

Here are 15 alternatives to consider:

 

1) Get Overdue Bills Off Your Back

A tax refund can be a lifesaver if you’re behind on bills. It will help repair the damage done to your credit score, and give you better leverage when negotiating a mortgage renewal or other loans.

 

2) Increase Your Monthly Income

If you are carrying credit card debt or a high interest payday loan, this is your chance to get it off your back or at least make your monthly payments more manageable.

If you are carrying a payday loan, reduce your interest payments through affordable alternatives like our Cash Crunch Loan.

 

3) Become Emergency-Proof

Your tax refund is a great way to start or boost your emergency fund. You can keep adding to it so you can cope when that emergency strikes and avoid getting into debt. Earn investment income tax-free on your emergency fund with a Tax-Free Savings Account.

 

4) Invest in Your Kids’ Future

An RESP is a tax-deferred savings account that financially prepares your children for further education.

Contribute up to $50,000 per child and the government will boost it by up to $7,200, growing your kids’ college fund even more.

 

5) Spend it on Something You Really Need

Do you need dental work, a new car or another essential purchase you’ve been putting off for lack of funds? Pay for it outright or make a large down payment so monthly costs are more manageable.

 

6) Put it Towards a Relaxing Retirement

Use the money to invest in an RRSP, a tax-deductible, registered retirement plan and start on the road to a comfortable retirement.

Tax is only paid when you withdraw money, when you’ll probably be in a lower tax bracket.

 

7) Save the Planet – and Your Money

Making your home more energy efficient helps reduce carbon emissions and heating bills and gets you rebates. See efficiencyalberta.ca for details.

 

8) Get on the Path to Being a Millionaire

Start up your portfolio of investments with online trading through Qtrade Investor. The sooner you start, the sooner your investments will grow.

 

9) Begin Good Savings Habits

Now is a good time to set up a budget and make regular savings. Use your refund to jump-start your savings (like with our high-interest Elite Savings account, or a fee-free investment with great returns!). Start good habits and put yourself on the road to financial security.

 

10) Sleep Better at Night

Insuring yourself and your family against the unexpected is a great investment.

Life and critical illness/disability insurance bring you peace of mind, knowing you and your loved ones are financially protected if you die or can no longer work.

 

11) Feel Good by Doing Good  

Your tax refund gives you a good opportunity to help your favourite charitable cause. As well as helping others and making you feel warm inside, your donations are also tax-deductible.

 

12) Use It to Build Your Dream

If you have a great business idea, use your tax refund towards getting it off the ground. You’ll probably also need to borrow money to get started, but the more money you can put into the business yourself, the less debt you’ll have.

 

13) Start Saving for a Home or Pay Off Your Mortgage Faster

Down payments can be tens of thousands of dollars – use your tax refund to give your down payment savings a head start. If you have a mortgage, use your refund to pay down the principal every year and pay off your mortgage much faster.    

 

14) Invest in Yourself

Now is a great time to invest in your career by taking a course that provides you with skills that make you more marketable.

 

15) Buy an Experience

Studies show that experiential purchases like vacations, classes or a road trip make us happier for longer than buying material things.

If you’ve got everything else covered, taking a vacation is a great way to recharge your batteries and get reenergized.

 

Whatever you decide, be sure to take our team up on a free financial plan and review of your finances. Our teams are at the ready to help guide you on the best use of your tax refund for your personal situation, your short term and your long term goals.

Talk to us! We’ll help you get the most out of your tax refund.

 


First Calgary Financial
1.866.923.4778
firstcalgary.com

      

This content was supplied by the advertiser for commercial purposes. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of Avenue staff.

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Privacy Policy

Privacy & Cookies Policy
Avenue Calgary