Making Your Money Work For You at Tax Time by Russ Dalbey
A Plasma TV, a Vacation… or a Headstart on a Goal?
It’s that time of year again – tax time – and some of you may already be thinking of how to spend your tax refund. I know from personal experience that it’s hard to resist the "urge to splurge" and spend your refund on a big-ticket item. Maybe that flat-screen HDTV you've been eyeing in the electronics store is calling, or an exotic Caribbean vacation.
Stop and think about it, though. Won’t you be better off in the long run if you spend at least part of that money building a better future for yourself? You’ll be better off in the long run if you delay your gratification and invest in your future.
Consider these tips on how to wisely spend your refund and make your money work for you:
Reduce your credit card debt: Putting your refund toward a credit-card balance carrying an 18% (or higher) interest rate guarantees an 18% return on your money. Now that’s smart! Make an extra mortgage payment: Paying down your mortgage principal can save you a lot of money in interest in the long run. Think of how great you’ll feel once your house is paid off!
Establish a retirement plan: Increase your contribution to your 401(k) plan. You might get even more if your employer matches 50 cents for each dollar you contribute up to a certain percentage of your salary. You'll double your contribution if the employer matches dollar-for-dollar. If you don’t have the option of contributing to a 401(k) plan or another employer-sponsored retirement account, look into annuities or tax-efficient mutual funds. If you run your own business, you can get a solo 401(k) or other plan. No matter what your employment situation, is it feels great to save for your future!
Set up an emergency fund: You never know when that “rainy day” fund will come in handy. Everyone should have one! Look into opening a savings account that earns significantly more interest than your checking account, but allows you access to your money at any time. Some online savings accounts are currently offering 3.8% to 4.8% interest, with no fees or miminum balances.
Invest in your child’s future: Open a college account for your child. The younger she/he is, the more years the refund will have to grow. Consider investing in the tax-free growth of a 529-college savings plan or a U.S. savings bond.
It’s OK to give yourself a little treat – maybe a nice dinner out with your family or a piece of recreational equipment you’ve all been looking at. But I hope you’ll use these tips on how to wisely spend at least part of your refund and make your money work hard for you. After all, didn't you work hard for your money?
As the CEO and founder of The Dalbey Wealth Institute, Russ Dalbey has authored dozens of best-selling books and articles on the cash flow business. A highly sought-after public speaker on the topics of wealth, success, and personal motivation, he also holds a record in The Guinness Book of World Records for cycling.
Russ is considered the premier authority on making money in the cash flow note business. Russ Dalbey has been teaching his moneymaking method now for almost two decades, and is considered among the leading educators and experts in the cash flow note field today. Russ Dalbey is truly delighted to bring his vision, experience, knowledge, and energy to anyone who is just discovering the note business for the first time – people who are looking for a better way to live and love life.
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