5 Ways to Spend my Tax Refund
So, I sat down last week and after all of my calculations I discovered (as I hope many of you have) that Uncle Sam owes me some money. And while filing taxes isn’t the most rewarding experience, I’m pretty excited about the anticipated result: my tax refund.
Now comes the hard part – deciding what I do with it. Have you decided what you’ll do with yours? Maybe you can help me out. Here are some ideas I have:
1. Take a class to further my education. I’ve been out of college now for almost 2 years and during that time have toyed on and off (mostly off because of idea #2) with going back to school. After some investigating, I’ve learned that courses at JCTC are as low as $363 while personal enrichment courses at U of L range between $59 and $150. My favorite, Ghost Hunting is available for just $84
2. Pay down my student loans. As many other recent college graduates, I have quite a bit of student loan debt to my name. And while I’m not shy about it, the number is constantly in the back of mind, taunting me and reminding me of how much I still owe. By making a one-time payment on my highest interest student loan, I can pay if off 2 years earlier and save about $1,750!
3. Plant a tree . . . to help replace those lost in the windstorm of 2008 and the ice-storm of 2009. I can get a 15 gallon tree for about $159. And, did you know that over the course of 50 years, a single tree can generate $31,250 of oxygen, provide $62,000 worth of air pollution control, recycle $37,500 worth of water, and control $31,500 worth of soil erosion? (Arbor Day Foundation)
4. Join a gym. I love to exercise but I’m not one of those run-for-fun kind of people. I’m just not motivated in that way, especially when it’s cold outside. I’ve wanted to join a gym for a while but have been really hesitant to commit to a membership and add another monthly expense to my budget. But Angie isn’t the only Metro United Way staffer planning a wedding and if I want to look and feel better by May 23rd I better get started!
5. Give more to Metro United Way. If you didn’t already know, I’m in the Donor Relations Department at Metro United Way. We’re responsible for the annual campaign and generating revenue for the benefit of the community. I truly believe that no other organization can do as much good for our community, nor can my charitable gift have a greater impact anywhere else than at Metro United Way.
There’s the list. Now I want to hear from you! How do you think I should spend my tax refund? What would you do if you were me? And what do you plan to do with yours?
Haven’t filed your taxes yet? You could qualify for free tax preparation assistance. For more information about free tax services, you can call 2-1-1, visit the Louisville Asset Building Coalition or one of the VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) sites near you!
Photo Credit: thedailyhamster