1. Pay down debt.
According to Bankrate.com, the average American family has over $15,000 in credit card debt. If you're in that boat, using yout tax refund to knock down a chunk of high-interest debt might be a smart strategy.
Paying down student loans, or paying off several small credit cards might also be a good idea. Some financial strategists believe that it is psychologically rewarding to completely pay off smaller accounts whenever you can, even if some other accounts might have higher interest rates.
2. Save for a rainy day.
If you have debt under control, make sure you have emergency funds set aside. Calculate how much money you need to cover expenses for one month - food, rent, utilities, gas, bills, etc. The typical advice is that you should have 6 to 9 times that amount in a savings account. Life is unpredictable, and you need to be prepared for unexpected surprises like car repairs, medical bills, etc.
3. Invest in yourself.
Are you prepared for retirement? Are you maxing out your 401k plan? If your employer offers a contribution match, you may want to start there because that's free money. You may also be able to deduct up to $18,000 of it on your taxes. If you don't have a 401k, you may want to consider opening a traditional or a Roth IRA.
You can also invest in yourself in less traditional ways. Some of our customers express interest in starting their own Greek stores. Check out our Greekpreneur program to see if it's a good fit for you (limited availability).
If you already own a Greek store, bookstore, or a related business, take a look at our wholesale program and maybe offer some new products to your customers.
4. Give back.
It always feels good to help others. You might consider tithing more to your church, or researching non-profit organizations. Which causes mean the most to you?
Every year, we donate a portion of sales from our Breast Cancer Awareness tees to Susan G. Komen, and to The Pink Frog Foundation.
We look forward to giving more this year, and in years to come.
5. Treat yourself.
If you have all of the above bases covered, it may be time to pamper yourself a bit. Maybe treat yourself to a nice vacation, or splurge on that custom line jacket you've been wanting for years. It just so happens we're having a Tax Refund sale right now, but it's so good it won't last forever. The clock is ticking...hurry! Shop all custom gear now..
