About Taxes

Money is a matter of utmost importance this year, as the entire Globe goes through an economic downturn. When it comes to the time you will be filing your taxes, if you are expecting a refund, it could be difficult for you to understand how to deal with the sudden flow of extra cash! All I can say is that you better consider your options and be wise in your spending habits this year. First of all, divide the refund money you get into 3 equal amounts - one each for past, present and the future. Use one part of the money for taking care of past commitments such as repaying your debts. And one each goes for your present and future needs. Here are 7 smart ways ton spend your income tax refund during a recession:

1. Start by paying off old debts, pending credit card payments and school or car loans that you might have, ranking them in order of urgency. In this credit crunch, the last thing you want to do is to skip your credit card payments, increasing and making repayment more difficult for you each time! So paying your credit payments off in full or at least if you manage to handle most of it, it reduces your monthly payments and puts some money in your wallet every month.

2. Make an extra mortgage payment. This is a very smart move, because making one extra payment for mortgage every year can reduce the life of your loan up to 6months. It also saves you a lot of money in the long run.

3. Prepay major bills that are coming up. If you have anything from annual insurance premiums to your orthodontist bills coming up, paying it off with this extra money will take one big worry off your shoulders.

4. Invest in servicing your car or doing something for yourself. For most people their car is the only mode of transport, so having it serviced every once in a while is important. Also, investing in something useful such a learning a new language or attending a professional conference is never a waste of money.

5. Prepay a future vacation or donate to charity. Pay up for that vacation you've wanted for ages right now, when you have the money.

6. Donate to a charity foundation and be sure to feel better about helping someone who really needs it.

7. Save! According to experts, saving up at least 6 months' salary is a good idea for everyone in case of an emergency or job loss. Any type of savings from fixed deposits to your children's college fund is good, so long as you add to it whenever possible. In a slow economy such as the one we're living in right now, nothing can be more important than saving as much as possible because you never know when things might get worse!

An economic crisis calls out for you to do everything you can to spend less and save more. Put your income tax refund to good use, as any extra income in such a time is welcome.

About the Author:

Ms. Pinky is a mom of 3 school children. She is a Systems Engineer, a Technology Researcher and an Independent Medical Billing and Coding Consultant. She and her family is well-traveled all over the world! Her blogs and websites focuses on stay-at-home moms, dads and students who wants to work at home, build homebased business http://www.mommyisworkingathome.com. Visit her Interesting Site on Asian Travels and Destinations. Discover Asia's Culture and Great Food! at http://www.goingplacesinasia.com