PAY OFF DEBT
Between student loans, a mortgage, an auto loan and whatever else you may owe money on, you probably can’t get rid of all of your debt with a tax refund, but if the refund is substantial, you can probably get rid of a decent amount.
“If you owe on credit cards, you’re paying double-digit interest rates,” says Nicholas Vail, a financial advisor and co-founder of Integrity Wealth Advisors in Indianapolis. “Paying minimums on these balances usually equates to spinning your wheels. A lump sum from a tax refund can help you pay down the principal on these debts,” he adds.