How Americans Are Using Their Tax Refunds

Ted Sherman
It's tax season and, while some people are scrambling to file in time for the deadline, others are eagerly awaiting refund checks. I took a walk down to the local Rite Aid here in West Hollywood, California, to see what people planned to do with those tax refunds.

"I'm boring. I'm just putting it in my savings account for a rainy day." - Kenji Shiagawa, cameraman, Los Angeles

"In one hand, out the other. I'm gonna put the check in my bank account, then write a check for the same amount to Visa for my credit card bill. I did have fun charging up the bill, so I guess it's OK." - Lisa Kim, designer, Hollywood

"Smart people don't get tax refunds." - Aliana Gjocek, student, West Hollywood

"I've been much more accurate on my taxes lately and don't see much of a refund. I can remember some past years where I would just party and blow it in a few days. I miss those days, I'm too responsible now, it's no fun." - Vince DiGiullio, personal trainer, Pasadena

"One word: Hawaii." - Sharon Neflin, attorney, West Hollywood

"My son's birthday is coming up the first week of May and we are planning to go to Disneyland. If the refund is big, we will maybe stay longer or go to a nicer hotel. We will save some of the money too; we just started a college fund for him." - Jose Cardenas, truck mechanic, Whittier

"I am doing something very un-fun: I am using it to pay taxes. I owe money from last year and I thought the IRS would just apply the refund but they sent me a check. I'm gonna be a good boy and not spend it." - Chris Jalicky, electrician, Burbank

"We just moved into a new house, so it will probably go to paint, or furniture, or drapes, something like that. I know a refund just means you paid too much, but it's still nice to get a little something back." - Jennifer Crittenden, chef, West Hollywood

More from this contributor:
How I Cut the Cord and Enjoy Almost Free TV
How Retirees Can Save on Their Taxes
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Published by Ted Sherman - Featured Contributor in Business & Finance

Navy service WWII and Korea, BFA, MA. Retired, experience: exec. speechwriter, advertising, sales promotion, PR, graphic art, photography, travel and humor writing. Follow me: @travel4seniors, Editor of tra...  View profile

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