Tax Time, Tax Time, Whatcha Gonna Do?

So, it's that sometimes fateful, often fruitful time of year again, ey? Time for those tax checks to start rolling in (or rolling out?)! Hopefully, you are receiving money back from Uncle Sam this year, so let's talk about some of the ways we can use this money to better our future.

What we should do with the money really depends on the current state of our financial house. The better you've managed your money in the past...the more fun you get to have with that cash-ola now. If we've been spenders and not savers, we'll have to use this wad to do some catching up.

Let's take a look at some savvy ideas for different financial scenarios, shall we?

Got No Fund! If you are one of the many who have not yet established an emergency fund, this is your opportunity to do so. Stash some of your tax return away in a money market or hard- to-get-to savings account. This small safety net can help you to remain out of debt later as expected unexpected things occur. Start with at least $1000.00, and seriously consider setting up automatic payments to this account each month. Of course, we know that saving our cash is the right thing to do...but we don't always do it! By setting up auto-draft into your savings you always pay yourself first!

Daunting Debtee! If you are currently in any type of debt whether it be credit card, car or other vehicle loans, personal loans or doctor bills...it just wouldn't be prudent not to pay some of these things off now. Any interest accumulating loan should certainly be the priority, and even if the sum you get back is not enough to pay the whole thing off...it can certainly make a substantial dent.

Goals, Goals, Goals! Planning on vacationing this summer, or building an addition on that humble abode of yours? By setting this extra money aside now and adding to it along the way...you can enable yourself to have and do these types of things without the need to finance a dime. Dream big...and plan ahead so your big dreams don't send you into Chapter 11!

Giving Time! Are you one of these folks who say, "I'd love to give money to that cause...I just don't ever have enough to give." Well, you have it now...so why not give some away? There are many in this world who are much less fortunate than we are. Don't be a stagnate pond, keeping everything for yourself...show your gratitude and let the river of blessings flow through to others. ( Please make checks payable to Carey Keavy...P.O. Box...hee hee.)