How to Have More Fun with Your Tax Refund in 2009

Getting a tax refund this year? Want to stretch it as far as possible? Good for you…

I counsel a LOT of people about money. I see the same mistakes being made over and over again.

If you’ve made ‘em, don’t worry. I’m here to help you do it right THIS year! The fact is, moneymakers need a money coach, just like gymnasts need a gymnastics coach and Tiger Woods needs a golf coach.

As your Money Mending coach, here are the mistakes in thinking and behavior I want you to avoid:nn* Don’t think of your refund as free money - or lottery winnings. It’s not! That refund is your hard-ea
ed dollars that you loaned Uncle Sam interest free - all last year.nn* Don’t spend the refund - or OVERSPEND it - when you haven’t gotten the cash in your hands yet.nn* Don’t spend the whole refund to pay down debt.

OK. So now you’re Money Smart about what NOT to do with that refund in 2009.

Next, here are my EASY Money Mending moves that YOU can make to best handle your income tax refund this year.

First, divide your refund into thirds - 3 equal amounts.

Why 3 equal amounts? Because we want to use that refund - however small or large - to handle the past, the present and the future.

Use one third to handle the PAST by paying down debts. Start with your most pressing debt…either the one with the highest interest rate, or the one with the biggest consequence for not paying it down.

Use one third for something you need or want in the PRESENT. If you can, use that money to have some FUN. Do something that is NOURISHING to you - something that makes you feel GOOD. How about a mini-vacation, or an evening of fine dining and great entertainment, or a day at the spa?nn***Of course, if the brakes on the car are shot, or you have some other pressing need, you’ll need to do that FIRST.***

Finally, use one third to handle some aspect of your FUTURE. Here are several Money Mender suggestions for you to think about.nn*Put money in your Anti-Emergency Fund - Read more about that here: http://www.mendyourmoney.com/create-your-own-anti-emergency-fund/.nn*Put money in your Sleep EZ Fund or save for your retirement through your 401(k), 403(b), IRA (traditional or Roth).nn*Put money into college education funds (Coverdell IRAs or 529 plans) for your kids or grandkids.

Why is this “thirds” approach such a great idea? Because you’ll be taking care of a variety of wants and needs - AND taking several easy Money Mending steps forward towards your BIG goal of financial freedom!

THAT is how you can have MORE fun with YOUR tax refund in 2009.