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Every spring as the flowers and wildlife begin to emerge from their winter slumber, in the U.S. another entity awakens - tax season! For many, this is the time where taxpayers anxiously await with enthusiasm for the money the IRS will be returning to them in the form of a tax refund. All that newly "discovered" cash, you may be wondering what you should spend it on first.

Many people opt to treat themselves to something they wouldn't otherwise buy and this is surely a lot of fun. Occasionally I'll do this, but mostly I like to prioritize and look at the alternative ways to spend tax refunds.

*Pay off any debts. If there are any credit card, medical or other miscellaneous debts, I prefer to pay those bills off and get them out of the way. Tax refunds are a great occasion to "get ahead". I figure there's little sense paying additional fees or interest on money already owed when there's an opportunity to get it all paid off. It's less monthly maintenance to worry about and more money in my pocket to use for other things.

*Pay ahead on debts. Tax returns are an excellent opportunity to pay down outstanding monies owed. Why not pay extra on a mortgage, car or student loan? Over the course of time, paying towards the principal of your loan will save bundles of money.

*Replace appliances or do home improvements. Been waiting a long time to replace that hot water heater? Stove or washing machines been on the fritz? Refrigerator ready to retire? Why not use some of your tax return to replace much needed big ticket items. You could always buy them on credit, but then you're paying out interest and having another consistent bill every month. Again, this is all money you could theoretically have back in your pocket monthly to use for other things.

*Invest. What better way to spend money? Invest it to make more! I'm no wiz in this area, but I have a close family member who always has some great suggestions on how to "spend" money and make money at the same time. Each return we like to take a little bit to put aside in an investment and watch it grow.

*Vacation. Most people look forward to an annual break, especially if they've got some vacation time coming up, but no money to spend. A tax return is the perfect opportunity to buy yourself and/or your family a nice vacation. It can be as frugal or elaborate as your refund allows. What's most important is the vacation doesn't get put on those aforementioned credit cards because it negates the intentions of trying to get ahead.

*Shopping spree. In need of a new wardrobe? Kids been asking for that something special toy? Do you just love to shop? Sometimes it's fun to treat yourselves to something new. Maybe you've been itching to update your home decor or buy some new drapes, or maybe you're sick of looking at your bathroom towels and shower curtain.

*Remodel. Depending on how much your refund is, a fun project is to remodel a room in the home. Consider re-facing your kitchen cabinets or replace that dingy old carpet you've been itching to get rid of. These expenses are not something typically factored into a monthly budget, and a tax refund is a way to plan out for these kinds of expenses.

Whatever you decide to do, it's a good idea to try and file your return on early and get the money sooner. The faster you file, the quicker you'll be able to pay, invest, or spend your return! If you're unsure of how you want to spend it, you can always save it for a rainy day . . .

Learn more about this author, Leigh Goessl.
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