4 smart ways to spend your tax refund in 2017

We just looked at the advantages of filing your taxes early, so here are some smart ways to spend your money once you get that tax refund.

Pay down credit card debt

This may be the smartest choice when deciding what to do with your refund. Decreasing your debt helps alleviate the interest you’re paying, which will be a huge weight off your wallet and credit score. Debt can feel like a mountain, so take the opportunity to dig yourself out from under it.

Put it into retirement

Your retirement account (401k, Roth) can sometimes be neglected if you’re not steadily adding funds, so use your refund as a chance to jump start your contributions for 2017. It may not seem super important now, but you’ll be 65 before you know it.

Build that emergency fund

Even if you’re doing a good job of saving for retirement, that may be all you’re saving. If this is you, use your tax return to create an emergency fund in case things go south (lose your job, car explodes, zombie apocalypse).

Invest in yourself

This could have a lot of different meanings. Exercise is good for your body and taking a trip can be a good way to unwind and refresh your mind. If these sound like good ideas, join a gym or book a flight. Have a favorite charity? Give some of that money away. Helping others can be good for the soul.