Top 10 Ways to Save: How Will You Maximize Your Refund?

There are many ways to spend your tax refund this year. Before you hit the mall, take a few minutes to check out the Top 10 Ways to Save and do more with your tax refund. Prosperity Center Coaches can help you develop a savings plan, manage debt and expenses, and achieve your financial goals.

1. Buy a Savings Bond:

With the Tax Time Savings Bonds program you can save part of your tax refund with U.S. Savings Bonds. For as little as $50, you can buy a savings bond and start saving for your family’s future.

• Savings bonds can help you by setting aside money for emergencies, or to get closer to your goal to buy a home, pay for education or save for retirement. 
• You can buy bonds in someone else’s name to give as gifts and help your loved ones reach their dreams. 
• To buy a savings bond, check the box on the paper or online tax form and indicate the amount of the savings bond(s) you want to buy. If you are filing a paper return, use Form 8888. 
• Watch your mailbox: You will get your savings bonds in the mail 3 to 5 weeks after you receive your tax refund. 
• Learn more about buying savings bonds with your tax refund.

For FREE tax preparation services, schedule an appointment at our VITA site, or visit myfreetaxes.com/pckc

2. Pay down your debt and overdue bills:

If you have overdue bills or loans, use your tax refund to pay them. Once your debt is gone, you’ll have more spending money and you may even sleep better at night.

• Late fees and interest charges can add up quickly and they can ruin your credit. 
• Start by paying your bills, credit cards or loans that charge the highest fees and interest rates. 

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your debt, get free help from our Financial Coach. Schedule a Program Overview today.

3. Open a savings account:

Having a bank or credit union account will help you

• have a safe place to keep your money, 
• save money by avoiding check cashing fees, 
• get into the habit of saving, 
• establish a financial history, and 
• get affordable car and home loans in the future.
  
  

4. Create an emergency fund:

Deposit your tax refund into your savings account to save for a rainy day. Or better yet, open a separate savings account or money market account at your bank or credit union. That way you can avoid using your emergency account on a regular basis and your money will be there when you need it. You should try to save the amount of money you would need to pay your regular expenses for one to three months in your emergency fund.

5. Save for retirement

You are never too young to start saving for retirement. You’ll need more than what you’ll get from Social Security to retire. Use your tax refund to add to your retirement account or find out how to open a retirement account if you don’t have one already.

6. Save for education

B.B. King once said, “The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.” Give your child—or yourself—the chance to go to school and have a better future. Put your money in a college savings fund so your money can grow safely and tax-free. Or use your tax refund to get a GED so you can get a better job.

7. Repair your home

If you own a home, you know it’s hard to set aside money to fix it up. With more cash in your pocket, you can make needed repairs to your home, whether it’s replacing a broken appliance, fixing a leaky roof or adding insulation to save you money on heating and cooling costs.

8. Start a Business

Your tax refund can be a great way to jumpstart a small business. Visit our partners at KCSourceLink to learn about resources available to you to help start your own business.

9. Take advantage of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Food Stamps, now called the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a government program that gives households money to buy food.

Programs vary but in many states, if you receive SSI or SSDI, you may qualify to get SNAP benefits as well. Plus, if you’re applying for or receiving SSI, you may also be able to get SNAP information and an application at your local Social Security office. Those who qualify get an Electronic Benefit Transfer order EBT card that can be used like a debit card at many grocery stores, gas stations, and farmers’ markets.

Schedule a Program Overview, then meet with our Income Supports Specialist to find out if you qualify SNAP.

10. Take advantage WIC: Nutrition for Women, Infants and Children

WIC is a federal nutritious food and education program for women, infants and children — specifically, pregnant moms and kids under five. Programs vary state to state but the average monthly benefit is forty dollars!

Keep in mind that just because you get WIC benefits doesn’t mean others won’t. All who qualify, benefit! Plus, if you receive SSI, you may qualify to get WIC benefits as well. WIC benefits include nutritious food or coupons to buy things like milk, juice, eggs, cheese, cereal, and formula. And, access to free health services like prenatal care, immunizations, nutrition advice, and parenting education. Find out if you or your children qualify for WIC today by visiting

Schedule a Program Overview, then meet with our Income Supports Specialist to find out Missouri and Kansas requirements for WIC.