6 Smart Ways to Spend Your Tax Refund

In 2018, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) reportedly issued 112 million tax refunds, with a grand total of $324 billion returned to taxpayers.  If you received one of those refunds, it might have been the financial highlight of the year — more money in a lump sum than you could ever expect to receive from another source. Did you spend the money wisely? This year, get rid of that devil on your shoulder with these six smart ways to put your tax refund to better use. 

Who Does the President's Personal Finances?

Despite being the leader of the free world, the president still has to pay personal bills, and many of them have opted not to pass off that responsibility to a financial professional. However, great diplomacy doesn’t necessarily mean great financial aptitude. In fact, not all presidents have been good at managing their money.

How Could a Changing Economy Affect Your Savings?

Changes in the American economy not only affect jobs and wages, they often have a direct impact on your savings. And there’s no more likely time for economic change than at the beginning of a new presidential administration. While no one can predict the effects the Trump administration will have on the American economy, it’s vital that you understand how changes in interest rates and inflation can affect your savings. That way, you’ll know how to prepare yourself for the future.

How to Rebuild Your Savings Account After a Large Expense

Savings accounts are important for getting you through the tough times — like being laid off from your job, or dealing with an unexpected medical expense. But they also come in handy during the good times — for example, taking that dream vacation, or putting a down payment on a car or home. Life is full of events that rely on your savings, but when you have easy-to-use tools like , starting over is easier than you’d think.

Avoid Debt With a Budgeting App

When it comes to financial health, debt itself isn’t bad — taking out loans and other forms of credit actually builds your credit history and credibility with lenders. But unmanageable debt can be stressful. Using a budgeting app can lower the chances that you’ll accidentally find yourself in too much debt to manage. It can also help you make smart choices if you choose to take on good debt in the future.