KXOJ Presents "My Church Builder" :: Wise Use of A Tax Refund

Many taxpayers have received or will be receiving a tax refund. Temptations are many, but how can we best spend or invest these dollars for maximum benefit? Here are a few suggestions:

1. Pay debt. Four out of five Americans have at least nine credit cards with a total balance of over $9,000. That’s about seven cards too many and about $9,000 too much.

2. Start a child’s college fund. What gift is more valuable than an education? Tax free 529 college savings plans are a great investment.

3. Start an “appliance” fund. Everything we use, from the alarm that wakes us up in the morning to the car we drive to work, will either wear out or become obsolete. Why are we surprised when the car, washer, dryer, dishwasher, garbage disposal, or computer quits working? That day is coming (over and over). Plan for it.

What would your spouse love to do that they would never spend the family money to do? Surprise them.

4. Surprise your spouse. What would they love to do that they would never spend the family money to do? Surprise them. Let your best friend know how special he or she is.

5. Invest in the life of a child. Pay for summer camp, piano lessons, a pottery class, a mission trip, a Drillers’ game, a chemistry set, quilting lessons, a trip to Gilcrease Museum, a show at the Performing Arts Center, dance lessons. Children are special – enrich their lives.

Show your appreciation to one of your teachers or your kid’s teachers....with tickets to the Performing Arts Center, dinner at Carrabbas, a Barnes and Noble gift certificate or a QuikTrip gift card.

6. Thank an educator. Show your appreciation to one of your teachers or one of your kid’s teachers. No, not some craft thing you bought in Branson; give them tickets to the Performing Arts Center, dinner at Carrabbas, a Barnes and Noble gift certificate or a QuikTrip gift card – something they will really enjoy or at least use.

7. Do something nice for a church staff person. No, not another translation of the Bible – they have that. Buy them dinner and overnight lodging and keep their kids when they go.