• Email Page
• Share Page
• Comments
• Recommend
• Print

Contact:
Hugh Norton
For Visa Inc.
(703) 683-5004, ext. 133
hnorton@crcpublicrelations.com

Don't Let Your Tax Refund Go To Waste

Important Tips for Spending Your Tax Refund

According to data from 2011 the IRS will have mailed or deposited over 64 million income tax refund checks by March 18. Averaging over $2900 per refund (according to the most recent numbers available), Americans will use the windfall in a variety of ways. Visa has prepared tips to help taxpayers make the most of their refunds and meet their long term financial goals.

"People count on their tax refund money at this time of year," says Jason Alderman, Personal Finance Expert and Director of Visa's Practical Money Skills for Life. "A lot of people already know exactly how they want to spend their money. It's important not to blow it though. Using your refund for something like paying debt can make your whole year easier."

To help taxpayers more effectively use their returns, Visa has developed the following list of budgeting tips:

1. Pay down debt and significantly reduce the time and interest that you are paying.
2. Start an emergency fund. Set aside enough cash to cover six to nine months of living expenses.
3. Boost retirement savings.
4. Spend now to save later. Reap long-term savings on things you'll eventually pay for anyway (i.e Replace appliances with energy-efficient models, car maintenance, home repair).
5. Finance your continuing education adding value and earning potential.
6. Prepay bills.

WHO: Jason Alderman, Personal Finance Expert and Director of Visa's Practical Money Skills for Life (www.practicalmoneyskills.com)

WHAT: Jason Alderman believes in using opportunities like tax returns to improve your overall financial health.

CONTACT: To arrange for an interview with Mr. Alderman, please contact Hugh Norton at (703)683-5004, ext. 133 or hnorton@crcpublicrelations.com.

# # #