National non-profit American Consumer Credit Counseling provides consumers with helpful tips to make the most of their tax returns.
Boston, MA – May 12, 2016
By now many Americans have either received or will be receiving their tax returns soon. This extra cash often sparks the urge to splurge on unnecessary things, which is why national nonprofit American Consumer Credit Counseling has offered advice on ways consumers can be responsible with their tax returns.
“Tax returns can create the desire to treat yourself to that vacation you’ve been dreaming about, but there are many others ways this extra cash can be used to benefit your financial future,” said Steve Trumble, President and CEO of American Consumer Credit Counseling, which is based in Newton, MA. “Money from a tax return is often the perfect opportunity to save, invest or pay off debt.”
According to the IRS, nearly 151 million tax returns were received in 2015, a 0.8 percent increase from 2014. More than 109 million refunds were issued, with a total payout of $306 billion. In 2015 the average refund issued was $2,957, up from $2,918 in 2014. It is expected that half of all tax payers will receive a refund in 2016. The average tax refund is anticipated to reach $3,053 this year.
American Consumer Credit Counseling offers smart tips on how to make the most of your tax return:
- Pay off debt – Use that extra cash to put towards your outstanding credit card debt or any loans you may have. Although you are probably already making monthly payments on your debt or loans, the interest rate is adding up and can be harmful and costly in the future.
- Start an emergency fund – If possible, consumers should use their tax refund to build an emergency fund. Ideally it should last up to six months in the event of a crisis. You never know when a financial crisis might occur, such as an unexpected medical bill or a car accident, so it is best to be prepared and plan ahead.
- Invest in your home – There is always something that needs to be replaced or fixed in a home. Your refund will not be enough to redo your kitchen, but it can be used for smaller home improvements, which could save you money in the long run, such as cost-effective appliances.
- Start a college savings plan – It is no secret that college is expensive and costs are continuing to rise. Because college debt can add up quickly and take years to pay off, there is nothing more important than investing early.
- Invest in retirement – The sooner you begin saving for retirement, the more time the money has to add up. Even if you already have a 401(k) plan with your employer, consider investing in your own savings account. Having your own account enables you to have more control over your investments. Your tax return can be a healthy boost towards these funds.
- Invest in enhancing your income – Spending your tax refund money on furthering your education or new technology can help you advance in your career and boost your earning power.
ACCC is a 501(c)3 organization that provides free credit counseling, bankruptcy counseling, and housing counseling to consumers nationwide in need of financial literacy education and money management. For more information, contact ACCC:
- For credit counseling, call 800-769-3571
- For bankruptcy counseling, call 866-826-6924
- For housing counseling, call 866-826-7180
- Or visit us online at ConsumerCredit.com
About American Consumer Credit Counseling
American Consumer Credit Counseling (ACCC) is a nonprofit credit counseling 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to empowering consumers to achieve financial management through credit counseling, debt management, bankruptcy counseling, housing counseling, student loan counseling and financial education. In order to help consumers reach their goal of debt relief, ACCC provides a range of free consumer personal finance resources on a variety of topics including budgeting, credit and debt management, student loans, youth and money, homeownership, identity theft, senior living and retirement. Consumers can use ACCC’s worksheets, videos, calculators, and blog articles to make the best possible decisions regarding their financial future. ACCC holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and is a member of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling® (NFCC®). For more information or to access free financial education resources, log on to ConsumerCredit.com or visit TalkingCentsBlog.com.
