*I received complimentary Invisalign® treatment due to my collaboration with the brand, but all opinions are my own

It’s tax time again!  

Most people look forward to tax time because it’s the largest sum of money they’ll receive within the year.  If you’re expecting a sizable return this year it’s important to remember that this is not free money. It’s extra money that you have paid into taxes and it’s being refunded to you. It’s another chance to use the money you earned towards your financial goals and you don’t want to wastefully spend the money on items that you will regret by June.

Here are a few ways to get the most out of your tax return:

Get current on any outstanding bills:

If you have any outstanding bills or fell behind in the past year, this is a great time to bring them current. You don’t want to take on additional financial obligations or opportunities while neglecting outstanding financial obligations that could lead to more stress and regret.

Jumpstart Your Savings:

Studies have shown that most Americans don’t have $1,000 they could access in the case of an emergency. While most financial advice encourages individuals to have at least 6 months of their expenses in savings, I suggest starting with $1,000 at minimum. Most financial emergencies such as a flat tire, a towed vehicle, or a visit to urgent care cost less than $1,000. If you don’t have this amount available without creating stress in other areas of your life, you might want to consider putting it aside. It’s not if an emergency is going to happen, it’s when.

Invest in Your Health or Appearance:

Medical procedures aren’t always affordable and if you’ve been putting off a medical procedure due to costs, your tax refund could be just what you need to finally make it happen. This could range from a routine doctor visit (especially if you are uninsured) to improving your smile with Invisalign® clear aligners.

Invisalign treatment is the most advanced clear aligner system available today enabling you to straighten your teeth and transform your smile, with predictable results, all without interrupting your busy lifestyle. Getting Invisalign treatment is not only investing in your appearance, but can improve your oral health too like preventing tooth decay. If you’re interested in improving your smile, learn more at Invisalign.com.

Take A Class or Course

There are a number of reasons we enroll in continuing education classes or opportunities. Whether you’re seeking to learn a new skill or to position yourself for a promotion, your refund could provide the funds you need for the class and materials. Investing in yourself is one of the best investments you can make and a few new skills may take you a long way.

Make this year the year you use your tax refund for things that genuinely matter to you and make a difference in the long run.