Seven Ways to Make Your Tax Refund Go Further

By Nicole Cherie Jones

A tax refund check can be a tempting thing. Should you buy those new shoes you've been eyeing? How about treating yourself to a weekend away?

Although these may be absolutely fine choices for some (it's called retail therapy for a reason), wisely spending your refund could have a greater payoff—literally. Opting for things like money-savers and pre-paid plans could help cut down on costs year-round.



Here, smart-shopping expert Trae Bodge shares seven sound strategies for spending your latest tax return in ways that make those dollars go even further.

1. Pay Down Your Debt

A smart use for your extra cash is to make a bulk payment toward the principal of any outstanding loans you may have, Bodge says. "[Paying off debt] can save a lot of interest down the road," she explains. "Anything from student loans to credit card debt to a mortgage could be a great place to start."

2. Prepay Insurance

Some insurance companies, like GEICO, offer savings if you pay in full versus paying monthly. With a newly cashed refund check, it's as easy as paying the full premium by the policy-effective date to lock in the rate. The best part? You won't have to worry about missing a payment or any installment charges down the line.

3. Smart Outlets

Nearly one-quarter of all residential energy consumption occurs through electronics in idle power mode, according to one study. Investing in smart outlets that connect to a smart device or have a simple timer function to automatically shut off will help save on electricity costs, Bodge says.

4. Buy in Bulk

Many fitness studios and salons offer savings for buying classes or services like manicures and massages in bulk, Bodge says. "Unlimited monthly passes are also worth investigating, depending on how many times you attend or typically use the service," she adds.

5. Store Membership (So You Can Keep Buying in Bulk)

If there are certain household items that you frequently buy—like paper towels, vitamins, and groceries—Bodge says a wholesale club membership could be a good investment to help you save on everyday items. Just make sure to shop with a list so those huge carts and huge deals on everything—including jewelry, clothing, electronics, and furniture—don't result in impulsive overspending.

6. Programmable Thermostat

Heating and cooling account for about 48% of the energy use in a typical United States home, making them the largest energy expenses for most households, according to the United States Department of Energy. Bodge recommends installing a programmable thermostat so you can set timers for your heating and cooling. You can also adjust the temperature at night or when no one is home during the day to cut back on wasted energy.

7. Low-Flow Showerheads

Low-flow showerheads market themselves as using as little as half the water of a conventional shower head, which could translate to big savings in water-heating bills over the course of a year. "While you're at it, encourage family members to limit the length of their showers, which will help save even more," Bodge says.

Wisely spending your money is always a good idea. So is getting a free quote for auto, homeowners, or renters insurance on Geico.com.

Originally published on GEICO.

Opinions expressed by the author are not necessarily those of WITI.