The IRS officially launched tax season on January 29. You can file your tax return and possibly receive a refund. According to IRS statistics, the average tax refund was $2,782 in 2017. For many of us who receive refunds, it can be tempting to spend it on something we want and not something we need. There are smart ways to spend your refund even if it is smaller than what you were expecting. Save for an emergency: A recent survey published by Bankrate.com, a personal finance website, found only 39 percent of Americans could cover a $1,000 emergency. You could save your tax refund to pay for medical bills or rent after a job loss. These are just two examples of emergencies that could cost more than $1,000. Pay off your debts: You could use your tax refund to pay off student loans or credit cards with high interest rates….
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