Uncle Sam is about to slap some money in your hand. Now what?
The tax rebates, expected to begin arriving in May, are intended to boost a sagging economy that may be slouching toward recession. President Bush and Congress hope you’ll spend the money quickly, a reasonable wish given that consumer spending represents about two-thirds of the nation’s economic activity.
The $168 billion plan includes tax rebates totaling up to $600 for individuals and $1,200 for couples filing jointly. Families will receive an additional $300 per child. Those who paid no income tax, but earned at least $3,000 including Social Security, railroad retirement and disabled veteran’s benefits, will receive $300. Many will consider it found money and spend it foolishly, but here’s how to be smart with your rebate:
Pay Yourself First
If you don’t have enough cash stashed in the bank to cover basic living expenses for at least six months, consider adding the rebate to your savings. Indirectly, you’ll do your part to pump money into the economy because the bank will put the rebate to work through mortgages, home improvement and car loans – you name it. Banks like Washington Mutual (WM) will pay about 3.5% interest on your savings. It’s better than nothing, so take it.
Fund Your Retirement
Tuck the rebate check into your 401(k) retirement account. Some employers will kick in as much as 50 cents for each dollar you contribute up to 6% of your annual salary. If your employer doesn’t offer this perk, open a Roth IRA. If your retirement account is adequately funded, consider using the tax rebate to open a 529 Plan to save for your kid’s education.
Repay Debt
If interest payments on credit card debt eat you alive, use the rebate to reduce the principal. Remember: A credit card is a short-term, high-interest loan – not free money. Use of a credit card makes sense only if you pay the balance in full each month, allowing you to use the bank’s money interest free. If you’ve run up a large balance, stop using your Visa (V) or MasterCard (MA) and pay the total amount off as quickly as possible. Over time, this will improve your credit score. You can save money along the way by transferring your balance to a low interest card from your current rate of 20% or more. Shop around. Some cards offer rates of about 8.25% and some introductory rates are even lower.
Home Improvement
Extra insulation in the attic will pay long-term dividends, especially as energy prices continue to rise. Double pane windows will cut energy costs and reduce traffic noise, but are expensive and will take years to pay for themselves. If your appliances are getting creaky, think about energy-saving equipment. The U.S. Department of Energy’s website and magazines such as Consumer Reports are good places to begin your research.
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If you’ve deferred maintenance on your car in an effort to cut monthly expenses, consider using the rebate to perform needed service. A well-maintained car will use less gas and reduce pollution.
Invest In Yourself
A college degree, especially an advanced degree, is the best way to boost your income. If you’ve got too many other commitments to even think about going back to school, even part-time, look into a university extension course or a certificate program offered at an area two-year college. Or use the money to pursue a lifelong interest in fancy cooking. If nothing else, boost your mental health by using the rebate for a weekend escape with your significant other.
If, however, you have all you need, consider donating the money to charity or to your alma mater. Your old school can always use a little extra money for the library, lab equipment or scholarships to feed the curiosity of the next generation of kids.
If you want to invest the rebate, take a look at gold – a defensive play. “I don’t believe we’re near the end of the cycle for gold,” Tom Winmill, portfolio manger for the Midas Fund in New York, says. Warning: Gold is not for the novice.
In general, gold won’t appreciate like a hot stock, but it’s a good way to preserve your wealth in inflationary times. Oil prices are at or near all-time highs, suggesting no immediate relief from rising prices in the next six or 12 months.
“Own as many hard assets as possible,” Winmill goes on to advocate. “Pay down as much debt as possible. Avoid cash and bonds – own things that can ride out high crude oil prices.” In addition, he suggests coal in Asia. Non-dollar denominated stocks and bonds may also worth considering, and those that trade in Euros may be a good bet.
With that in mind, maybe an energy-saving refrigerator is just the thing to do with your tax rebate.
Uncle Sam will thank you.
No positions in stocks mentioned.
The information on this website solely reflects an analysis of market trends or conditions by Mr. Reeves or any guest writer, and nothing contained in this article or on this website should be interpreted as or deemed to be a recommendation to any investor or category of investors to purchase, sell or hold any security. Any investment decisions must in all cases be made by the reader or by his or her investment adviser. Mr. Reeves will not respond to requests for investment advice. Nothing contained herein is intended as a solicitation for business of any kind or for investment.
The views expressed on this website are solely those of the writers whose articles appear on this site and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Todd Harrison or of any other person except where expressly indicated.
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