10 Responsibly Fun Ways Illinoisans Can Spend Their Tax Refund

Spend responsibly... or not.  After filing your taxes, you're probably anxiously waiting for the refund to hit your bank account so you can spend that extra cash on... necessities.

I'm not judging you, I can't say I haven't splurged a little bit after receiving my refund before.  With gas and food prices rising like crazy in Illinois, it might be difficult to impulse buy, but I'm still going to give you a few adult-ish ways to spend that refund with absolutely no remorse.

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#10: Treat yourself to a fancy dinner

If you crave an expensive dinner at an upscale restaurant and can't justify spending a lot of money, wait 'til that tax refund hits!  It's totally okay treating yourself every once in a while, so do it!

#9: Upgrade your home

Shop for things you've always needed, but just couldn't afford!  Maybe you've been wanting a new dishwasher, comforter set for your room, or even an air fryer (Midwesterners love air fryers just an FYI)!

#8: Pamper yourself!

Your mental health and well-being is sooooo important, buy that spa day for yourself and relax while you have the chance.

#7: Get a gym membership

There's no better way to motivate yourself than to buy a gym membership that forces you to basically go and workout.  If you're not going, you're wasting money.  So, put your money into it and JUST DO IT!

#6: Stock up on groceries!

Honestly, this is the way to my heart.  I love having food easily accessible in my fridge so I don't have to leave my house to get food.  You'll be the happiest person ever if you spend just a little bit of that tax refund to stock up your cabinets.

#5: Pay off some of your debt

It's pretty normal for many people to be in debt because of loans they've taken out over the years.  Let's have some fun - I like to call it 'pay off the debt I've been neglecting'.

#4: Buy that new car you've been wanting!

When I got my last tax refund, I took it and put a down payment on a new car. Best decision I've ever made.

#3: Invest in a new hobby

Sometimes it's hard to get into a hobby because your financial situation takes over.  Butttttt, with your tax refund you'll have some financial freedom to try new things!

#2: Take a well-deserved vacation

Who isn't down for a vacation?  Especially if you can call it an "all expenses paid" from your tax refund!  Where would you go? Out of the country or just down south? Maybe visit family you haven't seen in forever!

#1: SAVE YOUR MONEY

You saw it coming!  I think splurging is great, but wouldn't it be amazing to throw that extra money in savings?  The feeling of having money is a GOOD feeling, I don't think anybody will tell you otherwise.