Tax season has come to an end, which means many of us have received our refunds! Yay! Check out our tips & tricks on how to spend your tax refund in 2020 by treating yourself, a friend, and the world!
Doesn’t it feel AMAZING to get a tax refund? I don’t know what it is, but something is so rewarding about having a little extra cash in the bank, that you feel free to spend as you choose.
2020 has been a… wild year. It’s been difficult for many of us, and for those of us that are working-from-home, things are getting a little stir-crazy. Shoutout to all the amazing moms and dads out there that are managing it all!
Needless to say, more so than ever, it’s essential that we take care of ourselves and the people we love.
Each year, when I receive my tax refund, no matter the amount, I commit to spending some of my tax refund on three causes:
- Treating myself.
- Treating someone I love.
- Healing the world.
It’s a great way to care for yourself and pay some love forward. Here are some suggestions for spending in each category!
Spend a Bit of Tax Refund Money on Yourself
– Treat Yourself to Something Nice:
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again. Self-care couldn’t be more important. Treat yourself to a new addition to the skincare ritual, a calming set of bath bombs, or yummy superfood-enhanced coffee! We’re a little biased, but we think Super Amazing Coffee and Super Amazing Creamer are the perfect brain-boosting duo to add to any wellness routine. 😉
– Indulge a Little:
Often we spend our time trying to be the healthiest, fittest, most perfect version of ourselves. We all deserve a treat every now and then! I recommend treating yourself to some high-quality flour and cute baking supplies to make the indulgent dessert of your choice.
And if you’re really into staying on-track with your fitness goals, it doesn’t totally have to be a cheat meal. Did you know you can make brownies out of black beans? Check out this incredibly tasty recipe.
– Make Home Even Cozier:
Now that we’re spending so much time at home, it’s essential that home is more comfortable than ever. In my experience, nothing screams cozy like a luxury fuzzy blanket. I highly recommend investing in one of these (Barefoot Dreams Blanket), or something similar. It’s a total game-changer for any at-home movie sesh.
If you’re not into fuzzy blankets, I recommend upgrading to some luxury pajamas. Sleeping in silk is a whole different ballgame.
Spend a Bit of Tax Refund Money on Someone You Love
Showing love and spreading light just feels good. Use some of that tax refund to tell someone how much you really appreciate them. Here are some tips!
– Send a Fun Surprise!
I am totally obsessed with sending surprises in the mail. In such a digital age, it’s as though we appreciate receiving packages and letters more than ever! For this spend, you could go old-school and send a traditional care package. Pack in your friend or family member’s favorite snacks and photos. I always include some hand lotion or lip balm, too. Finally, top off the package with a handwritten note of appreciation.
If you’re feeling a bit more tech-savvy, I recommend checking out Greetabl. Greetabl sends cute little customized boxes, that unfold into cards, with the included gift of your choice. It’s an awesome way to show some love and spread some joy without breaking the bank.
– Gift Health & Wellness
Like we said before, self-care is important. If you’re a busy bee, it’s often hard to find the time or energy to participate in a full-on skincare routine. I have personally found that when I’m gifted a product I’m really excited about, I’m way more inclined to use it — and take care of myself in the process!
Superfood Tabs are an awesome, easy addition to any self-care routine. They fight bloating, improve digestive health, boost metabolism, and fight junk food cravings — all in one yummy berry drink. They’re a great item to gift to a friend or family member who might need a little extra energy or motivation to get through the day.
– Take Them Out
Finally, you can always show love by taking your loved one out for dinner or lunch at his or her favorite spot. Here in Austin, our restaurants are currently open for patio service! Going out to eat is a great way to unplug and spend time together without any of the pressures of being at home.
If you aren’t ready or able to eat out yet, pack up a picnic of your friend’s favorite foods and enjoy a meal in a scenic location. Decompressing out by the lake or in a pretty park can make all the difference.
Spend a Bit of Tax Refund Money on Healing the World
My third tax refund spend goes towards healing the world. I pick a charity or two that works to resolve an issue I’m particularly passionate about, and I donate a chunk of my refund. This is a great exercise for two reasons:
- it encourages us to think beyond ourselves and thing things we want (not need)
- it encourages us to reflect and select an issue — or multiple issues — that we want to see change
Here are some suggestions for your donations.
– Protect the Environment:
I don’t know about you, but I love visiting the ocean — and it breaks my heart to see all the damage humans have done to our sea & its creatures! I donate regularly to ocean-protecting organizations, such as Project AWARE and Lonely Whale. There are also a ton of awesome companies donate a portion of sales proceeds to ocean recovery! Check out SandCloud and Parley.
– Feed the Hungry
According to Feeding America, 37 million Americans are struggling with hunger right now. And that’s just in the United States! Needless to say, there is a tremendous amount of global need to feed the hungry. Locally, you can donate your tax refund to a food pantry to charity that provides meals those who lack resources to access. If you’d prefer to donate online, Feeding America is a wonderful choice and the leading US hunger relief organization.
– Support Social Issues
As many are aware, the spring of 2020 has brought to light — and social media — and abundance of information regarding racial injustice in the United States. This year, I donated some of my tax refund to local shelters that protect and help to heal displaced women and children of color. If you’re interested in donating some of your tax refund to the Black Lives Matter movement or like causes, we recommend you check out this article: “We Stand With You.”
We hope this article gave you some suggestions & clarity on how to spend that tax refund this year!