Monday, March 08, 2010

Tax Refund: Dreams & Reality

This year instead of owing money to the IRS, the Mr. and I actually going to get a pretty decent tax refund. Woo hoo!

If I was a single, non-home-owning, spendthrift, 20-something gal this is what I'd buying with my tax refund...

Top row:
White Dress from Nordstrom, Yellow Dress from Nordstrom, Work Outfit from Banana Republic, Coral Dress from J. Crew, Juicy Swimsuit,
Second row:
Marc Jacobs Wallet, Joan and David Shoe, Betsy Johnson Sunglasses, Tori Burch Sandals

That's right, I'd be going on a huge shopping spree for me!


But instead I'm a married, home-owning, decently-frugal, 20-something gal.

So this is what we're doing with our refund...

Donating the "first fruits" to our local Church


Installing a tile backsplash in our kitchen

(I'm hoping this is actually an "investment" and ends up paying us back when we sell our condo.)

And paying down some higher interested school loans we have.

Pretty boring and practical, huh?

But don't worry there are a couple of fun things that we're going to buy...

Like an Apple iPad!

(I'm so excited to bring this to Europe with us!)

This swimsuit from Victoria's Secret


This dress (or a similar one) from Nordstrom to wear to my friend's wedding



This is our first tax refund we've ever gotten as a couple, so it's kind of fun discussing how we'll spend the money together -- balancing priorities, etc.

Are you getting a tax refund this year? If so, how are you going to spend it? Or will you save it? If married, are you and your hubby on the same page as to what to do with your refund?

32 comments:

Tillie said...

totally jealous you are getting a new tile backsplash and an ipad!! Congrats on the refund...I haven't even gotten ours together cause I'm afraid we will be owing.

Jessica @ How Sweet said...

Love backsplashes - it would definitely add value to me!

We luckily are getting that $8k tax credit - but doing boring things, too. One exciting thing is I think we are putting on a deck.

Heather (Live.Love.Laugh.) said...

I bought those TB sandals in snake skin print, Love them!! You may need to buy them!

We put 75% of our refund in savings and paid off some credit card debt. We are old and responsible now too. It's nice to build up saving though.

♥B said...

Sounds like you are going to do some great things with your refund. We paid off bills with ours. *boo!* I would love to be able to spend it however I wanted, but sadly that won't happen.

michelle ellis said...

I'm in the same place - this is our first shared tax return. We paid off our TV, paid our HOA fees for the year, and bought a new bed. Last year, I bought lots of clothes. Lots and lots. Amazing how quickly things change! I love the tile backsplash!

Aly @ Analyze This said...

Great picks if you were able to go on that shopping trip! It's fun to dream though, isn't it?!

With my return I plan on putting half into savings, paying off some credit card debt, and purchasing a I-Touch :)

You'll have to let us know about the i-Pad....I've heard mixed reviews! Have fun in Europe- what parts are you visiting? It is so beautiful!

Lindsey said...

That black splash is going to be just gorgeous!!! We are planning a little vacay with some friends with our refund.

Unknown said...

Love the backsplash! But, I love tax refunds even more...

Becky said...

We are doing something totally exciting with ours: paying down our car loan! I would love to go on a shopping spree though! The backsplash will look awesome in your kitchen and you will have to do a review on the iPad. I really want one!

Robyn said...

I just got that Marc Jacobs wallet for my birthday hehe. I'd say an ipdad and the bikini and dress are pretty awesome though too.

Anonymous said...

we got a huge tax refund this year! yeah for keeping track of writeoffs and donations!
My hubby got a playstation 3, I got a red laptop and we got a new printer/scanner/fax!
and I guess the best part, paid off 2 credit cards!
the joy's of getting older and wiser!

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Linda said...

Sadly we owe a little this year.
I can't wait to hear what you think of the iPad!

LWLH said...

We used ours for a laptop and savings for our move.

Mama Mahvelous said...

I love this post! :) Good for you and the hubby for doing a little of the practical and a little of the fun!

I think we'll be using our tax refund to build up our savings account again after it was depleted from buying our new home! And putting a little in our new travel savings account - totally was inspired by you to do that!

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

A tile backsplash is a fabulous way to spend the funds....and that coral J. Crew number is calling my name! ahhhhhh

Mrs. Lopez said...

This year the fiance and I are spending our tax refund on our honeymoon that takes place next month!!!!!!!!

Eileen said...

This is our 3rd joint tax return! We are similar to you in that we split between responsible and fun items. Last year our return paid for a honeymoon trip to Hawaii! This year we will probably contribute to our IRAs and either use some for a new TV or another trip :)

Cher Berr said...

That's very exciting! Please do tell us what you think of the iPad once you get it. Im very curious about it!

Chic Runner said...

I can't wait to see your new backsplash I'm sure it will look fab! :)

Ashley said...

At least you get a LITTLE FUN STuff! :))
My husband thought it would be a good idea to put our regular tax refund AND THE $8k first home buyer credit ALL On the principal of our house! Ugh. NO FUN AT ALL!
I tried to argue it, but my parents took his side on it too...so I lost. He did buy me new skis though as a concilation prize. I was dreaming of a new bed room set, new couch and some updating on OUR back splash in our kitchen. Maybe next year! :)

Anonymous said...

Usually, the hubby and I don't get much of a refund back, but this one should be nice. I would love to use it for a vacation (maybe to Disneyworld) but he's going to be more realistic and want to put in the savings and probably do some car repair stuff we have been putting off.

Meant to be a mom said...

I love that backsplash and pretty much anything that has to do with this post. I would love to go shopping. But like you, bills call my name.

Maybe next year =)

Fabiola said...

In Brazil, we are on tax season too. But we will receive the refund after June. We haven't discuss it yet, but I think the money will end up on our Retirement Account ; )

Rachel said...

I have never owed before. Last year in our first year of taxes together, we got lots back. Sadly, we owe big time this year. The government withheld less, we're making more, and we've paid off a huge chunk of our loans in the past year. All of this means, we owe money. I wish we could invest in a back splash, or even put it toward our summer vacation. Instead, I'll just live vicariously through you and your refund :)

Crazy Shenanigans-JMO said...

I think it's great that you're going to pay off stuff and get to buy new stuff.
I put a lot of my return into savings and then used the rest for a vacation.

Shoshanah said...

I'm getting a pretty nice tax return this year, mainly due to the whole new home buyer's tax credit. But I'm probably going to be pretty boring with and and put most into my students loans and my savings which almost disappeared when we bought the house.

Pink Lace and Cupcakes said...

I love that pink dress from J.Crew. Your backsplash will look so beautiful and I think that is so wonderful you are making a donation:) Let me know what you think of the Ipad!!

California Wife said...

So nervous to see if we'll owe or get a refund! Oh lord, please let it be a refund! An iPad is definitely on my wish list too.

Jodie said...

I LOVE the dress you're getting from Nordstrom! I just showed my hubbs that one and told him it would be perfect for a Spring/Summer wedding :) PS- Enjoy the IPad!

In This Wonderful Life said...

sounds like smart and fun tax spending :)

Sara said...

We got a rather large refund as well, but we're boring and putting it towards debt. We are SO close to being debt free it's hard to justify putting it towards anything else.

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