Seeing your tax refund hit your account is a good feeling. Your instinct may be to indulge in some retail therapy. Instead of getting that temporary high, you might consider the following opportunities to build for the future and a long-term lift:

• Maybe you’re dreaming of packing your bags to watch the sunset in Maui or realize you need to start an emergency fund for when the storms of life happen. Ascend has the perfect savings account to get you to your goals. Get started by moving your funds into an Ascend Money Market or Christmas Club where your money can grow faster and you can still easily access it. If you don't think you'll need to touch your money for a while, you can lock in a better rate with a certificate.
• Consider putting the refund toward the principal of any debt you owe. Reducing what you owe on a credit card or loan can help speed you toward financial freedom from debt. If you’re interested in getting started with the debt snowball or debt avalanche methods, or just want to learn more visit our Debt Snowball vs. Debt Avalanche blog.
• Investing the funds might be something you hadn’t thought about, but it is a great option even for small amounts. Financial experts agree, the earlier you start investing the more you can earn. If you want to start preparing for retirement or just want your money to work as hard as you do, investing your tax refund could be the best option for you.