Break-Up With Debt in 2013
Use tax time to set yourself up for success.
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Banish Bad Habits - Are you in a bad relationship with your finances? If you're struggling with debt, tax time — and National Financial Literacy Month — is a great opportunity to assess your problem areas, identify bad habits and start fresh. Keep reading for tips from Money Management International for how to break up with debt for good. — Britt Middleton (Photo: Jose Luis Pelaez/Getty Images)
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Keep Your Calculator Handy - Tax time is also a good opportunity to balance your checkbook. "Take this opportunity to really look at your finances and see what's been holding you back. Because you know as soon as that calculator goes back into the junk drawer you won't see it again until next year," writes MMI. (Photo: Tetra Images/Getty images)
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Be Budget-Friendly - Since you're already pouring over receipts and other documents to complete your tax return, use these resources to make a thorough, monthly budget that you'll follow all year. Not sure where to start? Click here for more tips. (Photo: Tim Boyle/Getty Images)
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Plan for the Worst - While spending your return on a glorious, tropical vacation may be tempting, financial experts say nothing blows your finances more than an unexpected financial emergency — and having no cash to pay for it. "Use your tax refund as a savings cushion and the next time disaster strikes, you'll be able to weather the storm and resume your regularly scheduled debt-busting ways," writes MMI. (Photo: Ferran Traite Soler/Getty Images)
Photo By Ferran Traite Soler/Getty Images
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Attack Smaller Bills First - If you choose to spend your tax return, experts suggest using it pay off a few smaller bills. Doing so can help add more room in your monthly budget. (Photo: Mario Tama/Getty Images)