A Roth or traditional IRA. You can put in as much as $4,000 a year ($5,000 if you’re at least 50). Get it in before April 17 and you can count it for 2006.
A 401(k). You shouldn’t even be getting a refund. Go back to HR and have them cut your tax withholding and increase your 401(k) contribution. Use this year’s refund for any extra paycheck deductions.
That emergency fund. Money-market mutual funds are paying more than 5 percent now. Jump-start an account with your refund.
A financial education. Buy Microsoft Money or Quicken, get a few hours with a CPA or independent financial planner (www.garrettplanningnetwork.com), buy some smart investment books and start positioning yourself for solid finances forever.
