A Marketplace Tip from Your BBB Denver/Boulder
Spending your tax refund?
Congratulations! You’ve got your state or federal tax refund--or, you’re about to receive that new economic stimulus check!
Guess which advertisers and merchants would like to get their hands on these dollars?
All of them.
So although it is exciting to have some extra money in your wallet, it is very important to keep common sense in mind. Your BBB recommends these best solutions for this money:
1 -- SAVE IT.
(for future car repairs, education, health care emergencies)
2 -- USE IT TO PAY DOWN HIGH-INTEREST DEBT.
(credit cards, department stores)
3 –- IF YOU MUST SPEND IT . . . be sure to:
• Buy what you ‘need,’ not what you ‘want,’
• Read advertising carefully,
• Spend only what you have (Don’t use this spending spree as an excuse to acquire even more consumer debt), and
• Be aware that some ads are targeting you and tempting you to buy something frivolous or overpriced.
And do NOT do this with this your extra money:
• Invest in a work at home scheme,
• Purchase materials at an “investment” seminar,
• Join a business opportunity (too good to be true),
• Send it off for an advance fee loan, or
• Fall for some other get-rich-quick offer.
Your BBB reminds you to Start With Trust® before you sign a contract, buy, or donate. Always check first at bbb.org or by calling 303-758-2100.
