--- title: 4 Smart Investments Using your Tax Return description: Tax return money seems like free money. Almost like a gift to treat yourself. It may be wiser to invest. When we say invest, we do not mean invest in your vacation plans. Though it may be tempting to see tax return as free vacation money, it might be wiser to save it and invest for your future. image: https://blog.usccreditunion.org/hubfs/tax-return-money.jpg --- [ATM/Locations](https://www.usccreditunion.org/atm-locator/) [![USC Credit Union](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/hs-fs/file-1104064193-png/images/logo.png "USC Credit Union")](http://www.usccreditunion.org) - [Services](https://www.usccreditunion.org/) - [Bank](https://www.usccreditunion.org/) - [Checking](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-landing/checking) - [Cardinal Checking](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/cardinal-checking) - [Gold Checking](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/gold-checking) - [Trojan Checking](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/trojan-checking) - [Compare Accounts](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-comparison/checking-accounts) - [Cards](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-landing/cards) - [Platinum MasterCard](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/platinum-mastercard) - [Platinum Rewards MasterCard](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/platinum-rewards-mastercard) - [Debit/ATM Cards](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/debit-atm-cards) - [Savings](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-landing/savings) - [Regular Share](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/regular-share-savings-account) - [Money Market](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/money-market) - [Value+ Money Market](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/value-money-market) - [Share Certificates](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/share-certificates) - [Compare Accounts](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-comparison/compare-savings-accounts) - [Borrow](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-landing/borrow/) - [Vehicles](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-landing/vehicles) - [Vehicle Loans](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/vehicle-loans) - [Vehicle Refinancing](https://www.usccreditunion.org/vehicle-refinancing) - [Home Loans](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-landing/home-loans) - [Purchase Options](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/purchase-options) - [Refinance Options](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/refinance-options) - [Home Equity](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/use-equity) - [Credit Cards](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-landing/credit-cards) - [Platinum MasterCard](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/platinum-mastercard) - [Platinum Rewards MasterCard](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/platinum-rewards-mastercard) - [Compare Credit Cards](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-comparison/compare-credit-cards/) - [Personal Loans](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-landing/personal-loans) - [Line of Credit](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-landing/personal-loans/#Line%20of%20Credit) - [Term Loans](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-landing/personal-loans/#Term%20Loans) - [Deposit-Secured Loans](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-landing/personal-loans/#Deposit-Secured%20Loans) - [Student Loans](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-landing/student-loans) - [In-School](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/in-school-student-loans) - [Consolidation Loans](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/consolidation-loan) - [Invest & Retire](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-landing/invest-retire) - [Invest & Retire](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-landing/invest-retire) - [Traditional IRA](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/traditional-ira) - [Roth IRA](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/roth-ira) - [Coverdell Education Savings](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/coverdell-education-savings) - [Compare IRA Accounts](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-comparison/compare-ira-accounts) - [Investment Services](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/investment-services) - [Resources](https://www.usccreditunion.org/resources/personal-resources/) - [Resources](https://www.usccreditunion.org/resources/personal-resources) - [Personal Resources](https://www.usccreditunion.org/resources/personal-resources) - [Student Resources](https://www.usccreditunion.org/resources/student-resources) - [Calculators](https://www.usccreditunion.org/resources/calculators) - [News & Events](https://www.usccreditunion.org/resources/news-events) - [FAQs](https://www.usccreditunion.org/resources/faqs) - [eBooks](https://www.usccreditunion.org/resources/ebooks) - [Newsletters](https://www.usccreditunion.org/resources/newsletters) - [Requests, Forms & Applications](https://www.usccreditunion.org/resources/requests-forms-applications) - [Access](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-landing/access) - [Access](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-landing/access) - [ATMs & Branches Worldwide](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/atms-and-branches-worldwide) - [Home Banking](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/home-banking) - [Mobile Banking](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/mobile-branch-access) - [Online Fund Transfer](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/online-fund-transfer) - [Bill Pay](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/bill-pay) - [Direct Deposit](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/direct-deposit) - [Wire Services](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/wire-services) - [ACH](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/ach) - [Membership](https://www.usccreditunion.org/apply-now/) - [Contact Us](https://www.usccreditunion.org/contact-us/) [![USC Credit Union](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/hs-fs/file-1104064193-png/images/logo.png "USC Credit Union")](https://www-dev.usccreditunion.org/) [![location1](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/hs-fs/file-1131853048-png/images/location1.png)](https://www-dev.usccreditunion.org/atm-locator) - [Services](https://www.usccreditunion.org/) - [Bank](https://www.usccreditunion.org/) - [Checking](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-landing/checking) - [Cardinal Checking](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/cardinal-checking) - [Gold Checking](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/gold-checking) - [Trojan Checking](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/trojan-checking) - [Compare Accounts](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-comparison/checking-accounts) - [Cards](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-landing/cards) - [Platinum MasterCard](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/platinum-mastercard) - [Platinum Rewards MasterCard](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/platinum-rewards-mastercard) - [Debit/ATM Cards](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/debit-atm-cards) - [Savings](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-landing/savings) - [Regular Share](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/regular-share-savings-account) - [Money Market](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/money-market) - [Value+ Money Market](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/value-money-market) - [Share Certificates](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/share-certificates) - [Compare Accounts](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-comparison/compare-savings-accounts) - [Borrow](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-landing/borrow/) - [Vehicles](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-landing/vehicles) - [Vehicle Loans](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/vehicle-loans) - [Vehicle Refinancing](https://www.usccreditunion.org/vehicle-refinancing) - [Home Loans](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-landing/home-loans) - [Purchase Options](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/purchase-options) - [Refinance Options](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/refinance-options) - [Home Equity](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/use-equity) - [Credit Cards](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-landing/credit-cards) - [Platinum MasterCard](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/platinum-mastercard) - [Platinum Rewards MasterCard](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/platinum-rewards-mastercard) - [Compare Credit Cards](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-comparison/compare-credit-cards/) - [Personal Loans](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-landing/personal-loans) - [Line of Credit](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-landing/personal-loans/#Line%20of%20Credit) - [Term Loans](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-landing/personal-loans/#Term%20Loans) - [Deposit-Secured Loans](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-landing/personal-loans/#Deposit-Secured%20Loans) - [Student Loans](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-landing/student-loans) - [In-School](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/in-school-student-loans) - [Consolidation Loans](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/consolidation-loan) - [Invest & Retire](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-landing/invest-retire) - [Invest & Retire](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-landing/invest-retire) - [Traditional IRA](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/traditional-ira) - [Roth IRA](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/roth-ira) - [Coverdell Education Savings](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/coverdell-education-savings) - [Compare IRA Accounts](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-comparison/compare-ira-accounts) - [Investment Services](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/investment-services) - [Resources](https://www.usccreditunion.org/resources/personal-resources/) - [Resources](https://www.usccreditunion.org/resources/personal-resources) - [Personal Resources](https://www.usccreditunion.org/resources/personal-resources) - [Student Resources](https://www.usccreditunion.org/resources/student-resources) - [Calculators](https://www.usccreditunion.org/resources/calculators) - [News & Events](https://www.usccreditunion.org/resources/news-events) - [FAQs](https://www.usccreditunion.org/resources/faqs) - [eBooks](https://www.usccreditunion.org/resources/ebooks) - [Newsletters](https://www.usccreditunion.org/resources/newsletters) - [Requests, Forms & Applications](https://www.usccreditunion.org/resources/requests-forms-applications) - [Access](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-landing/access) - [Access](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-landing/access) - [ATMs & Branches Worldwide](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/atms-and-branches-worldwide) - [Home Banking](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/home-banking) - [Mobile Banking](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/mobile-branch-access) - [Online Fund Transfer](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/online-fund-transfer) - [Bill Pay](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/bill-pay) - [Direct Deposit](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/direct-deposit) - [Wire Services](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/wire-services) - [ACH](https://www.usccreditunion.org/products/ach) - [Membership](https://www.usccreditunion.org/apply-now/) - [Contact Us](https://www.usccreditunion.org/contact-us/) # USC Credit Union Blog # USC Credit Union Blog # 4 Smart Investments Using your Tax Return ![tax-return-money.jpg](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/hs-fs/hubfs/tax-return-money.jpg?width=645&height=496&name=tax-return-money.jpg) It is smart to invest your tax return money. When we say invest, we do not mean to invest in your vacation plans. Though it may be tempting to see tax return as free vacation money, it might be wiser to save it, pay down debt, or invest for your future. **1. Extra Mortgage Payment** Your tax return can be just what you need to either start building a nest egg or pay off your mortgage faster. Even making one extra [mortgage loan](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-landing/home-loans/) payment each year can decrease your repayment time by an average of three to four years! **2. Open an IRA Account** It's never too early to start thinking about retirement. The earlier you open an [IRA account](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-landing/invest-retire/) and start saving for retirement, the more you will have to enjoy during your golden years. Yes, golden years—golden from all the money you saved! **3. Add to Your Savings** If you know that you have a major life event coming in the future, you need to start building your [savings account](https://www.usccreditunion.org/product-landing/savings/) now. The more you save, the less money you have to take out of loans. If you have a larger down payment, you will have a smaller monthly payment, thus, making repayment more manageable. Saving money now makes life easier later.  **4. Pay Back Loans** This tax return can be used to make a sizeable dent in these past investments and make them more manageable to pay off in the future.  Become one-step closer to a debt free life!   While these things might not seem as appealing as that cruise to the Bahamas or kitchen remodeling, financial security will allow you have luxury in the future and peace of mind in the present. Maybe a happy compromise for you would be to use a small portion of that money to treat yourself to a nice dinner or a small excursion to the next city over, but save most of it for your financial needs.   [**If you are looking for a financial institution with your interests at the forefront, learn more about USC Credit Union here.**](https://www.usccreditunion.org/apply-now/about-us/) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ## Welcome to our Blog! ### We provide the tools to build a smart financial future. At USC Credit Union we put financial success in your hands. It's your future. Own it. ### Subscribe ### Recent Posts ### Topics - [Students (10)](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/topic/students) - [Home Buying (8)](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/topic/home-buying) - [Budgeting & Saving (6)](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/topic/budgeting-saving) - [Taxes (4)](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/topic/taxes) - [auto loans (4)](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/topic/auto-loans) - [Credit Unions (3)](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/topic/credit-unions) - [Financial Fitness (3)](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/topic/financial-fitness) - [Fraud Awareness (3)](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/topic/fraud-awareness) - [credit cards (3)](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/topic/credit-cards) - [Identity Theft (2)](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/topic/identity-theft) - [Invest (2)](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/topic/invest) - [financial education (2)](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/topic/financial-education) - [Digital Services (1)](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/topic/digital-services) - [IRA (1)](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/topic/ira) - [Managing Debt (1)](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/topic/managing-debt) - [Scholarships (1)](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/topic/scholarships) - [Share Certificates (1)](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/topic/share-certificates) - [account (1)](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/topic/account) - [credit (1)](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/topic/credit) - [credit score (1)](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/topic/credit-score) - [home (1)](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/topic/home) - [usc (1)](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/blog/topic/usc) see all ### Follow Us - [About Us](https://www.usccreditunion.org/apply-now/about-us) - [Contact Us](https://www.usccreditunion.org/contact-us) - [ATM & Branches](https://www.usccreditunion.org/atm-locator) - [Careers](https://www.usccreditunion.org/careers) - [FAQs](https://www.usccreditunion.org/resources/faqs) - [Rates](https://www.usccreditunion.org/rate-summary) - [Forms](https://www.usccreditunion.org/resources/forms/) - [News & Events](https://www.usccreditunion.org/resources/news-events) - [Disclosures](https://www.usccreditunion.org/wp-content/uploads/disclosures.pdf) - [Fees](https://www.usccreditunion.org/wp-content/uploads/fees.pdf) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.usccreditunion.org/wp-content/uploads/privacy-policy.pdf) - [Terms of Use](https://www.usccreditunion.org/terms-of-use) - [Sitemap](https://www.usccreditunion.org/sitemap) - - - - [Federally Insured by NCUA](http://www.ncua.gov/) **If you are using a screen reader or other auxiliary aid and are having problems using this website, please call (877) 670-5860 for assistance.** © 2025 USC Credit Union. All rights reserved. [![logo](https://blog.usccreditunion.org/hs-fs/file-1104064193-png/images/logo.png)](https://www-dev.usccreditunion.org/)