It’s possible that the only reason there is to look forward to doing your taxes is the prospect of a tax refund. In my experience, tax returns couldn’t come at a better time–after the holidays and with the start of a new year, it’s a period to reset and replenish. It’s entirely up to your discretion on how to spend your tax refund — it is your hard-earned money after all — but why not put those funds to good use and make the ultimate investment in yourself? Here are a few ideas for using your tax refund to invest in yourself this year.
1. Build Your Own Website
Featured: Squarespace
Whether you run your own business or have a side hustle or need a fun way to show off your skills for any reason whatsoever, you can take charge and make waves with your own website. When you choose Squarespace for this important step, you gain access to industry-leading web templates, fonts, color palettes and everything you need to look professional and catch the eyes of those who can help you get places. This website builder makes it easy to sell products and offerings, market your business and so much more. If you’re dreaming in a new direction or want to see your latest idea for passive income take flight, invest in yourself and your dreams today with Squarespace. Right now, get 10% off your new paid subscription when you use code RMN10. Unlock new opportunities for yourself when you get started today.
2. Sign Up for an Online Course
Online learning opportunities abound, whether you’re looking to sharpen skills relevant to your career — or just learn a fun new skill.
Udemy
On the level-up-your-career side, Udemy helps you learn coding languages, data science and how to be an Excel magician. RetailMeNot often has a 14% cash-back offer for Udemy, so check here for the latest.
LinkedIn Learning
Need to polish your professional skills? LinkedIn Learning offers courses on everything from copywriting to project management, popular business software and public speaking. You can even get a one-month free trial to get you started!
MasterClass
Learn more about something you love. MasterClass offers courses by celebrities and experts, who teach you to do what they do best. Take a scriptwriting course from Mindy Kaling, a cooking class with Gordon Ramsay or learn about conservation from Dr. Jane Goodall herself.
Rosetta Stone
Learning a new language can unlock better travel experiences and open you to new relationships and career opportunities. If you want to go all in, the Lifetime Subscription option is currently discounted at $199. This gets you lifetime access to unlimited languages.
3. Join a Book Club
The intention to read more books is a popular New Year’s resolution for good reason. Aside from being a great brain exercise and vocabulary builder, reading can provide nourishing relationships both on the page and off. Joining a book club can sound daunting to introverts (and many avid readers would consider themselves such) however, book clubs are actually a really easy way to meet new people and form new friendships. Because you’re connected through a singular event (monthly book) it’s much easier to start conversations that can ultimately lead to rich discussion and new perspectives–things we could all always use more of. Not sure where to start? Consider trying Book of the Month Club!
4. Begin a Wellness Journal
Mental health is just as important as physical health–and there’s possibly no better way to invest in yourself and your future than by nurturing your mental health. Therapy is for everyone and while there’s still a lot of work to be done to break outdated stigmas surrounding mental health, I am thankful we’ve come such a long way when it comes to openly discussing mental health. Understandably so, it can be hard to even know where to start when it comes to mental health care, especially if you have bouts of anxiety like myself. This is why I love the ban.do Wellness Planners (there are many options out there!). The ban.do Wellness Planner is a guided journaling exercise that takes the guesswork out of self-care. In addition to thought-provoking writing prompts, these wellness journals also include helpful information like grocery and pantry shopping lists for well-balanced eating, artwork, check-in topics and more (plus they’re totally adorable).
5. Start a New Hobby
When I recently had more time on my hands, I picked up my newest hobby–golf. I quickly fell in love with playing and can attest that golf is nothing like what you saw on television as a kid when your dad fell asleep on the couch watching (but still wouldn’t let you turn the channel). Contrary to popular belief, golf doesn’t have to be expensive to start. There are tons of great starter club sets for adults and juniors reasonably priced and you can get the feel of swinging a club for cheap at a driving range or municipal golf course.
Of course, your new hobby doesn’t have to be golf–that was just the case for me. But getting outside, getting out of my head and simply playing with friends like we’re kids again is nothing short of refreshing and replenishing to the mind and spirit. Invest your tax refund in a new hobby and not only will you discover more about yourself but could discover a new passion entirely.
6. Develop Meaningful Habits
Something that I have come to learn with age is that a small step is better than no step at all. What I mean by this is that, when I was younger, I wanted everything to be all or nothing–if I wanted to start running, I would push myself for miles instead of gradually building my endurance. As I’ve grown up I’ve realized that setting meaningful habits often doesn’t look like much in the present but over time you’ll realize how great an impact those small moments had. Ironically, I enjoyed the viral University of Texas commencement speech by US Navy Admiral William H. McRaven (and even bought the book) long before finding out from my partner that the infamous commencement speech was given at his graduation–insert total nerd moment for me here. Maybe it’s this small connection to Admiral McRaven’s speech, but regardless, the message of setting intentions through minor yet meaningful actions each day is life-changing. Pick up your copy on Kindle, hardcover or audiobook.
If your tax refund was on the smaller side, note that the hardcover version of this book costs less than $12.
7. Become a Gardener and Chef
Okay, maybe not a professional chef but you certainly grow your own green thumb and spice up meals in the process with an indoor herb garden kit. Tax season ironically collides with the prime time for ditching New Year’s resolutions–but that doesn’t have to be the case if you get a bit creative with your tax refund. An indoor herb garden is not only perfect for those without a yard or who live in a harsh climate. It’s also a fun way to mix up even the most routine meals made at home. In addition to helping explore new flavors and recipes, I find the act of tending to herbs cathartic and (somehow) more manageable than all the house plants I’ve killed (yes–even my succulents, RIP).
8. Get Your Body Moving Daily
I truly believe that the best way to honor your body is to listen to it and actually follow through on what it’s asking for. The follow-through is usually the hardest for most people, including myself, when it comes to recommitting to my health. This is why I decided that instead of considering it a “workout” I would consider it moving my body, and that movement could be a myriad of actions from a walk around the block to lifting weights in the gym. Reframing my thinking and committing to the act of movement instead of working out tricked my brain into developing a daily habit of a 30-minute walk. Want to find the right daily movement for you? Shop fitness gear at Amazon.
The post 8 Ways to Invest in YOURSELF with Your Tax Refund appeared first on The Real Deal by RetailMeNot.
