In light of our trecherous American economy, we are feeling the pressure from all sides. 400psi is a bit much to handle.

I know you have ideas about how to spend your 2008 Tax Refund, but let me offer a few suggestions guided to help your local economy and your family's sanity.

Pay back any family or friends that you have borrowed money from. I don't want to hear my brother-in-law bragging about his new flat screen when he owes us $4,000 for the musical equipment his "Breakthrough, Superstar Band" accepted from us. The words "I'll pay you back as soon as I can" have resonated through 3 years worth of tax refunds and last year's stimulous payment. Being the bigger person and not letting money get in the way of family or friends is commendable... but usually the only happy ending in a scenario like this is you don't loan the money in the first place.

If you are ever to bandage the gaping money wound that is between you and your family member, you should give them atleast! half of your refund. The other half should be used for bills... NOT A TRIP TO LAS VEGAS!

Let's be responsible adults here! Your family has not forgotten about your debt and will not be willing to write it off. They stepped up when you needed it, you've had plenty of time to spend your money on funner things... The time has come to pay what you owe. Your family member or friend will greatly appreciate it now that we are all hard-up for cash.

Make Tax time your chance for a new beginning. Take your few thousand coming back from the government and put it toward a down payment on a Nissan (Yes, SELL that piece of crap Lexus SUV that makes you look SO COOL!) Additionally setting you up for the year, invest in some eco-friendly additions to your house. Solar energy, low watt light bulbs etc... Your tax rep will be able to get you deductions for these items next year (Save your receipts).

 Save only for college education or school clothes for your children. Otherwise, spend into your local economy...we need it right now! It is not the time to horde money. If you must save for a rainy day, just save a few hundred. Spend or save for a meaningful purpose, not for that new game system or surround sound for your Plasma.

Pay your mortgage!

Tip your waitress and the pizza delivery guy. If you can afford to eat out in this time of Recession, you can afford the extra bucks to tip. These people need to make a living too, and 3.00 isn't going to cut it! Actually, these tipped employees are known to be loose spenders. They will boost your local economy because they aren't in the market to hang on to their money. As a former bartender, I must say I needed (or wanted) to spend every dollar I had. Tomorrow was a new day, with new money. Treat the service staff well!