Make the Most of Your Tax Refund With the '1/3 Rule'

Tax Day is here. Many of us high achievers have already received our tax refunds—and are perhaps enjoying slightly larger checks than expected this year. While it might be tempting to spend that entire sum on a vacation or shopping spree, I recommend a more balanced approach. Enter the "1/3 rule": a simple and effective strategy to maximize the benefits of your tax refund.

The 1/3 rule is straightforward: Divide your tax refund into three equal portions and allocate them to three different financial priorities.

Allocate 1/3 for saving

Set aside the first third of your refund for your financial future. I've recommended before that dividing your money into multiple accounts helps you see all your saving goals separately so they’ll be easier to track. The money set aside for emergencies goes to a different account than your dream vacation fund, and so on. This could mean:

• Adding to your emergency fund (aim for around six months of living expenses)

• Contributing to your retirement accounts like an IRA or 401(k)

• Saving for a major planned expense, like a home down payment

• Opening a high-yield savings account for short-term goals

Allocate 1/3 for spending

It's perfectly reasonable to enjoy some of your refund! A budget is like a diet—you need moderation, and you need to treat yourself here and there. Allow a portion of your refund to go to things that actually enrich your life, such as:

• A modest vacation or weekend getaway

• Home improvements or new furniture

• That gadget or item you've been eyeing (for me, it's this Garmin Forerunner)

• Experiences such as concert tickets or classes

Allocate 1/3 for debt payments

It's easy to feel paralyzed by your debts, but finding the right payment strategy will help. You're no doubt feeling a major strain on your monthly budget, especially if you're one of the millions of Americans carrying a growing balance on high-interest credit cards. Use the final third to improve your financial position by paying down debt:

• Focus on high-interest debt first (typically credit cards).

• Make an extra payment on your student loans.

• Reduce your car loan or mortgage principal.

• Consolidate smaller debts for easier management.

If you don't know where to begin with paying down your debts, check out my guide here.

Alternative budgeting ideas for your tax refund

While the 1/3 rule is a great technique to make the most of your refund, your specific financial situation (or simple preferences) might call for a different approach. Here are some other popular strategies you can use.

The 50-30-20 rule

This is the go-to system for most first-time budgeters. The principle behind it can also be applied to your tax refund:

• 50% toward needs (debt repayment, home repairs, medical expenses)

• 30% toward wants (entertainment, travel, non-essential purchases)

• 20% toward savings and investments

The 80-20 rule

If you want to simplify the 1/3 rule into just two parts, I recommend you break it down with the 80-20 rule:

• 80% toward long-term financial goals (retirement, investments, education funds)

• 20% for immediate enjoyment

The debt avalanche method

If you're struggling with significant debt, you should take advantage of this refund and tackle as much as you can:

• 70% toward paying off your highest-interest debt

• 20% for emergency savings

• 10% for something enjoyable to maintain motivation

Making the most of this year's refund

With many taxpayers reporting slightly larger refunds this year, it's an excellent opportunity to make meaningful financial progress. Remember that a tax refund isn't "free money"—it's your money that you overpaid throughout the year. Treat it with the same intentions as your regular income, and you'll maximize its benefit.