AICCCA Advises Use Potential Tax Rebate To Improve Your Personal Finances, Period!


FAIRFAX, VA - January 25, 2008 — The U.S. government is planning to send out billions of dollars in tax rebates to stimulate the economy. If the proposal passes, checks are expected to begin arriving in the mail starting in May. Consumers are being encouraged to spend the money, but Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies encourages consumers to take time to plan carefully for the best use of their rebates.

"We advise consumers to use their tax rebates to improve their personal financial situations," said David Jones, president, Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies. "Start now and plan how best to leverage this unexpected money to your best advantage."

To help consumers make the most of their tax rebates, AICCCA offers the following tips:


• First, pay down debt. To get the most from your rebate, pay down debt with the highest interest rate or that which is closest to your credit limit.
  
  
• Start or add to a savings cushion. If you do not have three to six months of living expenses saved for emergency expenditures, use your rebate to begin a dedicated savings account.
  
  
• Save for planned expenses. Each year most of us spend money to go on summer vacation and/or to buy holiday gifts. Dedicate your rebate for those expenditures you know are coming. Also, consider how the extra income will affect your tax liability for 2008.
  
  


Founded in 1993, Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies (AICCCA) is a national membership organization, established to promote quality and consistent delivery of credit counseling services. AICCCA and its members are focused on improved creditor relations, efficient processes and advanced technology to best serve clients and creditors. AICCCA members are independent nonprofit agencies that advocate for debtors, counsel millions of consumers annually nationwide and provide debt management services to consumers with excessive unsecured debt. For more information or to contact an AICCCA member office call 866-703-TRUSTAICCCA (866-703-8787) or visit www.aiccca.org.