Tax Time Decisions: How to Use Your Refund (or Manage a Bill) Wisely
Join our weekly #CreditChat, launched in 2012 to help our community strengthen their understanding of credit and key personal finance topics such as saving, managing debt, and building healthier credit scores. Hosted by @Experian on X (formerly Twitter), the conversation is open to everyone—feel free to DM us with any questions.
This week’s #CreditChat, Tax Time Decisions, dives into smart strategies for handling your tax refund—or managing a tax bill. We’ll talk about prioritizing savings, paying down debt, and making credit-conscious choices during tax season. Join the conversation to learn how to make tax time work for your overall financial health.
Topic: Tax Time Decisions: How to Use Your Refund (or Manage a Bill) Wisely
When: Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Where: Join the live hashtag discussion
The panel will include: Felicity Watts: Author at American Consumer Credit Counseling; Catherine Valega, CFP®, EA, CAIA: Wealth Consultant at Green Bee Advisory; Michael Ryan: Retired financial planner turned personal financial coach, and Founder of MichaelRyanMoney.com; Thomas A. Gorczynski, EA, USTCP: Chief Executive Officer at The Gorczynski Group, LLC; Adriana Ocanas: Consumer Credit Cards Analyst for U.S. News & World Report; Rod Griffin: Senior Director, Consumer Education and Advocacy, Experian; Jennifer White: Consumer Education and Advocacy Team, and Christina Roman: Consumer Education and Advocacy Manager at Experian.
Questions we will discuss:
1. It’s tax season! Are you expecting a refund, preparing to owe, or unsure? How are you feeling about it?
2. Is it better to adjust your withholding for a bigger paycheck year-round or aim for a larger refund? Why?
3. For those receiving a refund, how could they decide what their top priority could be: saving, paying down debt, investing, or spending? Why?
4. What are the smartest ways to use a tax refund to improve your credit health and potentially boost your credit score?
5. If you have high-interest debt, how can someone balance paying it down with building an emergency fund?
6. What’s the best way to balance immediate needs with long-term financial goals when a refund arrives?
7. For someone who owes taxes this year, how can they manage the bill without derailing their financial goals?
8. What are some ways to avoid owing a large tax bill in the future?
9. What’s one mistake people should avoid when they receive a tax refund?
10. How can tax time be a good opportunity to check your credit report and adjust your financial goals for the year?
Check out our complete list of upcoming personal finance Twitter chats here.