The average tax refund this year will be about $3000, and that might make for a really nice shopping spree.  But the most popular choice for using that wad of cash is the one you probably least expect.  

No shopping!  Paying off debt will be the number one thing people do with their tax refund this year.

GoBankingRates.com said 27 percent of those surveyed said they will pay down debt with a tax refund, making it the most popular choice.  And that's a smart thing to do because household debt in America is at an all-time high of $13.29 trillion, according to the Federal Reserve Bank.  When we all get together on something we really do it up big.

A separate GOBankingRates survey found that the average debt per household is $52,458.  So we just need a $52,000 tax refund and we'll wipe that right out.

What's the biggest purchase you've ever made with a tax refund?  Maybe the tax refund didn't quite cover it all but it took care of a big chunk, so you decided to splurge on something pricey.  I bought granite countertops with my refund one time.  It actually served as my biggest tipsy purchase too, because I ordered the countertops right after happy hour as I'd been celebrating my tax refund.  Good times.

Other options for putting the tax refund to good use this year according to the survey include investing, making a major purchase on something necessary, and saving in a non-retirement account.  Only three percent of people will spend a tax refund on a splurge.  And that's why things like granite countertops must be considered a necessity.

If you're on track to get a refund, how much you'll get depends on your own numbers of course, but age might play into it.  GoBankingRates said adults 65 and older expect $5,403, and that's the biggest for 2019.  Gen-Z (18 to 24-year-olds) will get $3,365, for the second-highest refund.

Here's hoping you get a big fat refund!  And then pay down that debt as the smart people will do.  Right after you shave off a smidge for some fun money.  Just a smidge.

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