TV and papers are full of ads telling people how to spend their tax refunds, as if this money was a gift from the IRS. Here is a tip: Change your withholding status and keep your money rather than making a 0 percent loan to the feds. This way you will have the cash when you earn it to save or spend as you please and not have to wait for a refund. Talk to your payroll or HR people, they will have the forms to fill out.