As a gentleman was leaving my class recently, he wanted me to clarify something I had said. He was making sure that he should take his four or five thousand dollar tax refund and pay off debt.

I was stunned. This money represented $400-$500 that could have been in his pocket every month. A survey of my friends this week revealed one who was getting back $2800 and one getting $3300 back this year.

Getting a large tax refund (over $500) means you are having too much money withheld from your check every pay period.

Many people use this as a forced saving plan and it does not make any sense. You are loaning the government YOUR money, interest free. Every $1200 in refund is an extra $100 per month you could have used to eliminate debt or invest for your future.

I 'd venture to say that most people who do get large refunds could use this money every month to ease their debt burden. This burden frequently leads to late charges and higher interest rates. Instead, they like the feeling of getting that big check in the mail and figuring out how to spend that chunk of money.

The ideal situation is to either owe or get back $100.

If you get a big tax refund then you should adjust your allowances. The more allowances you claim, the less money is withheld from your check for taxes. It generally does not matter how many allowances you claim. If the government gets it's money they really don't care how many allowances you claim.

Here is how to get it right. Take the time to complete the appropriate worksheets included on Form W-4. The worksheets will help you determine your withholding allowances based on your income, adjustments, deductions, exemptions and tax credits. The worksheets can help you figure the right amount so you don't have too little withheld.

The IRS now has a calculator on their website which you can now access anytime at: http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=96196,00.html

If you need help ask your payroll administrator at work or an accountant.

Keep your money working for YOU!