5 Surprisingly Smart Ways to Blow $1,000 of Your Tax Refund
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<span class="byline">By <span class="author vcard"> <span class="fn"> <a href="http://www.dailyfinance.com/writers/kiplinger/"> Kiplinger </a> </span> </span></span></p>
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For $1,000, you can get a thorough review of your financial situation from a fee-only financial planner. The <a href="http://www.garrettplanningnetwork.com/" target="_blank">Garrett Planning Network</a> provides hourly as-needed c. Or visit the <a href="http://www.napfa.org/" target="_blank">National Association of Personal Financial Advisors</a> to find a fee-only planner in your area.</p>
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For $1,000 you can add several evergreen plants, redo a small backyard, install landscape lighting or even hire a landscape designer or architect to create a plan for your yard. See <a href="http://portal.kiplinger.com/features/archives/improve-your-curb-appeal.html">Cheap Ways to Improve Curb Appeal</a> for more ideas.</p>
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Online forms can be an affordable way to write a will if your finances are uncomplicated. But if your circumstances are complex, you should hire a lawyer to help you draft estate-planning documents. Expect to pay about $300 for a simple will. You could pay up to $1,000 for a more comprehensive estate plan that includes a living will or health-care directive and a power of attorney document.</p>
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Take classes to improve your current skill set to land a raise or promotion. Or learn new skills if you're thinking about switching jobs. Check with a nearby community or technical college for affordable courses, or consider <a href="http://extension.berkeley.edu/" target="_blank">UC Berkeley Extension's online courses</a>, which cost less than $1,000.</p>
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If you're trying to sell your home, you can make it more inviting to potential buyers by decluttering it and decorating it for the masses -- in other words, staging it. This will set your home apart and cut the time it's on the market. See <a href="http://portal.kiplinger.com/tools/slideshows/slideshow_pop.html?nm=StagingHomes">Home Staging Transformations for Under $1,000</a>.</p>
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<a href="http://portal.kiplinger.com/slideshow/25-ways-to-waste-money/1.html">SLIDE SHOW: 25 Ways to Waste Your Money</a></p>
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