Tax refund 2024: Smart ways to spend your check, according to experts

(NEXSTAR) – If you beat the tax filing deadline and managed to get a refund as well, you may be wondering what to do with the sudden influx of cash.

The average refund in 2024 was $3,011, according to the IRS, up from $2,878 the year before – but should that money go to paying down debt, investing or maybe a summer vacation?

While everyone's financial situation is different, experts have a few tips to consider after receiving a tax refund.

What to do first?