Many people get excited for the tax return. After all, even though it isn't exactly "found" money, the tax breaks and the fact that you get a lump sum seems like a windfall. So, since this money isn't really a windfall (in many cases it's just your money coming back to you), you could use it to contribute to your financial freedom. Instead of wasting your tax refund check on something frivolous, consider how a lump sum could help improve your financial situation. Some things you could do with your tax refund check include paying down debt, boosting your emergency fund and getting it to work for you through investing.