So I went to bed late last night – partly because I was too stressed from work to sleep (yet again) and partly because I wanted to finish off my tax return so I could get that sweet, sweet refund I love so much.

The money is now as good as spent. In my head, I’ve already separated it between building my emergency fund, paying off some credit card debt and adding a small amount to my vacation fund.

As I type this, I can hear some people come to a screeching halt at the “vacation fund” reference. Here are my thoughts:

Yes, I know that in the current economy I probably shouldn’t be thinking of spending money on vacations.

Yes, I realize that money may serve me better by being added to my emergency fund or debt payment – especially since I recognize that my job may be on the chopping block.

But, I need something to look forward to and when vacation does roll around, I want to make sure that it’s something I’m prepared for. And, honestly, if I need the money it’s just in another savings account growing and waiting for a use.

I love taxes (for now at least).