Lisa Carnley is managing editor of the Lampasas Dispatch Record. I am getting a small chunk of change back after filing my federal income taxes, and I am in a quandry as to what to do with it.

There won’t be enough to take a vacation with, but it would cover the cost of some new summer clothes and/or shoes. Most women, me included, enjoy spending newfound money on clothes and shoes.

At first, I thought I might use it to pay on my credit card balance, but it’s not enough to make that much of a dent. So, I would rather just spend it.

But what to spend it on?

Even if I decided to deposit it into my savings account, it won’t accumulate enough interest -- and it’s likely it wouldn’t stay in there for long because my interest verges more on spending it than saving it.

I didn’t have it before filing my taxes, so I don’t think I’ll miss it if I go ahead and spend it.

I admit it. I like that feeling of going into a store with cash in my pocket (or purse), and knowing I can buy a few things for myself without worrying about the cost.

I said I like the feeling; I didn’t say I would do it. I still can’t seem to buy anything without comparing prices to be sure I get the most bang for my bucks. Nothing makes me madder than to go somewhere and discover the goods don’t have price tags on them.

The adage “If you have to ask, you probably can’t afford it” is ridiculous. I do ask. Even though I know I probably can’t afford it. If I could, I wouldn’t ask in the first place.

Just put the price tag in full view. It will only take me a quick glance to see I can’t afford it, then I can get on with the serious business of shopping and moving to the sales racks.

Since I only get one income tax refund, I want to spend it wisely. But I also want to splurge. Can you do both? I’m sure going to try.

When my kids were little, there was no question where the tax refund would go. It always went to things they needed -- like groceries and shoes.

Now that they are grown, the money is all mine, and I get to spend it any way I want. On me. On something I want; not something I need. If I could just figure out what that is.

Meanwhile, I guess I will put it in my savings account -- at least until I can figure out what to spend it on.

Who am I kidding? I’ll either end up paying some bills or buying toys for my grandson.

Well, I didn’t have it before; I surely can live without it now. And there’s always next year’s income tax refund. Wonder what I’ll do with it?