Apogee News

It's tax season, and that means that if you were ahead of the curve with your taxes, you will be receiving your refund very soon – if you haven't already. While tax refunds are always a nice bonus, a new poll from Cricket Communications has indicated that this year, many Americans plan to be more frugal with their tax refund checks than in years past. In fact, according to the survey, 78 percent of people plan to be "smarter" about how they spend their tax refunds. And you can be, too. Here are a few ideas for spending your money more wisely.

1. Buy gifts online – ahead of time. It's never too early to think about birthdays or even Christmas and other holiday presents. Buying gifts at online stores now could save you a lot of money, because discount online shopping websites will have slashed prices on many items that typically go up in price during the holidays. When considering what presents will still apply a few months from now, think of timeless presents, such as books, jewelry and coats.

2. Start a new savings account. "Stocking away six to 12 months of expenses can really help individuals and families who have found their home equity line of credit has been reduced – or an unexpected medical fee arises," reads the Cricket Communications report. Even if you save a portion of your refund, you can take comfort in the fact that you have some money put aside, just in case.

3. Invest in yourself – with education. One of the best ways to spend some of your money is to buy yourself a seat in a class or course – even if it's just part-time. Additional education courses can help you get a better job and make more money, so get enrolled today.

Yesterday, this blog offered several ways to make this April Fools Day even more fun, by suggesting a few prank gifts and ideas for the people in your life that you love – but drive you crazy. We had so much fun talking about the new silly gifts from online stores – and the pranks we could pull with them – that we have realized that we've got a few more tricks up our sleeve!

• For your neat-freak roommate. If your roommate is one of those people who picks lint off the carpet, this prank is perfect for her. Do some last{-}minute online shopping, and buy some fake vomit for Sunday. Or, you can always make some at home (think: similar in consistency to play dough). Then spread it across the kitchen or bathroom floor late Saturday night, and wake for her shrieks to wake you up on Sunday morning. Just be careful not to get any of the fake stuff on the carpet – then she'll really freak out.

• For your vegan friends. While being a vegan is certainly admirable, if you happen to like cheese and bacon, they have a way of making you feel pretty guilty. But, you can get them laughing this Sunday with a container of Unicorn "meat", which is available at many discount online shopping websites. Plus, it's "an excellent source of sparkles!"

• For your worrying mother. Does your mother worry about you constantly? Take her out to Chinese this April Fools Day, and switch her fortune cookie for a "Misfortune" cookie (these are available at many online websites as a gag gift). When she opens it, she'll realize that all of her worst fears will be coming true – until, of course, you shout: "April Fools!"

This Sunday is a big day – it's your anniversary, remember? Gotcha! It's April Fools Day, and there are plenty of great gag gifts to get for those oh-so-special people in your lives – or the ones you've been dying to prank. There are plenty of great online shopping websites that offer silly, cheeky or just plain ridiculous gifts for April Fools Day pranks, but here are a few gift ideas of our own, available at many online stores:

• For your nosy neighbor: Everyone has that neighbor, whether he or she lives in your apartment building or around the corner. Whether the neighbor loves to ask invasive questions, paw through your mail or water the plants a little too close to your window, April Fools Day is the perfect time to show your appreciation. Simply buy the ugliest lamp you can find, (we suggest the closest replica you can find of one from "A Christmas Story") and present it tearfully, saying that it's been in your family for years, and thank your neighbor for always keeping an eye out on you. Insist on helping to install it, for good measure.

• For your new girlfriend: She's probably still a little shy coming over to your house, so April Fools Day is a great opportunity to break the ice. Our suggestion: a talking toilet paper holder. Record low, embarrassing sounds (we don't need to go into detail) and make sure you have the television on low volume – so she can hear you laughing.

• For your snobby coworker: Since April Fools Day falls on a Sunday, you'll need to act quickly and do it on Friday. The snobby coworker always has a favorite coffee mug, so come in a little early with some washable paint the same color. Paint the rim of cup, so that he or she will have a colorful moustache. You can point it out eventually – or not. We'll leave that up to you.