by Rich Whittle and Tim Kerber

If your government is refunding any money to you this year, it is a good time to put it towards making more money for you.

Don't just blow through a refund check, put it to good use! Here's some suggestions.

Start a Web Business

Okay, you've researched a niche idea for a web-based business.

You've selected a web host, picked a domain name and even designed a logo or two.

You've just been waiting for some 'extra' money to get the business off the ground.

Consider your refund an investment in your future.

Go for it!

Upgrade Your Computer Equipment

If you already own and run a web-based business, maybe it's time to upgrade your computer equipment.

After all, your business is dependent upon your computer working properly.

Computer prices are at their lowest, so get another system as a backup.

If one computer goes down, simply move to the other.

Your web customers will never know the difference. At the very least, get a CD or DVD burner if you don't already have one.

They're great and cost-efficient when it comes to backing up customer data!

Market Your Web Business

Jump start your web business with some marketing:

• Create and run a Google Adwords campaign.
• Design and print flyers. Post them on bulletin boards at grocery stores, churches, malls, post offices, banks, etc. Use brightly colored paper to get people's attention. Make your message interesting enough so they'll want to visit your site.
• Get business cards printed with your web address. www.vistaprint.com offers some very inexpensive predesigned business cards. (I use them!) Stick one in your monthly bills when you mail them, leave one on the table with the tip when you leave a restaurant, stick them on bulletin boards, leave one whenever the opportunity arises.
• Purchase a magnetic sign for your car. They're easy to use and inexpensive.
• Give-aways can be a great form of publicity. T-shirts, caps and tote bags can become "walking billboards" for your web site or product.

Remember, if your customers don't know about you, they can't buy from you.

Learn A New Skill

Learn web-related programming skills like Javascript, Perl, and XML.

Program specific courses for web site creation, server and database usage.

Certification courses in Microsoft and Cisco.

New skills could help land you a new job in IT or save you money with your own site.

A good starting place is WorldWideLearn, (http://www.worldwidelearn.com/index.html) a directory of online education.

Stash it in a "Rainy Day" Fund

Unfortunately, due to low interest rates, there really is no good place to 'park' a couple of thousand dollars. So stuff the cash in a savings account at your bank.

They may not pay interest on such a small amount, but it could offset any checking account fees.

Then, when your computer blows up (See #2) you can quickly replace it or when you hear about a great deal on widgets that you can resell on eBay for a fortune, you'll be ready.

Bottom line: take advantage of the extra cash to make even more money in the future. And always remember: if you are paying taxes, it means you are doing something right (making money!).