More Bang For Your Tax Bucks

MOORESVILLE, N.C., Feb. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- While your first impulse may be to blow your tax refund on a flat panel TV or a luxury vacation, experts say a wiser investment is one that will impact your future and pay off in the long run. This year, consider using your refund on home improvement upgrades, which provide both immediate and long-term satisfaction.

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"For many of us, home is not just where we live, but it's also one of our greatest assets," said Julie Sussman and Stephanie Glakas-Tenet, authors of Dare to Repair: A Do-it-Herself Guide to Fixing (Almost) Anything in the Home. "It should be a sanctuary that you can be proud of and enjoy every day. With some extra money in your pocket, now is the perfect time to give your home the attention it deserves."

By tackling some of those minor repairs immediately, you could spare yourself a larger expense down the line. For instance, the average cost of a new roof is approximately $15,000. Spending some money (up to $5,000 on average) to fix a leaky roof now could save you thousands of dollars. You might also apply a tax refund toward high payback projects, such as updating your kitchen, bathroom or adding landscaping.

Also, keep in mind that the best time to prepare for severe weather is when there isn't a cloud in the sky. Take a few minutes to look for areas that are vulnerable to storm damage and make windows, doors and garage doors more impact-resistant. Severe weather often means power outages; consider a new generator for emergency use.

Need more encouragement to invest those tax dollars wisely? Cash your refund check with ease at any Lowe's store and use the money on home improvement purchases at Lowe's. Or visit www.loweshomeinvestment.com from February 1 through April 30 for information on home improvement projects that can add value to your home. Register online for a chance to win $2,500 in Lowe's gift cards or visit the Customer Service Desk at Lowe's stores nationwide for details. One winner will be selected at random each week for a total of thirteen winners.

For more tips and information on how to put your refund to work in your home, visit lowes.com/presspass then click on "Idea File" or visit your local Lowe's store.

About Lowe's

With fiscal year 2005 sales of $43.2 billion, Lowe's Companies, Inc. is a FORTUNE(R) 50 company that serves approximately 12 million customers a week at more than 1,375 home improvement stores in 49 states. Based in Mooresville, N.C., the 60-year old company is the second-largest home improvement retailer in the world. For more information, visit Lowes.com.

SOURCE Lowe's Companies, Inc.