"A lot of people thought they would have lower or no refunds this year," Greene-Lewis said. "Many weren't aware of the deductions and credits they were eligible for, and then there was the relief under the Rescue Plan Act" on unemployment benefits. So what should the average American do with a $3,000 refund check this year? Normally, any good financial advisor would tell you to save it, use it to pay off debt or invest it in something productive. "This is just money," said Adam Markowitz, an enrolled agent with Howard Markowitz PA CPA. "It's not found money and it's not a gift."