We have written about tax refund anticipation loans in the past, which:

• Have sky-high interest rates - right up there with payday loans - we're talking 300% plus
• Are most commonly used by low-income folks

Now a story in the national media says some of the most common users of RALs are Native Americans. Consider these numbers: About 10% of all taxpayers owed a refund take out an RAL. But among Native Americans in one area, that number is almost six times as high: 57%.

If you're looking at an RAL, the big question is, can you wait two weeks? Instead, consider e-filing with the IRS, which normally gets your return back in 10-14 days. With this route, you avoid the massive interest and fees.