Did you get a stimulus check this month, but you were fortunate enough to not lose your job and not truly need the money?
Here are some ideas on ways to use the unexpected windfall:
• Donate it to a charity you believe in. With congress allowing a $300 above the line deduction for charitable giving, you can turn $300 into some tax savings.
• Use it to bolster your savings account. This is a great option if you don’t have a 3-6 month emergency fund.
• Put the money into your retirement account, allowing it to grow exponentially over time.
• Pay off some student loans/high-interest consumer debt. This is a great way to reduce the amount of debt you are currently carrying around. This can reduce the amount of interest you pay, so you can recognize even more savings. Be sure that you apply this to principal, otherwise it is a prepayment.
• Enjoy it! If you’re financially in a place that allows you to not worry, but you haven’t done anything fun in a bit, do something fun! Everyone needs a break, it is a great way to recalibrate and refresh!
No matter how you use it, make sure it makes sense.