What would you do with an unexpected bonus?

[catherine]

I just got a letter of recognition from one of my clients and a check for $2500.

I'm totally surprised. DH says I should buy something because it's a windfall. My thought was paying down debt--buying off a few links of the chain that holds me back from freedom. But at the same time, it would be nice to get something tangible with part of it.

Any suggestions?

[herbgeek]

Can you do both? Put the majority towards debt and reserve a small portion for a splurge?

[Yppej]

Save towards retirement. Use if needed due to a recession/job loss.

[bae]

Kill debt, emergency fund, stock up on staples to fight inflation.

[iris lilies]

Spend up to $50 For something you’ve been wanting. Throw the rest at the debt. If $50 will not fund something you’ve been wanting, then chuck it all at the debt.

You need some tough love babe: at our age, debt is evil. It is the enemy. We do not get to spend $2500 on stuff we don’t need. I’m not a bit surprised your happy go lucky husband said this.

[frugal-one]

Agree with others... you should buy or do something special but not over the top. Put most into debt reduction ... as you said, buying your freedom.

[Tybee]

I would take 10-20% and splurge. I would put 50% towards debt reduction, and the remaining in savings.

[Tybee]

https://www.cnbc.com/select/how-to-s...ave-windfalls/

[Alan]

I think I'd use the entire amount on debt reduction and consider that a gift to myself.

[JaneV2.0]

I might contribute $500 to the home improvement fund, and pay down debt with the rest. Bae's idea of investing in foodstuffs with some of it is good, too.