What To Do With Your Christmas Money

GIF of Tina Fey dancing while Tracy Morgan and another guy make it rain dollars on her. A fantastic "problem" to have when trying to figure out what to do with your Christmas money.

What to do with your Christmas money. . .now there’s a question you never had to ask yourself as a kid. You likely had a laundry list of things you wanted to spend it on before you even knew you were getting any. As an adult, though? Yeah, it’s different. You want to do the right thing with any extra funds you get and, solution oriented as we always are, we have a few ideas for just what to do with your Christmas money!

Financial Goals for What to Do with Your Christmas Money

Why You Should Start an Emergency Fund Today

Whether it’s a little or a lot, there are a few places you can put those extra dollars to make a difference in your finances.

Build your emergency fund: If you’re starting your emergency fund with just $25, you’re ahead of the game. 22% of Americans have NO emergency savings at all, making this an excellent place to put your Christmas money.
Pay off debt: OK, you might not be able to pay a debt off with $25/$50, but you can get an extra payment in there. Consider it as coming one step closer to knocking out one of your debts.
Invest for the future: If the reason you don’t invest is you don’t want to lose your money, here’s your chance. Use the money you’ve been given and jump in! Whether micro investing like Acorns or buying a particular stock, now you have nothing to lose.

Personal Goals for What to Do with Your Christmas Money

We get it. Being “responsible” with free money can take the fun out of it. Never forget, we’re all about experiences as well, so we fully support spending that money on yourself!

GIF of Retta and Aziz Ansari reminding you that whatever you're into; clothes, fragrances, massages, mimosas, fine leather goods, you should treat yo' self! Always a fine idea for what to do with your Christmas money.

Treat yourself: Yes, this is a completely acceptable answer. Get that thing you’ve been waiting to get! If you can’t buy it out right, consider whatever money you got as a discount.
Learn a new skill: Do an online class for something or visit a local hobby shop to learn a new skill. Going into the new year with a new skill can change the whole perspective of 2024.
Travel: Now hear me out. It doesn’t have to be far, but if your Christmas money can cover the gas, hit the road. Go see a friend or family member you haven’t seen in a while, or go check out a restaurant or attraction you’ve always heard about.
Give back: This is the big one. Pay it forward and give the gift of giving to someone else. The dopamine that comes with spreading cheer is hard to quantify, but it really feels good.

What to do with the money you get as a gift from work (or your bonus)

Also, consider this: your holiday bonus. For those of you lucky enough to get a couple extra zeros from work this holiday season, reread this and see just how many more options you may have now. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter where the money comes from, all that matters is how you move it!

The Wrap Up

So, still don’t know what to do with your Christmas money? That’s fine. The point is to know you have options and to plan ahead. You’re way more likely to spend your windfall responsibly if you plan what you will do with it.

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Kenneth Medford III

Writer, rhymer, gamer: the easiest way to define the man known as Kenneth Medford. I’m a simple man who loves to learn and loves to help and I wander the digital world trying to find ways to sate my hunger for both. Basically, I’m Galactus but helpful.

Check out my other work here or reach out to me on LinkedIn.