Getting a holiday bonus this year? Three ways to put the extra cash to work!

As the holidays are quickly approaching, it means holiday parties at work, the season of giving, and for some that means a nice holiday bonus. If you’re expecting a bonus at work, you may already have in mind what you want to spend it on. Maybe you’ll take that vacation that you’ve always been dreaming of; spend it on gifts for friends and family, or start making a few repairs to your home. But if you’re not sure what to do with that extra cash, we’ve come up with 3 ways that you can put that extra cash to work!

1. Use it towards the purchase of a new home. While a bonus from one year may or may not be enough to cover a deposit for a new home purchase, by starting to save any bonuses you might receive now, it can be a very easy and efficient way to start planning for the home of your dreams.

2. Use it to start paying down any debts that you may have. From credit card bills to your car loan, a bonus from work can give you a jump start on getting your finances back in order or on the right track if you’ve been struggling financially. Even if your finances are in sound order, an extra car loan payment, or paying off credit cards can help save on interest and additional fees.

3. Save it! While saving it won’t provide the instant gratification of a vacation or spending it on gifts for others, saving it will create sound financial habits that you can carry with you. By disciplining your spending habits, especially when extra money comes your way, it will be easier to pay for those unexpected expenses if they arise later on down the track.

If you’re expecting a bonus but you find yourself unsure of what to do with it and you’re in debt, you can always contact us to chat about our debt management service. Or, if you’ve been saving up your bonuses for a while now and you’re ready to use it towards a home deposit, our home loan broker services can assist you as well!