Unexpected bonus at work: what to do with it?

[red92s]

I just received a small bonus from work. Some components of the profit sharing structure here are tied to safety and other factors, so it's possible to still get something even when sales are way down. I started on July 1st 2008, so my payment was pro-rated for half the year, and then had taxes deducted.

I wasn't expecting anything, so I have some extra cash in hand ($~375) which has no home in my budget, and I am open to suggestions about what to do with it. I have a financial "plan" that I have been doing a good job of sticking to, and there isn't a glaringly obvious use for the money. After many, many months of frugality, I am actually having a hard time finding something to do with it other than send it straight to savings.


Quickie Stats:
- 25, single, no kids
- $0 debt. No school loans, car/credit payments, or mortgage
- 15% gross pay going towards retirement (401k and Roth mix)
- $10k emergency fund (~8 months expenses)

I already have money budgeted for some auto maintenance this spring, an air conditioner when it gets warmer, and the taxes due on my recent Roth conversion. I'm in a comfortable, stable, place financially. I live in a studio and have all the furniture and "things" I need, or have room for. The only use that occurs to me immediately is a plane ticket; I live about 1,000 miles from my girlfriend and when see each other every 5-6 weeks.

Any other suggestions?

[disneysteve]

Park it in savings until a use arises. Just because you have it, doesn't mean you have to spend it.

[Pitman]

I say buy that plane ticket, and enjoy a nice weekend or week with your girlfriend. You deserve it.

[mommyof4]

Wow, I'm impressed, no debt, emergency fund built up, and everything! I'd say go see your girlfriend! Gotta live a little bit, don't you?

[NorthernCalGal]

You could apply it toward one of your goals and accelerate things a little -- are you saving to buy a home? It could go towards something like that. Or maybe towards a future wedding???

[LivingAlmostLarge]

visit girlfriend.

[swanson719]

Definitely visit girlfriend. If she was reading this blog, what would she say? And if/when she finds out you had the money to see her w/o it affecting your budget and didn't, what would she say? I'd pay $350 just to avoid the nagging.

[red92s]

Thanks for the input.

I agree with the sentiment that "having it is no reason to spend it", but I think it's going to go towards a plane ticket.

At the risk of sounding like the "I work hard, I deserve it" type, I will say that part of the reason I've been able to meet my financial goals is that my life here revolves almost entirely around work (limited social circle and spending) . . . and I'm ready for a breather.

I've been putting in 65 hour weeks (I'm salaried, no paid overtime) since the beginning of the year. I'm the least experienced engineer on staff; so I figure in this economy what I give up in experience, I better make up for in effort. We have already lost about 30 salaried staff, and I wouldn't be surprised by further future cuts.

Spending a sunday afternoon doing something other than working sounds pretty beautiful, actually.

Definitely visit girlfriend. If she was reading this blog, what would she say? And if/when she finds out you had the money to see her w/o it affecting your budget and didn't, what would she say? I'd pay $350 just to avoid the nagging.

Eh, she was just up here for valentines day, and I'll be back there at least twice between now and May. She works long hours (tax consultant) and travels for work, so a "surprise" visit isn't really possible. We didn't even start seeing each other until after I moved 1,000 miles away . . . the distance and time apart isn't some huge adjustment for us, because we've never known it any other way. I actually worry if we will be able to stand each other once the distance gap is closed

[creditcardfree]

Enjoy your trip!