Unexpected bonus check - wwyd?

[busymama77]

I received a bonus check today in the amount of $500 - after taxes, it was $335 and some change. The bonus check is a result of a portion of the company that was just recently sold, so it's a bit unexpected. If this would've never happened, I would've still gotten a bonus, but not until the day before Christmas.

Soooo...wwyd with this? We're fine financially. Our savings is okay. But I'm thinking about Christmas. And I'm also thinking about the coats that my boys will eventually need and the shoes that mama is lacking and the clothes that DH is needing as well. Would you divide it out and say $50 to coats, $50to shoes, $50 to clothes and then the rest in to savings?

[Marsupialmom]

I would put more towards coats than $50. I just spent more than that on 1 coat for my 16 year old son- he will get many years wear if he doesn't grow more. My girls got thrift store coats and it cost $45 for two coats.

I think coat prices are up from last year. My oldest dd got a new coat last year, but grew so much it won't last the winter. She went up 2 sizes, LOL and we expect more growth. We don't expect her to be able to wear this coat next year, but the size up was uncomfortably too big.

[just_lily]

If you truly need clothing, especially winter outer wear, and the rest of your bills are up to date, I would use it for that.

[anj_rn]

Since I do not know where you live it is hard to say if that is enough. I am a firm believer that adults should invest in nice durable outerwear that will last a while. Kids, not so much. So I would say spend what you have to to get what you need and put the rest in savings.

[meemee]

what is your fun money budget?

spend some on that for now. do a family thing.

get something for your boys esp something your older one has been wanting and something for dh and you.

i would not put anything into savings though if you do contribute regularly to savings.

[mattemma04]

I would buy new shoes,but get coats at the resale shop for 50 cents to $8 dollars each. I would want to save atleast 100.
Again resale shop for cloths.

[Poddi]

I'd have a dinner out with the family. Then save the rest for quality winter coats and shoes, maybe even a wool blanket. If you don't need any right now but want to get the bigger sizes for the kids, save the money and wait for after Christmas. Usually all winter gears are 50 - 75% off by then. You can get brand new stuff for much cheaper. That's pretty much what I do every year (get the next size coats for boys).

[SummerLove]

I'd also get the family some good sturdy winter clothes, and I'd probably buy myself something nice because that never happens

[mtm]

winter coats for the boys, new shoes for you, new clothes for dh would likely eat at least half the money around here then I'd send the other half to savings or get a start on Christmas.