Bonus Money!

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My firm gives year-end bonuses based on hours billed. My bonus, after taxes, was just under $12,000. It was $18,000 pre-tax.  Here's how I split up the money: 

1. $1,500 to gift/donate 

2. $3,000 extra payment to the mortgage 

3. $2,500 saved to set up CD laddering

4. $1,000 to savings account 

5. $3,000 to spend on improvements at my mom's house (she needs a new hot water heater and that will likely be her birthday present from me). 

6. $1,000 to invest

Did you receive a year-end bonus? What do you plan to send the money on? Does anyone receive bonuses in February?

Comments

  1. Debt Free AlphaJanuary 10, 2026 at 7:42 PM

    No year end bonus but I did get one earlier in the year. Used it to help with the down payment on a house. Saved me a good year. No regrets though there were a lot of fees and expenses involved moving in. You're very responsible, I would have been tempted to spend some of it more frivilously.

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