Save Your Bonus and Other Windfalls
“It is tempting to treat your year-end bonus or other unusual income as play money,” said Carla Dearing, founder of online financial planning service Sum180. “Don’t do it. Instead commit to a new habit: Sock away these lump sum amounts immediately, then leave them alone.”
You should do the same with any other financial windfalls such as tax refunds, gifts or even a credit card sign-up bonus, such as the 30,000 points worth $300 you can get for opening up a Wells Fargo Propel American Express Card. If you add this money to your retirement savings account, you can reach your savings goal even faster.
