Have you suddenly found or been gifted an unexpected $100 bill? If so, this bit of good fortune allows you to do something beautiful for yourself or others.
Stock up on frozen foods
The best time to plan for a rainy day is when you have a little extra cash in your pocket. If your cupboards and freezer are empty, one hundred dollars can go a long way to restock and replenish your food supplies.
Both canned and frozen foods have relatively long shelf lives, so you don’t have to eat them right away.
Learn something new
The internet offers vast opportunities to learn about just about almost every subject that catches your interest. For instance, websites like Udemy provide an extensive library of topics from business, to coding, to personal development for a nominal fee (sometimes even less than $15).
Choose a course that interests you and start something new or brush up on old skills!
Become a micro-lender
If you want to put your $100 windfall toward a higher purpose and help others, consider becoming a micro-lender. As a micro-lender, you help service loans for small amounts.
Keep in mind that, as a micro-lender, there is a risk the microloan could go unpaid. Don’t put money than you can’t afford to lose at risk.
Start a website
If you’ve felt an entrepreneurial spirit come over you, starting a new website is a way to capitalize and boost your earning capacity. Business websites empower owners to sell products and services, and can offer a significant return on your initial investment.
Buy discounted gift cards
Discounted gift cards are a great way to make your money go further. These days, online marketplaces provide an outlet for people to sell unwanted gift cards for less than the market value of the card, offering great value.
Treat a loved one
What is a good fortune if you aren’t able to share it with others? Consider taking your favorite person out for a meal on the town, a day at the zoo, or doing another favorite activity together – your treat!
Who knows? The next time you find yourself strapped for cash and in need of help, this person just might remember the nice things you did for them when you had some extra money.
Stop procrastinating
If there’s something you’ve been putting off because of money concerns, like an oil change or a teeth cleaning, an extra $100 can help put the delay to an end once and for all. Believe it or not, you get a great deal of personal satisfaction in taking care of whatever outstanding tasks are holding you back.
By nipping some of these errands in the bud, you could be avoiding more costly issues later on down the line.
Add it to your emergency fund
While it isn’t the same as spending, as the old saying goes, a penny saved is a penny earned. If you don’t have a burning desire to spend your extra cash right away, you can always tuck it into a high-interest bearing savings account for use on another day.
By doing so, you get the chance to earn even more money for your financial acumen.
Do some early Christmas shopping
The best time to shop for Christmas is before everyone else does! Consider using your windfall to get a head start on your Christmas gift-giving, whether it is for yourself or others.
The benefits? Everyone isn’t fighting for the same items, and shipping is guaranteed to arrive well before the holiday! Plus, you get to relax more and worry less during the busy holiday season.
Pay it forward
Regardless of how tough things in life can seem, there is always someone who has it worse than you. Consider donating cash or goods to your local favorite charity or personal cause. Or, pay for someone’s coffee.
Qualifying charitable contributions are tax-deductible. And, even if they’re not, the good karma may just find its way back to you anyway.