Windfall income should not be spent on non-essentials by workers who are just starting out or in the middle of their careers.
Many years ago, during the mid-2000s, when banking and telecommunications became major industries, many banks and telecommunications companies paid annual bonuses and profit shares to their employees. Most new and mid-level employees wasted their money on buying cars, renting new apartments in high-end neighborhoods, and changing their wardrobes every three months. Every Friday night, the nightclubs were packed, with each person almost trying to outspend the other in terms of money spent.
Today's story is quite different. The global economy is nearly paralyzed. Banks are no longer awarding large bonuses, and telecommunications companies are no better. The oil industry is in ruins. Every industry is running on a tight budget.
Windfall income will not always be available, as economic realities have shown. So, if you are fortunate enough to receive a bonus or profit share that is reasonable, here are a few pointers on how to spend it wisely:
1) Invest in real estate: While this may sound like overkill, it is sound advice. ""The only Estate that is Real is Real Estate,"" a businessman once said. Real estate is a huge industry. Rental apartments, particularly mini flats and two-bedroom flats, are in high demand. For those interested in purchasing land, several real estate companies offer instalment payment plans. You can use your windfall income to purchase a half or full plot of land. If you do not have funds for immediate development, I recommend purchasing from a real estate company rather than directly from the community.
The simple reason for this is that the real estate company will have resolved community settlement issues with the land owners, so you can be confident that your land is secure from land grabbers. Furthermore, by purchasing from a real estate company, you will benefit from quick capital appreciation of your investment as well as rapid development of the locations because many other people will be purchasing and developing property in that location. Another advantage of investing in real estate is that after developing the property, you can rent it out if you do not want to live there and use the rental income to pay your rent in another location.
2) Invest in a part-time business: If you already have a business that you can run part-time while working full-time, you should put your windfall money into it. You can purchase the necessary equipment or enroll in a training program to increase your expertise in that industry. If you don't already have a business idea, you might want to do some research to see what kind of part-time business to invest in.
3) Invest in education: You can use your windfall income to further your education, which will raise your profile and give you a better chance of landing a higher-paying job in your industry or another entirely. You can also invest in your loved ones' education, such as your spouse, children, or siblings (if you have this responsibility thrust on you)
4) Marriage Investment: Yes! You heard me correctly.
This is for those who believe in the institution of marriage. If you have a partner and want to spend the rest of your life with them, put your windfall money towards settling down. You can begin making down payments on some of the most important items on your list. Marriage is an investment in your happiness for the rest of your life.
5) Contribute to Charitable Activities: Don't spend all of your windfall earnings on yourself. Life is about sharing and putting smiles on other people's faces. You can donate some of your windfall earnings to a charitable organization. Christians are advised to give a tithe of this amount to their local churches, depending on their religious beliefs. If you are not religious, you would be wise to donate to a cause that will benefit humanity."""
