Here are the 3 smartest things to do with an extra $1,000

February 2, 2018

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David Bach is one of America’s most prolific and bestselling financial authors of our time who has helped millions around the world learn how to live and finish rich through his books, seminars, television appearances.
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An extra $1,000 can go a long way — if you’re smart about handling it.

The next time you get a generous birthday check or unexpected corporate cash bonus, assuming you’re already debt-free, check yourself before splurging on a new iPhone or vacation. It’s OK to treat yourself a bit, but blowing everything at once isn’t usually the best move.

Here are the three smartest things to do with your small windfall, according to New York Times-bestselling author and co-founder of AE Wealth Management David Bach.

1. Build up your rainy day fund

If you don’t have at least six months worth of living expenses set aside, build up your emergency fund, says Bach.

Life doesn’t always go as planned — you could lose your job, have a medical emergency or deal with a car breaking down — and it’s important to give yourself a safety net.

As for where to stash the fund, there are a few good ways to boost the returns of your savings while knowing you can access your money pretty quickly if you need it. Try a high-yield online savings account. Or, Bach suggests, “Put it in a money market account that pays reasonable interest. A money market account is one of the simplest and most secure alternatives around for anyone who wants to put aside some cash and earn a reasonable return on it. ”

2. Up your 401(k)

The more you can set aside in your employer sponsored retirement account, if you have access to one, the better. Increase your 401(k)contributions “by at least 2 percent,” says Bach.

A 401(k) is an effective savings vehicle for a few reasons: It offers large tax advantages, the money is automatically taken from your paycheck before you have the chance to spend it and often, companies offer a match, which is essentially free money.

3. Open a “dream account”

Think about something exciting or meaningful you want to do between now and retirement, like traveling outside of the country, going to the Super Bowl or enrolling in grad school.

Then use your extra savings to “open up an investment account specifically for that dream,” says Bach, and commit to adding to it on a consistent basis. Having a goal will make saving easier and more rewarding.

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Hey there, I’m David.

Thank you. Over the past 30 years, I've had the privilege of reaching over 100 million people through my books, podcast, and media appearances. I've written 12 national bestsellers including The Automatic Millionaire®, Smart Women Finish Rich®, and The Latte Factor—with over 7 million copies sold in more than 20 languages. 

I've been honored to appear on NBC's Today Show over 100 times and have been featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show, CNN, Fox News, CNBC, and more. My work has been profiled in The New York Times, Forbes, TIME, and The Wall Street Journal. 

What has always driven me and still does is this: I want to help you live and finish rich. Whether you're just starting out or looking to make smarter financial choices, I'm here to guide you with real conversations and proven strategies.

At seven, my grandma handed me a stock certificate instead of a Happy Meal. That moment sparked my lifelong mission: to help you take control of your money and build lasting wealth.

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Bach Wisdom & Sixteen Timeless Truths

These truths have come from over 30 years of learning. Mostly from experience and also mentors. Feel free to pass them along.