What would you do with extra income beyond requirements?
I am about to begin receiving a benefit to the tune of an extra $2k per month that I don't have a need for. I'm fortunate enough that all my needs are met financially and this is truly bonus income. If it didn't exist, my life wouldn't change significantly, and it's not enough to quit my job. Trying to get others thoughts on what would be good uses of this money that would benefit me and my family.
Thoughts:
ALL_IN_VTSAX - hit FIRE goal earlier than planned
kiddo's college fund - hit funding goal earlier than planned
do fun things - vacation fund, memories with family
fund hobbies - buy things I don't need but "lower-guilt" use of spare funds
Probably a combination of all of the above, but interested to hear the thoughts of others.
I'm also reminded of:
When you have more than you need, build a bigger table.
Curious of ways to help influence things in a bubble larger than my family too.
How old is the kiddo? Old enough to have a creative hobby? Fund that hobby.
Maybe they like drawing. Take them on a $300 shopping spree at the art store.
Maybe they like competitive dancing/performing. Spend the money on a trip taking them to a competition in another city/state/country.
Maybe they like woodworking. Let them buy the tool(s) they need to take their craft to the next level.
Maybe they like coding and computing. Send them to a kid-centric coding camp.
Maybe they like making music. Buy them that new instrument or private instruction on how to get better with the one they have.
Whatever it is (that is a creative hobby, not just Fortnite skins), letting them move forward with it can help them grown and succeed in ways you can't imagine decades from now.