Q: I just got a huge bonus, much more than I expected, and I don’t know what to do with it! I don’t want to make a mistake. I want to be responsible. I feel like I should invest it but is that the right thing to do?
A: Oh the joys of bonus money! We love it when we get receive it, but that fleeting moment of joy is followed by confusion of what to do with it. What a weight on our shoulders extra money can be! Sheesh!
You don’t want to just dive in and invest — I get it. But at the same time, you don’t want to sit on the money either. The right financial decision can be hard to make because there are so many questions and factors to consider. Questions are sometimes the best way to find the answers. Questions are the pillar of our business. I always say it’s hard to talk about myself because I’m so used asking questions to my clients so we can come with their best solutions.
Here are five questions to ask yourself that will help you take that bonus money and build your net worth for the long-term!
What’s my goal for this money? What is it for? Retirement? Buying a car in five years? Down-payment for a house? You can’t drive the car without a destination.
What’s my time horizon? How long do I want to invest it? Another way to ask this is, When and Why will I sell? What is your commitment?
What’s my risk profile? Do I want to be diversified or do I want to be focused in one investment area? Can I lose money with this investment? What’s the general rate of return we are looking for?
Do I need to access the money in a hurry? What does my emergency savings look like?
What’s my investment strategy for this money? Should I invest it all at once? Should I split it up into different vehicles that fulfill different goals for this money?
You don’t want to go into analysis paralysis, but you do want to think through these questions before you act. Investing is pretty risky. You need to take your time and think. Think first, act second.
Francis Bacon said, “A prudent question is one-half of wisdom.”
If you are honest with your answers, you will get to your destination.
We at One Vision Retirement are happy to have a no obligation call to go discuss your situation and questions.
Feel free to schedule a call today: https://calendly.com/onevisionretire/gettingtoknowyou
Have a question for us that you want answered in our newsletter? Email your question to info@onevisionretire.com
Investment advice offered through Integrated Financial Partners, doing business as One Vision Retirement, a registered investment advisor. The information in this material is for general information only and is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. Integrated Financial Partners does not provide tax advice or services. Please consult a qualified tax advisor regarding your specific situation.
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