A stimulus check may seem like free money.
However, financial experts said how consumers use unexpected money can make a big difference in an uncertain economy.
Whether you’re catching up on bills, boosting retirement savings or paying down debt, here are the five best ways to use your stimulus check if you just got your $1,400.
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Recipients should consider using their $1,400 stimulus check to build or replenish an emergency fund, especially if it’s currently underfunded. A solid cushion can help cover unexpected expenses like medical bills or job loss without relying on high-interest debt.
“The rule of thumb is to have enough money set aside to cover at least three months of your current expenses, but at a minimum you should have enough to cover your highest insurance deductible,” said financial coach Chris Fohlin.
“That’s usually a couple thousand dollars to cover you in any worst-case scenarios like a health emergency or car accident. If you don’t have enough in emergency savings, that’s where the entire check should go,” Fohlin explained.
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Using the stimulus check to pay down credit cards or other high-interest loans can offer long-term financial relief. Reducing debt not only lowers monthly payments but also frees up cash for future needs or emergencies.
“Getting a windfall can seem like a great opportunity to just spend money or buy something fun. For many, using the money for something fun can make sense. But if you are behind on expenses or have high-interest debt, then you are missing out on a chance to get your finances under control,” said Ashley Morgan, bankruptcy and tax lawyer at Ashley F. Morgan Law.
“Using the $1,400 for any high-interest debt will help save you money in your monthly budget,” Morgan added.
For those who are financially stable, putting stimulus funds toward a Roth IRA or workplace retirement plan can help grow long-term wealth. Even small contributions can compound significantly over time, especially when invested early.
“I typically coach clients to make a rule that 15 to 25% of their income goes into retirement savings,” Fohlin said. “I had a client decide she would treat unexpected income differently and put 50% into retirement. The point is to create a playbook that factors in all your goals so there’s no guesswork around making smart money choices.”
For those new to investing, options like high-yield savings accounts, certificates of deposit (CDs) or beginner-friendly ETFs offer modest returns without high risk.
“If you are saving the money, typically you want to first look into a high-yield savings account,” Morgan said. “If you do not need to have access to the funds, then looking at a CD or a bond technically is a no risk option, but you won’t be able to easily pull funds until maturity.”
These tools can help build confidence and financial momentum without sacrificing stability.
“For beginner investing, I recommend getting started with an IRA or brokerage account and sticking to diversified options like index funds, where your money gets spread across a bundle of companies,” Fohlin said. “You want to diversify so that one company’s bad day won’t sink your portfolio.”
By approaching unexpected income with the same care as a paycheck, people can avoid common regrets and make financial choices that actually support their long-term goals.
“I see too many new clients who were flippant with unexpected money and later regret it,” Fohlin added. “Don’t treat unexpected money with any less intention than your regular income.”
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 5 Best Ways To Use Your Stimulus Check If You Just Got Your $1,400 Payment
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