what would you do with a couple thousand dollars?

[nageov3t]

so, after paying off all my bills this month and allocating money into the hookers and blow fund, I realized that I've unexpectedly got like $3000 left over in my bank account.

figured I'd ask the ATOT financial gurus if they think it's enough money to think about investing, or if I should just let it sit in my savings account for any future rainy-day needs (I've already got enough in my savings that I could live off of it for 6 months with no other income if I were to ever lose my job, but I'm also looking at needing a new car within the next 3-5 years and maybe buying a house/condo in the next 10 years... otherwise, my financial needs are just saving for retirement)

 

[Muse]

What comes to mind is a higher end laptop for my kitchen and some major upgrades to my desktop.

You speak of investing. I'm very into that and have been spending a lot of time working on my chops. $3000 isn't a big nest egg. You have ambitions that require a lot of money. Don't blow that $3000. Myself, in your situation I would not consider that cash "disposable."

 

[waggy]

hmm 3k? get me a Digital SLR and nice lens. i have a nice cannon digital camera but even on the action setting it takes very bad pictures .

i want one for my daughters gymnastics tournaments.

 

[Engineer]

Savings and IRA's.

 

[Dulanic]

Should always keep at least 6 months or so of emergency funds just in case.

 

[madoka]

What should you do: add it into your savings account for a rainy day.

What would I do: frivolously piss it away

 

[Ferzerp]

If you don't already have emergency funds, put it towards that, after you have that, you can start with the savings/investment/debt payoff, etc.

 

[nageov3t]

If you don't already have emergency funds, put it towards that, after you have that, you can start with the savings/investment/debt payoff, etc.

I have a 6-month emergency saving fund, but at the same time, I'd have to dip into it if my car exploded tomorrow and I needed money for a down payment... so I guess dropping the money into my savings account to start saving for my new car makes sense.

 

[videogames101]

hookers


and blow

 

[waggy]

while i am one that don't blow money. Sometimes there is stuff you want/need and it is ok to get it.

i am all for saving money and not spending on silly things (until this summer we didn't have cable. the kids finally badgered me enough!). sometimes though you need to treat yourself.

..just don't get a loan or put it on CC...

 

[OILFIELDTRASH]

Probably nothing. As it's not enough to actually do anything with but just enough that you don't want to blow it.

 

[Kaido]

Should always keep at least 6 months or so of emergency funds just in case.

Yup. Always keep at least a grand in savings just in case of a pinch. My buddy just quit his (very nice) job out of frustration, but he has a 4-month expenses parachute in savings to float on, so he has plenty of time to look for something new and decompress in the meantime. Definitely a good idea if you don't have some padding in place already

Alternatively, I just bought my mom a nice basic laptop. It's nice to be able to snag something here & there and do something nice once in awhile :thumbsup:

 

[tfinch2]

Buy a couple pairs of jeans

 

[Muse]

hmm 3k? get me a Digital SLR and nice lens. i have a nice cannon digital camera but even on the action setting it takes very bad pictures .

i want one for my daughters gymnastics tournaments.

3k is a lot for a DSLR system. Mine cost me way less than that. I went Pentax K-x, have around 5-6 lenses. Totally satisfactory for me.

Probably nothing. As it's not enough to actually do anything with but just enough that you don't want to blow it.

This. I've never let money burn a hole in my pocket, never felt that secure.

 

[Shlong]

I had around that amount left over last year and purchased some of facebook (when it was hovering around $17 - $18), now it's worth almost $5000 in my scottrade account. Don't know if I should sell now or hold hoping it goes to $40. If I sell now, just gonna add it back to my savings (remainder after I purchase a surface pro).

 

[zzuupp]

Since you already have short term savings, open up a Roth IRA. I believe you have until April to make the $$$ count for 2012.

 

[waggy]

3k is a lot for a DSLR system. Mine cost me way less than that. I went Pentax K-x, have around 5-6 lenses. Totally satisfactory for me..

yeah i know that's a lot. IF i had that much i would get a really nice one, a few nice lenses, memory and monopod.


I am looking for a DSLR though. hopeing to find a good deal on woot or something. i don't need a insane one heh

 

[ultimatebob]

Should always keep at least 6 months or so of emergency funds just in case.

QFT!

 

[GagHalfrunt]

You're obviously not putting enough into the hookers and blow fund if you've got that much left over. And if you need advice on how to spend it, there's clearly not something you really want. So save the money until there is something you really want.

 

[Mixolydian]

Put it in my savings account.

 

[dud]

Buy a couple pairs of jeans

Well done ...

 

[Broheim]

What should you do: add it into your savings account for a rainy day.

What would I do: frivolously piss it away

this, hooray for being a college student who just live month to month without a care in the world!

 

[andylawcc]

debbie downer: IRA, 401k.

realistic debbie downer: spend half, save half.


edit: just read the whole thread. 3k ain't nothing. If you happen to lose your job, 3k can only last you 3 months before you get to another.

 

[gorcorps]

Me? Save for house downpayment.

 

[Broheim]

debbie downer: IRA, 401k.

realistic debbie downer: spend half, save half.


edit: just read the whole thread. 3k ain't nothing. If you happen to lose your job, 3k can only last you 3 months before you get to another.

I'd seriously have to cut down on my spending to live on 1k a month...