Life doesn’t always go to plan. Yet too often, we focus on the negative aspects of this – sometimes, the unexpected events can actually be some of the best things that will happen to you! Take the case of the unexpected windfall, when suddenly you might have some spare cash you didn’t expect. This could be due to a work bonus, inheritance, rebate, or perhaps a lawsuit finally paying out. And yet, often, we get so used to living sensibly within our means, it can be hard to know how to splash out and treat yourself! In a time when exotic holidays may feel unsafe or inadvisable, what are some great ideas for how to spend your sudden, unexpected windfall?
Renovation
Firstly, and perhaps most excitingly, are you feeling dissatisfied with your home? If so, now is the perfect time to ring in some changes. Renovating a room (or two) can be a brilliant way to use your windfall and breathe much-needed fresh air into your home and your life. The most common area that may need a renovation is the kitchen – after all, this is where you and your family spend time cooking, eating, and hanging out together. Rather than attempting all this yourself, use your unexpected funds to contract a professional such as Sanctuary Kitchens and Bathrooms, ensuring your new rooms will sparkle perfectly.
A Work of Art
Aside from renovating, a great way to fill your home with beauty and joy is by investing in a work of art. Perhaps you have a painter you’ve always loved, but you’ve never been able to afford more than prints and postcards of their work? Well, now is your time! Buying or commissioning an original painting, sculpture, or other artwork from an artist – especially if they are a local artist – is an incredible way to support our culture whilst investing in your home. Many artworks also gain value over time, so you can even think of it as a personal investment! More than that, however, you’ll be encouraging your kids to grow up in a world of beauty, allowing culture to enter into their lives and become part of it.
A Wish List
Whilst spending your windfall on a huge, blow-out item is certainly an exciting option, it may not work for everyone. If you have a big family, you might want everyone to benefit individually from this good fortune, rather than exclude anyone by purchasing a single object that might not excite them. If this is the case, why not ask each family member to draw up a wish list of items that they want (you can even give them an upper-budget-limit if you want), and then get each person a treat item from their list, up to what your windfall allows for? This can be a joyful way to keep everyone happy – you can even wrap these gifts up and all open them together in a second-Christmas event, whatever the time of year! An unexpected windfall should always be about treating your family and celebrating together, and this is a wonderful idea to do that.
What are your favourite ways to treat your friends and family?
This is a collaborative post
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