What would you do with an unexpected gift of £1,000?

aileth

If it was me personally, I would probably waste it and then regret it a week later, wishing I had put it away for a rainy day.

Erinnire

I'd get the kids passports and book us a holiday abroad somewhere I think or get this built under the stairs: http://www.joat-london.co.uk/understairs/understairs-5.html

*Louise*

I go by the rule of thirds which I have read on this forum - spend a third, save a third and use a third to pay something off.

In your situation, if the zero percent still has a while to go, then I would save that third as well for a rainy day.

In other words - spend around £300 on a treat for yourselves (weekend away sound lovely) and keep the rest for something you really need/want later on. It's always such a little comfort to have something tucked away for emergencies.

maman

skintchick wrote: »

We don't really have any debt, just the mortgage and around 2.5k on an credit card which is currently zero per cent interest.

PILS wants us to use it "for us" but apart from that there are no restrictions.

First say a great big thank you! I'm sure you have, what lovely people.

You say you're living a bit hand to mouth so how realistic is it that you'll pay off the CC debt in the 0% period? If not I'd keep most of it as 'rainy day money' sort of earmarked for the CC if it ever looks like you're going to pay interest.

I've done the same with my DD but did get a bit disappointed when money I meant for a 'couple' break (no problem with childcare) gets spent on some family treat. I keep telling myself that once we'd given them the money it's theirs to do with as they wish but I think you should spend a little on yourselves to please PILS.:)

msb5262

I'm boring and would spend a bit on a meal out/treat this weekend, then probably pay the rest off the mortgage (though on my mortgage, overpayments go into an overpayment reserve and can be accessed any time you need the money)...

skintchick

maman wrote: »

First say a great big thank you! I'm sure you have, what lovely people.

You say you're living a bit hand to mouth so how realistic is it that you'll pay off the CC debt in the 0% period? If not I'd keep most of it as 'rainy day money' sort of earmarked for the CC if it ever looks like you're going to pay interest.

I've done the same with my DD but did get a bit disappointed when money I meant for a 'couple' break (no problem with childcare) gets spent on some family treat. I keep telling myself that once we'd given them the money it's theirs to do with as they wish but I think you should spend a little on yourselves to please PILS.:)

We did thank them! And I told them to keep it all for themselves, as it is their money, but they insisted.

We will definitely pay off the credit card. We have one income but it is a decent one and although we are hand to mouth that is because we shop at Waitrose and like a weekly takeaway. We did have savings but we had to use them up on an emergency.

skintchick

Erinnire wrote: »

I'd get the kids passports and book us a holiday abroad somewhere I think or get this built under the stairs: http://www.joat-london.co.uk/understairs/understairs-5.html

I don't think 1k would cover that sadly! Fab though isn't it? I've saved that for future reference. One day we are going to redo our house and I have plans for under the stairs...

mummyroysof3

Could pay for our holiday or go towards savings towards work we want done on the house here.

lostinrates

I would save it.

Something naughty wants me to suggest paying for a short term crèche assistant once a week....

balletshoes

With a gift of £1000 I'd probably do a few home improvements - I have about 3 rooms that could do with a bit of a makeover, and that amount would certainly go a fair bit towards finishing it . It would make me happy too.