If he actually learns to play a real guitar, it will be quite likely he won’t be able to enjoy the guitar portions of “rock band” or “guitar hero”
I would normally have voted for “books” or “guitar stuff” or “save for that quit your job thing” — but I just got back from Cancun, and let me tell you : Cancun is awesome.
That is, as long as you’re not looking for any sort of exotic cultural experience (think of Cancun as San Diego, but with better beaches, warmer weather, some of the prices in Pesos, and the service workers start speaking to you in Spanish before switching to English) but (as I said before) the beaches are absolutely amazing.
Of course, when flying back, and surrounded by the usual trash of American tourists, I begin to wonder whether Cancun is only awesome when one’s hotel is completely full of the best and brightest in an obscure subfield of mathematics. It is, however, the best place in the world to sit in a hotel room overlooking a bathwater-blue ocean, and prepare talks about swarms of robots. The whole time I expected James Bond to sneak into my hotel room, shoot my roommate, and steal my research, before stopping the evil villain from deploying hunter-killer robot swarms.
Also, its much nicer if the University of California reimburses you (I think via NSF funds — thank you taxpayers).
It depends on how much you’ll no longer be paying onto cards. I’d say that whatever you’re paying per month right now is your budget for the fiscal reward, so whichever of these you can afford with the money in your budget that’s no longer going toward the cards is your mad money. Then the NEXT month you start saving hardcore.
Oh, and if you’re looking for modest, may I also suggest a board game? 😉
I’m in the same situation as you, except my last debt payment happens in February. I’ll be rewarding myself in March with a nice purchase in the amount of my monthly debt payment, then starting in April I’ll begin building emergency savings.
I’d feel much better about spending my money if I had 3 months living expenses set aside.
I have just finished a book about money suggesting that you start putting it away, stat. However, I think you deserve at least a little reward like a new book. So, what the last two people said.
You should save up for the day when you decide you need to quit your job and take off for a year or two (worked for me 🙂 Or, you should blow it all because our economy’s going to pot, and you should enjoy it while you can — up to you! Anyway, congratulations!! It’s a great feeling to pay off that last loan or credit card; I’m sure you’ll find some way to celebrate.
I’m gonna be the smug killjoy and say “save”, but bear in mind I read a lot of doom prophet economists who say we’ll all be eating cat food this time next year.
I love me my Wii games, but since Xbox 360 partnered with Netflix for unlimited instant plays on Xbox, we’ve gotten a heckuva lot more out of our netflix subscription…not to mention, bioshock, fallout 3, fable II, CoD, Halo 3…the list goes on.
I voted for savings, but anything that plays Rock Band would also be acceptable.
If he actually learns to play a real guitar, it will be quite likely he won’t be able to enjoy the guitar portions of “rock band” or “guitar hero”
I would normally have voted for “books” or “guitar stuff” or “save for that quit your job thing” — but I just got back from Cancun, and let me tell you : Cancun is awesome.
That is, as long as you’re not looking for any sort of exotic cultural experience (think of Cancun as San Diego, but with better beaches, warmer weather, some of the prices in Pesos, and the service workers start speaking to you in Spanish before switching to English) but (as I said before) the beaches are absolutely amazing.
Of course, when flying back, and surrounded by the usual trash of American tourists, I begin to wonder whether Cancun is only awesome when one’s hotel is completely full of the best and brightest in an obscure subfield of mathematics. It is, however, the best place in the world to sit in a hotel room overlooking a bathwater-blue ocean, and prepare talks about swarms of robots. The whole time I expected James Bond to sneak into my hotel room, shoot my roommate, and steal my research, before stopping the evil villain from deploying hunter-killer robot swarms.
Also, its much nicer if the University of California reimburses you (I think via NSF funds — thank you taxpayers).
As wonderful as travel sounds, it’s expensive! Unless there’s a -lot- extra! Go for something memorable that’s either inexpensive or free.
umm … you forgot the option to go guy yourself a cute shirt …
Go guy yourself… *snicker* Actually, that’s brilliant. Yes, go get yourself a guy to celebrate with! *smirks*
i meant “buy”, but yes, that’s even better! cheap as free!!! 🙂
Confession: I am a Sony shill.
It depends on how much you’ll no longer be paying onto cards. I’d say that whatever you’re paying per month right now is your budget for the fiscal reward, so whichever of these you can afford with the money in your budget that’s no longer going toward the cards is your mad money. Then the NEXT month you start saving hardcore.
Oh, and if you’re looking for modest, may I also suggest a board game? 😉
I’m in the same situation as you, except my last debt payment happens in February. I’ll be rewarding myself in March with a nice purchase in the amount of my monthly debt payment, then starting in April I’ll begin building emergency savings.
I’d feel much better about spending my money if I had 3 months living expenses set aside.
I have just finished a book about money suggesting that you start putting it away, stat. However, I think you deserve at least a little reward like a new book. So, what the last two people said.
You should save up for the day when you decide you need to quit your job and take off for a year or two (worked for me 🙂 Or, you should blow it all because our economy’s going to pot, and you should enjoy it while you can — up to you! Anyway, congratulations!! It’s a great feeling to pay off that last loan or credit card; I’m sure you’ll find some way to celebrate.
Beware the financiapocalypse!
I’m gonna be the smug killjoy and say “save”, but bear in mind I read a lot of doom prophet economists who say we’ll all be eating cat food this time next year.
How about 1 month towards an emergency fund and then a reward?
Savings is probably the best idea, but a book or movie couldn’t hurt (unless you drop it on your toe) 🙂
I love me my Wii games, but since Xbox 360 partnered with Netflix for unlimited instant plays on Xbox, we’ve gotten a heckuva lot more out of our netflix subscription…not to mention, bioshock, fallout 3, fable II, CoD, Halo 3…the list goes on.
I voted for someplace warm… and take me with you.