unexpected money! How should I spend it?

[Super Sport]

Well I got a surprise today. My parents income tax check came today and they gave me a little bit of it. And I am trying to figure out the best way to spend it. First I am going to buy a new Rosary cos I need one. But I cant decide what to do with the rest. On one hand I feel like I should be practical and buy a crucifix to go in my room or some cloths which I could use but don't necessarily need right now but on the other hand since my parents told me to have fun with it I want to buy a couple of die-cast cars (I collect those). What should I do? be practical? or since my parents told me to have fun with it go for the die-casts?

[LilyM]

If you want the crucifix more than the cars, then get it. Tell 'em the most fun you could have would be to spend it on enhancing your relationship with God.

If you want the cars more, get 'em.

[SacredHeartFan]

Originally Posted by Super Sport

Well I got a surprise today. My parents income tax check came today and they gave me a little bit of it. And I am trying to figure out the best way to spend it. First I am going to buy a new Rosary cos I need one. But I cant decide what to do with the rest. On one hand I feel like I should be practical and buy a crucifix to go in my room or some cloths which I could use but don't necessarily need right now but on the other hand since my parents told me to have fun with it I want to buy a couple of die-cast cars (I collect those). What should I do? be practical? or since my parents told me to have fun with it go for the die-casts?

Ask your parents! They gave you the money. Do you already have a crucifix? If not you don't have to get an expensive one. They have some at my local Catholic bookstore for $1.00! Then you can spend the rest on the cars!

[Super Sport]

Originally Posted by LilyM

If you want the crucifix more than the cars, then get it. Tell 'em the most fun you could have would be to spend it on enhancing your relationship with God.

If you want the cars more, get 'em.

Well I am thinking about getting the crucifix instead of the cars (cos I just priced them and cant do it lol) But I still cant decide on whether to buy cloths that I could use with the rest or something fun.

[SacredHeartFan]

Originally Posted by Super Sport

Well I am thinking about getting the crucifix instead of the cars (cos I just priced them and cant do it lol) But I still cant decide on whether to buy cloths that I could use with the rest or something fun.

I'm tellin ya! Go with the $1 crucifix and then go have fun with the rest!

[Super Sport]

Originally Posted by SacredHeartFan

I'm tellin ya! Go with the $1 crucifix and then go have fun with the rest!

Where can I fine a $1 crucifix? the cheapest I can find is $7

[SacredHeartFan]

Originally Posted by Super Sport

Where can I fine a $1 crucifix? the cheapest I can find is $7

well at my bookstore they have about 11" plastic crucifixs for $1. You can look around. Anyway $7 isn't that bad for a crucifix.

[SacredHeartFan]

Originally Posted by Super Sport

where are some good places online to buy Catholic stuff? Theres not really anywhere locally to buy anything like that where I live. The only place online I know is EWTN

www.catholicsupply.com
www.totallycatholic.com

[a priori]

How about saving it?

[Milliardo]

Originally Posted by a priori

How about saving it?

I second this--learn to save. It's tempting to buy things, especially with money given (hard-earned money is different; one tends to hold on to it longer than money that's given). If you really want to buy a crucifix, then look for something that is inexpensive and at the same time is presentable, then save the rest of the money. Again, key here is to first know what you want (to prevent needless impulse buying), check prices, then carry just the amount needed to buy it (again, to prevent impulse buying). The rest of the money should go then to your savings.

[dprewett]

Invest it. Do some research on compounding interest.

[reginacaeli]

How much money is it? It almost sounds like it's less than $100.

[yellowbird]

However much it is, consider giving a small percentage to the Church or a food pantry to help the poor. It will make you feel good knowing that you choose to do something for others.

[redrosetea]

If it were me ,I would just hang on to it, until I knew what I wanted the most..It kind of sounds like you are looking for something to spend it on right now

Why not wait just even for a week or two ,and see if anything catches your eye?

[Auntie A]

You're getting a variety of good advice about money. Here's another option, although I don't know your age: Buy something at a thriftstore, flea market, or garage sale. Something like a table, chest of drawers, chair, etc. Then go buy a little paint and some sand paper at a hardware store. Sand the furniture then paint it a good color. (Ask for advice on the color). Then sell it on Craigslist for twice or three times the cost of the furniture and supplies. Save the profit and reinvest the original amount into another piece of furniture. Work closely with your parents so you get a good deal with no scams.

Always make sure that the original price you pay is low enough fo you to double or triple and still have a buyer. Ask around and look around at what people buy and how much. Go to an antique store and ask advice. You sound young, with a little time on your hands. This could be a way of learning a trade, making money from money, and recycling a nice old piece of furniture for someone who does not have time to paint it themselves.

Or buy some seeds and bulbs and pots and grow some flowers, vegetables, or herbs and sell them when they're grown.

How about buying an old lawn mower and working on some neighbor's lawns for a competitive rate of pay?

Or pay someone to teach you a special craft: welding (you can collect and repair collector cars), music, mechanics, refinishing, cooking, baking, computer skills...My nephew made a lot of money in his teens and twenties by helping people in his neighborhood with their computers, VCR's etc. He set them up and did maintenance.

Buy a camera and craft paper and make your own greeting cards to sell.

Or buy one of those goats or cows for a poor village in Africa.

Buy some wood and make your own cross.

Bye now.