{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"The Story ","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"heading-2"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Finding extra money in your pocket or a crisp Benjamin in a birthday card can be a nice surprise. Make sure to put it to good use.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"I mean, it’s only $100.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"heading-2"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"It might not be the Powerball jackpot, but $100 can go a long way. Putting an extra $100 toward your student loans or car payment each month could mean becoming debt-free years sooner. Investing that extra cash could set Future You up for a comfier retirement. Saving it for a rainy day could give your wallet some breathing room when an unexpected expense pops up. If you’re in the mood to treat yo’ self now, you can still spend smart.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Got any suggestions?","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"heading-2"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Yep. We asked Skimm’rs on Instagram what they would do with a spare $100. A lot of them mentioned some of the ideas we listed above (great minds). Plus other creative ideas, like:","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"value":"Cross a to-do off your list. ","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Think: ","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{"uri":"https://www.theskimm.com/money/theskimm-on-outsourcing-1AaYW0gc9Xoy5QHGHdhtlZ"},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[{"type":"underline"}],"value":"outsourcing","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"hyperlink"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":" your grocery shopping or weekly trip to the laundromat. Your time is valuable. And a long to-do list keeps you from spending time on the things you actually enjoy, like hanging with family or working on your ","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{"uri":"https://www.theskimm.com/money/side-hustles-4M63S6cjeXXq92ViyDRQ6P"},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[{"type":"underline"}],"value":"side hustle","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"hyperlink"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":".","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"}],"nodeType":"list-item"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"value":"Invest in a “return to office” wardrobe. ","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Because it might be time to retire that that tie-dye lounge set.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"}],"nodeType":"list-item"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"value":"Grow your green thumb. ","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Adding some new plant babies to your space can help reduce stress. And growing your own fruits and veggies can help you ","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{"uri":"https://www.theskimm.com/money/how-to-save-money-on-food-1SrrHipZ4p7FaoRpItbdHS-post"},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[{"type":"underline"}],"value":"trim your grocery bill","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"hyperlink"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":".","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"}],"nodeType":"list-item"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"value":"Donate it.","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":" Because doing good for others feels good, too. Bonus: it can help you save on your tax bill (as long as you ","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{"uri":"https://www.theskimm.com/money/how-to-vet-charities-before-you-give-4NLTrkQnNSTKAGpgAn55QI"},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[{"type":"underline"}],"value":"donate","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"hyperlink"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":" to a registered nonprofit and save your receipt). The IRS has a ","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{"uri":"https://skimmth.is/2UzqyuJ"},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[{"type":"underline"}],"value":"free search tool","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"hyperlink"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":" to help you find an eligible org. ","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"}],"nodeType":"list-item"}],"nodeType":"unordered-list"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"value":"Reward yourself. ","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Setting aside some funds for a massage or a fitness class makes for a nice midweek pick-me-up. And it can send a natural boost of feel-good chemicals in your brain. Aaand it can help you stay motivated along the journey toward a long-term money goal. That’s a win-win-win.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"}],"nodeType":"list-item"}],"nodeType":"unordered-list"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"More, please.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"heading-2"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"Got you. Here are a few more suggestions for spending a little now to reap bigger rewards later.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"value":"Invest in a good coffee maker. ","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"If you’re a regular at your local coffee shop, brewing your own at home could take a big expense out of your monthly budget. And who doesn't love espresso on demand? (Psst...if you enjoy your current coffee routine, you don't have to stop. The point is: if you’re spending more out of convenience than because the expense is aligned with your values, see if there’s a cheaper way.)","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"}],"nodeType":"list-item"}],"nodeType":"unordered-list"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"value":"Re-stock your freezer and cabinets.","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":" Because let’s face it: cooking dinner after a long day isn’t always ideal. Keeping frozen foods and other non-perishables on hand can give you another option besides delivery or takeout.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"}],"nodeType":"list-item"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"value":"Get an auto tuneup. ","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"If you can’t remember the last time you had an oil change or tire rotation, show your car some love. Simple maintenance now could mean avoiding a bigger bill later.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"}],"nodeType":"list-item"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[{"type":"bold"}],"value":"Fund an experience.","nodeType":"text"},{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":" Think: a post-pandemic vacation, sky-diving, the new Van Gogh exhibit – whatever brings you joy. Spending on an experience can be good for your mental health (especially after a global pandemic). Making memories = priceless.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"}],"nodeType":"list-item"}],"nodeType":"unordered-list"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"theSkimm","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"heading-2"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"An extra $100 might not seem like much, but it can make a big impact if you use it wisely – whether you put it toward your debt, a healthy meal or an experience that'll bring you joy.","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"},{"data":{"target":{"sys":{"id":"3QIYPfXyh6uZJHfYTk6aFk","type":"Link","linkType":"Entry"}}},"content":[],"nodeType":"embedded-entry-block"},{"data":{},"content":[{"data":{},"marks":[],"value":"","nodeType":"text"}],"nodeType":"paragraph"}],"nodeType":"document"}