What to do when you get a 4-digit rebate

Rebates

Nowadays, we all embrace products and deals which will let us save, that even a savings of a dollar or a two is worth looking into.

And one avenue where we can definitely get more to add to our savings is when we get rebates. 

There are a lot ways where we can get rebates. Cellular phone companies give mail-cash in rebates to loyal customers who stay with them for a year or more. Retails stores provide online rebates almost every quarter and to lure more potential customers.

But perhaps the most popular is the tax rebates that the government has vowed to give this year to ease the consumer panic and increase spending.  The Bush administrations has begun sending rebate checks amounting from $600 to more than $2000 to childless low-income households and two-waged earners.  What's good about this rebate program is that this is an outright payment, not as an advance nor an offset against next year's tax filing.

So, if you will receive one of these rebates, either from the government or from stores, what you will do with it?  Will you stick the check on the fridge or encash it or deposit it on your savings account?  Getting a rebate is a sweet deal, especially if it's a tax rebate where you'll feel the fruits of your labor finally paying off, so maybe, it wouldn't be a sin if you'll put it into good use, either for yourself or your loved ones, right?

Have come up with a few things to do if you receive a quite large rebate, let's say, a thousand or more.

1.  Pay the bills

I think this is something we will agree to.  I, for one sometimes feel that I work my hardest just to pay the bills which would include rent, electricity, cable tv, water,mobile phone,credit cards,and other recurring charges.  Having extra money to pay them without getting the money from our monthly salary will be a great relief.

2.  Put something for the mortgage

Well, I still don't have mortgage but considering the news and my friend's migraines that are caused by it, being able to chip in for the house is a joyous occasion.

3.  Escape on a weekend holiday

The travel buff in me will always look for time to travel and get away even just for the holiday.  Also, Tripadvisor has this latest poll on where people would likely to spend their rebates and travel appeared at the top 5.  Taking on a quick getaway doesn't have to be costly and the rebate check would be enough for luxury destinations auctioned at half the price. 

4.  Fix the house

If the house is shouting a repair, then, a rebate check is the perfect excuse to fix the ceiling or the plumbing or add extra deadbolts at the door for added security.

5.  Save a portion for retirement

It is never too early to think of retirement.  This is the time to review your 401k plan with the company and put in a portion of those tax rebates there.

6.  Invest on the stock market

This may seem too big but putting a couple of hundreds for a 1% share is a good move.  Just make sure you'll be investing in a company that is stable in dividend generating.  Do your research.  101stockinvestments is a good online stock investment tutorial. If all goes well,  the amount from the rebate that you invested may double and that will be give you more funds to spend on the above suggestions.

7.   Treat your family and friends for a hearty dinner

Treating your friends to a buffet dinner is  probably one of the rewarding ways to use your rebate check.  Zagat does have a list of buffet restaurants in every state for you to choose from.

A rebate is always good news. And while we are all tightening our budget, so to speak, it is never wrong to indulge on some guilty pleasures.  We all deserve a break and recharge our batteries to prevent burnout but at the same time, we also need to think of the future and a rebate can cater to both, just know how to use it wisely.