What Would You Do With An Extra $1,000?

I came across this gem while decluttering some old “memory” boxes the other day… (the hardest to declutter btw – good lord!):

if i had thousand dollars
(Do you like the self-portrait?)

In case you can’t read that, it says I would do the following if I were given $1,000 back in the day (mid-80’s):

  • Buy 3 Nintendo games
  • Buy a pair of roller blades
  • Get $75 worth of “drawing things,” such as drawing books, big sheets of paper, etc.
  • And then put the rest right into my bank account – BOOM!

Seems like I had trouble blowing my money even back then :) Unless you count the rollerblades (does anyone still use those?).

I was going to write a post about all the stuff I’d by NOW – 30 years later – however it quickly dawned on me that it would be a complete snooze-fest up in here if I did that.

Here’s literally what I’d do if someone handed me $1,000 right now:

Throw it all into my Roth IRA.

The End.

Lame right? Where’s my imagination????

I tried to figure out the *why* behind this as I’d certainly be EXCITED to get my hands on an extra $1,000 at any point in my life (and even more so a $1,000 bill! Which, ironically enough, are worth $2,000+), and here are the three things I came up with:

  1. I’m content. There’s nothing I can think of that I really need or WANT right now, outside of some extra sleep every night (is there any black markets for that?).
  2. I treat myself already. One of the perks of getting your money down is that you’re more free to spend on niceties knowing it’s not going to kill you. From better tasting beer, to non-cheap hobbies like coin collecting, random splurges, to even ordering whatever you want off the menu without having to first check with your budget.
  3. And then lastly, of course, all $$ nerds know that $1,000 invested now will turn into $100,000 later when we’re old and gray and will probably need that money to pay for our dentures.

As you can see, not the most riveting thing to read on a Monday morning :)

$1,000 US dollar bill

But this is where you come in…

I’d like you to think about this same $1,000 question for a hot minute or two yourselves, and then scroll down to the comment section and leave your own (hopefully more interesting!) answers for all of us to live vicariously through.

But here’s the catch: You can’t do anything “responsible” with it. You literally have to spend all $1,000 in cash a la Brewster’s Millions and not put any of it towards your financial goals.

What would you do? How long would it last?

Let us know in the comments below, and I will reward THREE of you a crisp $1,000 bill $100 bill so you can accomplish at least 10% of it ;) The only other rule is that you *must* be signed up to our newsletter here to qualify.

You can sign up to it here if you’re not already: Budgets Are Sexy Newsletter
(Basically we just email you our new posts as they come out)

We talk a lot about the “smart” ways to use your money here on the site, so now’s our chance to just let loose a little and dream about all the FUN ways we can blow it all.

Leave your answers below and we’ll award our three favorites! Happy spending!

UPDATE: Giveaway over! Here are the three lucky winners:

  1. Alyson Greene – For your sister’s dream garage project for kids!!
  2. Deb (commenter #142) – For future “Bond & Booze” nights with all your friends (hilarious)
  3. Kim (commenter #225) – For being an awesome teacher :)

Thanks for participating all! We’ll be doing another giveaway soon…

*********
PS: I’d be tempted to buy 1,000 scratch-off tickets and go round II of our lottery experiment ;) Anyone remember that from back in the day?

(Visited 168 times, 1 visits today)

Get blog posts automatically emailed to you!

321 Comments

  1. carlotta August 14, 2017 at 6:17 AM

    answer n 1 I would take a trip ! ( is that even less surprising than yours?) and book an expensive activity : air balloon in turkey? (how sad is it that i can not easily think of something I would enjoy doing.)
    answer n 2. (not sure if this count as responsible) I would treat someone less fortunate with something utterly ridiculous. Lobster dinner to 10 people in need in my town? Shopping with teenagers in difficult years?

    p.s. Thanks for letting us think about this stuff!

    Reply
    1. Emily August 16, 2017 at 10:37 AM

      Awesome idea – I love your thought of treating people. :) And shopping with teens – only if you take the boys. Mine *hate* shopping! I have to beg them to try things on, to make sure pants & shoes fit…ugh…

      Reply
  2. Elle August 14, 2017 at 6:35 AM

    Haha, so proud you would stash away some cash as a kid :)

    I would get a VR headset. My husband has one and I’ve tried it. So much fun! The second set would be for group games (Star Trek bridge game). We’d clear out some space in our basement so you could walk around, making it even more epic!

    Reply
  3. Ember @ An Intentional Lifestyle August 14, 2017 at 6:38 AM

    1- Go on a vacation. We rarely spend anywhere close to that, so it would be an awesome vacation!
    2- Buy some things to decorate our house that I find too expensive to actually buy.
    3- Buy some art supplies, specifically more oil paints and large canvases. The rest would be for my husband and kids to have some fun with.
    4-Turn the ministry we do for foster kids into a non-profit

    This is actually a really hard exercise!! We are so focused on our financial future that it’s hard to break it down and enjoy money sometimes. I had to throw in a more serious one at the end, but they’re all things I want to do.
    This was fun! Thanks!

    Reply
    1. Lance @ My Strategic Dollar August 14, 2017 at 8:11 AM

      Agree here! I’d definitely use it to take a vacation. I can think of several places I’d like to visit! :)

      Reply
  4. Church August 14, 2017 at 6:44 AM

    A 1954 Fender Telecaster. Some many of the guitar legends wielded a Telecaster.

    Reply
    1. J. Money August 17, 2017 at 4:00 PM

      A man who knows exactly what he wants!

      Reply
  5. Clarissa August 14, 2017 at 7:16 AM

    With an extra $1,000, I would:
    Purchase dance floor tiles so I can cover the carpet in my spare bedroom and practice zumba regularly
    Buy a new desk that I actually love
    Buy a new desk chair since my cats have ruined my current one

    Reply
  6. Anil August 14, 2017 at 7:19 AM

    Hand it all over to my 8 year old son and watch him go crazy in JD Sports (UK sports chain) and purchase football (soccer) gear from shirts, full kits, boots, footballs and no doubt trainers (sneakers).
    Stand back and watch the biggest smile ever!

    Although i think deep down he will say ‘dad i need to invest it’ :)

    Reply
    1. Cory @ Growing Dollars from Cents.com August 14, 2017 at 11:57 AM

      Would he be able to spend the entire $1,000 in sports gear? That seems like a ton of great to me.

      Maybe there will be a little leftover to go on a mini family vacation.

      Reply
    2. J. Money August 17, 2017 at 4:03 PM

      Shopping spree!! Like that old tv show where you get to keep anything you can throw in your cart by the end of the buzzer :)

      Reply
  7. Chris @ Duke of Dollars August 14, 2017 at 7:20 AM

    Nothing like a trip down memory lane and a reflection of it!

    I think I’d use it something like this:
    1 – $300 into my Roth
    2 – $200 into my Loan Pool
    3 – $300 – gifts for my family
    4 – $200 – Apartment simplification items, like new matching Tupperware or a magic bullet

    Reply
    1. Cobo2000 August 16, 2017 at 11:09 PM

      Matching Tupperware. #livingthedream #seriousgamechanger Now I can’t think of anything BUT this.

      Reply
  8. Jason August 14, 2017 at 7:25 AM

    Option 1: Take my two daughters and 8 of their friends to an amusement park for the day and let them go “BAT SH@% CRAZY”. $100 each should be a good day right?E Enough for admission and food and some extras.

    Option 2: The more noble route Do the same as option#1 but sponsor some less fortunate children to experience that day.

    Option 3: roll it into a family vacation.

    I already have all the “crap” I want. Actually in the process of streamlining and getting rid of useless things as it is.

    Reply
  9. Lena August 14, 2017 at 7:26 AM

    If I have to blow off all this money. I’d spend it on taking my husband on a weekend getaway. He works so damn hard everyday, he deserves a little bit of R&R. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!

    Reply
  10. Laurie@ThreeYear August 14, 2017 at 7:27 AM

    I would book an AirBnB in the Bar Harbor, Maine, area, and then take a vacay with hubs and the kids to Acadia National Park. We’d hike, eat out, swim, the works. Everybody tells me Bar Harbor and Acadia are awesome places to visit and we’ve never made it happen, even though we’re 2 hours away!

    Reply
  11. Felicia August 14, 2017 at 7:29 AM

    I’d buy a bike rack, a kayak, and snacks then finally drag my tent out of the attic and use my vacation days!

    Reply
  12. Lisa Van Gemert August 14, 2017 at 7:34 AM

    I would divide into three sets of $333(ish) and help three new teachers set up their classrooms. I’ve done one this year (including making a pretty rockin’ tree with vines for a jungle theme), and it was amazing to see how it changed the teacher’s feeling about the upcoming school year. New teachers don’t get paid until the end of September sometimes, so they have no cash for supplies. It sounds corny, but that’s what I’d do!

    Reply
  13. Apathy Ends August 14, 2017 at 7:35 AM

    We have a trip to vegas coming up, first time we will both be away from the baby. So poolside beer, good food and blackjack.

    Reply
  14. Rose Boccella August 14, 2017 at 7:38 AM

    My best friend has access to a wonderful condo in Cocoa Beach. I would offer to pay for transportation, car rental and food. I long for experiences, not more stuff. Although I have to admit, my first thought was to buy a paraiba neon tourmaline!

    Reply
  15. Vicki@MakeSmarterDecisions August 14, 2017 at 7:40 AM

    Since we can’t do anything responsible with the $$ – we’d blow it on a weekend Craft Beer or Wine Camp! Summer camp for adults! Hey – we’d still be learning something (fits the habits I am trying to build this year!)

    Reply
  16. Sara Nebert August 14, 2017 at 7:44 AM

    I would bring my husband and daughter to visit my best friend in Seattle. I haven’t seen her in five years, Seattle’s on my wish list, and we rarely travel as a family. Checking those three boxes in one trip would be wonderful.

    Also, in the five years since I’ve seen her, I’ve made tremendous personal strides in the way I view personal finance. I would love to take her out for a cup of coffee (in Seattle!) and share what I’ve learned with her. For the price of a couple of cups of coffee, I could help her start on her own path towards financial health.

    Reply
  17. Domenica August 14, 2017 at 7:45 AM

    If I had $1,000, I’d put the money towards my career and earn a certification or two…wait, that’s responsible…
    I’d buy a group tour in Europe…
    Or, I’d spend the money on a new iPhone (That camera is WOW)
    Or, I’d give the money to my brother who has recently been down on his luck and has to foot the expenses for flying to Ireland for my sisters wedding (Oddly specific, and a little bit responsible but also been on my mind lately).

    Great post!

    Reply
  18. Grace August 14, 2017 at 7:47 AM

    This is a tricky one! Since travel isn’t misaligned with my financial/life goals, I don’t think it counts as a frivolous use of $1000… so I’ll say I’d blow it on treating my friends to expensive restaurants/wine, and a few new tech-y gadgets like an upgraded iPad or snazzy noise cancelling earbuds.

    Reply
  19. Sara August 14, 2017 at 7:48 AM

    I’d buy my husband a bike so that we could go cycling together. Actually, I’d probably buy myself a nicer bike with disk breaks and give him mine.

    Reply
  20. Chadnudj August 14, 2017 at 7:49 AM

    I’d probably do the following:

    $250 for some fun (date night out — babysitters are expensive!)
    $250 toward student loans
    $250 ($125 each) toward the kids’ 529 plans
    $250 toward our taxable investment account.

    Gotta have some fun with the money, but the vast majority would go towards other goals.

    Reply
  21. Rachel August 14, 2017 at 7:58 AM

    I’m gonna be really boring here…

    I’d save it in the bank for Christmas gifts. It would more than cover the budget we have for Christmas, with $250 leftover to help cover travel costs (we live in WI but are from KY, where all our family is).

    It technically is a financial goal…but also not one we really count among our true goals, so that’s okay, right? Maybe we’d even go crazy and use that extra $250 towards a fun weekend trip for my partner’s birthday that’s coming up in September!

    Now that I think about it, yeah, that’s what I’d do. $750 toward Christmas, $250 toward a weekend getaway!

    Reply
  22. Mr. Freaky Frugal August 14, 2017 at 7:59 AM

    Wow, that’s tough. I’m already FIREd and part of the reason is that I’m frugal.

    If I had $1000 that I had to blow, then I would take Mrs. Freaky Frugal to unexplored restaurants in downtown Philly where we live. There I did it!

    Reply
  23. Anne August 14, 2017 at 8:00 AM

    I’d buy an eccentric sander, a table saw and a good woodworking guidebook

    Reply
  24. PaulM August 14, 2017 at 8:02 AM

    1) A new car stereo with new speakers. My current car radio still works but the music is tinny and I can barely listen to a podcast. I’m living with it but with an extra thou, I’d splurge on a new system

    2) Treat a colleague (and myself) to lunch at the Italian place across the street from where I work. Love their Eggplant Parmigiana (which is even tastier paired with a cold beer – just don’t tell my boss)

    3) And the rest I’d buy a gift card to PetSmart for the woman in my neighborhood who takes better care of her animal friends than she does herself.

    And your idea of some Lotto tickets is compelling.

    Reply
    1. J. Money August 17, 2017 at 4:06 PM

      I like the PetSmart woman idea :)

      Reply
  25. Tyler August 14, 2017 at 8:03 AM

    I would put it toward an engagement ring for my long-distance girlfriend! We’ve been dating for about year and have another year of distance to go while she finishes school. I’m trying to save up for one while paying off my debt, and I would have a blast using that $1000 toward it.

    Reply
  26. Franklin Bach August 14, 2017 at 8:05 AM

    $500 to each kid for their house purchase accounts.

    Reply
  27. Tim August 14, 2017 at 8:06 AM

    Since I’m not allowed to be responsible with it…I’d use 500 to take a trip to Glacier National Park. It looks amazing there. And I’d use the other 500 to take drum lessons. I may be in the Rock and roll hall of fame for Air drums, but the real deal would be better.

    Reply
  28. Brian August 14, 2017 at 8:10 AM

    Easy!

    $250 for each of my three kids. $750. With two of them heading to college they could use the extra cash for lots of upcoming things.

    $250 for my wife and I to use to go out on a date, dinner, movies etc.

    Reply
  29. Kelsey McEvoy August 14, 2017 at 8:14 AM

    I’d buy a washer and dryer for the house I just bought.

    As a single mother of 3 living just outside of Washington, D.C., I never ever, EVER thought I’d be able to afford a home. Turns out my 8 years in the Army Reserve qualified me for a VA loan, and I was able to buy a home, finally, for my kids and me. This is especially appreciated since 2017 started off as total garbage: I went to the gym one morning in January and came home to find my girlfriend of 4 years had just…left. Took all her stuff and just bounced out. Hasn’t talked to me to this day. After months of therapy and side hustle to keep myself afloat (it’s expensive to rent/live in DC-ish as a single person, let alone as a single person with 3 kids), I’m finally getting my rhythm back.

    Except my new house doesn’t come with a washer or dryer, and I’m kind of stressing about how I’m gonna pay for one. Keeping my eye on interest-free Labor Day sales is my Plan A right now.

    Reply
    1. J. Money August 17, 2017 at 4:32 PM

      That’s so harsh, wtf?? So you still to this day have no idea what happened to her? Maybe she was undercover and in trouble or something and had to flee for her life and not tell anyone?? I just don’t understand how people can do that to others… especially those you at least at one time were so in love with? Makes no sense… (unless of course the double life thing is the reason! :))

      Reply
  30. John August 14, 2017 at 8:17 AM

    I would buy a golf membership my local course for $995. A full season of golf for one low price! Hours and hours of entertainment and frustration.
    I’d use the remaining $5 to buy my wife ice cream.

    Reply
  31. Lily @ The Frugal Gene August 14, 2017 at 8:18 AM

    Would you ever consider bringing back the lotto scratcher experiement J? I wasn’t born yet for the first one but I got a system I’ve always wanted to try out…

    If I had a $1,000 I’ll give you $500 to bring back the scratchers and reserve $400 for buying the scratchers. $100 for booze when I lose. Thank you :)

    Reply
    1. J. Money August 17, 2017 at 4:32 PM

      HAH! Let’s do it! ;)

      Reply
  32. Lisa M Gonzales August 14, 2017 at 8:19 AM

    Easy Peasy. I’d buy a plane ticket to Tokyo and spend the rest on multi day tickets to Tokyo Disney! Any leftovers would buy all the amazing foods they are known for.

    Reply
  33. Aimee August 14, 2017 at 8:19 AM

    I would use it to go on a surprise trip to visit my brother. Airfare is pricey and my infant makes a long road trip pretty tough to handle. We just talked about planning a trip for 2018 to visit, but an extra $1,000 would make it happen now. It would be a great time!

    Reply
  34. Emmy August 14, 2017 at 8:20 AM

    I would take a vacation! I haven’t been able to afford to take my kids anywhere since 2008 and we are long overdue for a trip to the beach!

    Reply
  35. Paul August 14, 2017 at 8:28 AM

    If I had an extra $1000 that would mean Home Depot had an extra $1000.

    Reply
    1. carlotta August 15, 2017 at 4:01 AM

      ahahha (apparently “ahahah” as a response it’s too short and won’t post, so i’m making it longer)

      Reply
  36. Kevin August 14, 2017 at 8:29 AM

    If I had a $1000 I would make an investment in me. Not the usual self-help class of investment in a retirement account but me. Specifically, I would use $1000 and purchase a roof top tent for my 4Runner (yes, MMM, would not approve of that as my daily driver). That would allow me to travel more, be more creative, effectively get my business/side hustle off the ground. Some investments pay dividends in different ways.

    Reply
  37. Jennifer E August 14, 2017 at 8:31 AM

    I would buy me some extra time by hiring someone to clean my house top to bottom then with my extra free time and left over money, buy a good double kayak and go float the river with my hubs and kiddo!

    Reply
  38. Susan August 14, 2017 at 8:31 AM

    This is difficult! I’ve condition by brain to think pretty much in responsible ways. But, if I had to tap into my old self I would spend it all at the yarn store! Knitting is my favorite hobby and the really nice yarns are very pricey!

    Reply
  39. OFG August 14, 2017 at 8:34 AM

    1- Buy a bunch of favorite kid books for my boys. We borrow books from the library but we often come across favorites that we want to read over and over again.

    2 – Buy tickets to outdoor summer concerts like I did in my 20s.

    3 – take my husband out for planned date nights.

    4 – blow it on escape rooms. They are surprisingly addictive.

    Reply
  40. LJ Lopez August 14, 2017 at 8:38 AM

    $1000 would go on…
    Surprising my soldier when he comes back with:
    Getting my hair done(drastic like blonde)!
    Lingerie
    Wine

    Reply
  41. Erin August 14, 2017 at 8:39 AM

    I would buy a leather recliner. I am pregnant and so uncomfortable in every chair in our house. When I went to a friend’s and sat in theirs, it’s been all I can think about lately.

    Some pregnant women crave ice cream or pickles. I crave a $1000 leather recliner.

    Reply
  42. Christy August 14, 2017 at 8:39 AM

    If I had to be irresponsible, I’d put an extra $1,000 toward a dive trip to somewhere exotic for my husband and myself.

    Reply
  43. Diane August 14, 2017 at 8:40 AM

    It would be super hard not to send this windfall right to my Roth IRA but… I would spend the whole amount on tricking out my new sewing room with storage gadgets and cabinetry galore. I’m newly retired and have years worth of backlogged projects just waiting for my attention. All my stuff is in boxes. Being uber organized would make being in this space such a pleasure!

    Reply
  44. Amber D August 14, 2017 at 8:40 AM

    Well I was going to say work on the house but that would be responsible I guess so…buy a new couch? That is slightly irresponsible since we already have one….but completely irresponsible?? A true vacation where you go to a beach or the mountains and sit on your butt and do NOTHING. I’m not good at doing nothing and my body/brain is telling me I need to.

    Reply
  45. Lindy August 14, 2017 at 8:48 AM

    Oh wow! I would totally spend $1000 on an extended vacation with my family. We want to go camping and hiking all over the place and have equipment for the two adults, but not the kid. He needs more than just a sleeping bag…and I would get the nice stuff that could grow with him.

    Reply
  46. Ms. Frugal Asian Finance August 14, 2017 at 8:50 AM

    Haha it’s such a cute note. I like the drawing! If I got $1,000, I would put it towards our mortgage payment and move on with my life like nothing happened. ;)

    Reply
  47. Nick August 14, 2017 at 8:54 AM

    My wife and I are going to Chicago in 2 weeks, and I would take her to Alinea for The Gallery Menu ($345 pp +tax, service and wine). Not super exciting, but a huge splurge for a fairly frugal Midwestern couple.

    Reply
  48. Ashley Neal August 14, 2017 at 9:00 AM

    I would put the dough in my emergency fund…

    Reply
  49. Ada Wilkinson August 14, 2017 at 9:04 AM

    I always like learning new things. Continuous learning. If someone will give me free money I will:

    1) I will use the money to subscribe to my favorite learning portals (TreeHouse, Coursera, and CreativeLive) to FURTHER improve my knowledge and skills for my current online side hustle.

    2) Subscribe to web app services like Moz or Ahref to FURTHER improve my services for my online side hustle.

    3) Buy more self-help books about Web development, coding, marketing, and more finance books.

    All those so that I can increase the pricing of my current online side hustle job and establish another online side hustle after I acquired knowledge and skills from learning portals and books. My goal is to get more clients at my improved prices.

    With this, I can then contribute more to our retirement accounts, taxable accounts, our baby’s 529 Plan, perhaps, travel MORE.

    Reply
    1. J. Money August 17, 2017 at 4:37 PM

      I’m self-help obsessed too :)

      Reply
  50. Kate August 14, 2017 at 9:06 AM

    1) haircut in a fancy salon
    2) kombucha home brew kit
    3) designer fruit platter
    4) train ticket and airBnB in the mountains for the weekend

    Reply
  51. Ashley Neal August 14, 2017 at 9:06 AM

    Oops since I can’t do anything responsible with it I would buy go out of town for the weekend blow it on a nice hotel room and relaxing spa trip…. I know this may not be that irresponsible but I have 4 kids so a getaway would be sweet! But I’d be wishing like hell that I would have added it to my emergency fund!

    Reply
  52. Cindy August 14, 2017 at 9:15 AM

    Nothing towards my financial goals?! That’s a tough one. I would almost definitely give $100 to my husband so that he can indulge in lunches during the work week – something he has given up since I imposed a regime of financial frugality on our house. I’d spend the rest taking our kids on an epic cross-country train ride with lots of stops to camp and hike.

    Reply
  53. Sherri August 14, 2017 at 9:17 AM

    Well, my practical answer would definitely be: put it all towards paying off my student loans. *yawn*
    But if I have to “waste” it, I think I’d find the sweetest hotel or AirBNB I could in a beatiful, natural setting and just chill with my love for a few days (Which might still sound boring to some of the younguns who read this, but now that I’m in my 30’s I can appreciate slow, quiet vacations more, lol).

    Reply
  54. Mike B. August 14, 2017 at 9:18 AM

    Easy choice to make; every year my buddies go on a fishing trip to the Fl Keys. Haven’t been able to attend the past few trips, so that’s what I’d do.

    Reply
  55. Richard Nanez August 14, 2017 at 9:19 AM

    1. Buy a new bumper for my truck
    2. Buy some prime seat tickets to an Astros game for my son and I.
    3 Snow crab and beer!!

    Reply
  56. Nicoleandmaggie August 14, 2017 at 9:21 AM

    We just spent that on a 10 year whole house water filter. It is going to take another 1k to get it installed.

    Reply
  57. Mireille August 14, 2017 at 9:26 AM

    I assume that’s US dollars, so that’d be $1271 up here in Canada.

    First, I’d buy an iPhone SE to replace my five-year-old iPod touch that can’t read playlists anymore. Hopefully it lasts five years too…
    $1271 – $815 = $456.

    Then I’d put aside money for three meals at our favorite restaurant, which costs around $55 for two lunches.
    $456 – ($55*3) = $291.

    Then I’d go crazy buying board games! Probably one at the time because I find that more enjoyable.

    (With $100, I’d do one meal at the restaurant, and the rest in board games!)

    Reply
  58. Kirstin August 14, 2017 at 9:26 AM

    Hilarious note from your childhood — it looks exactly like something I would have written.

    If I had $1000 and I had to blow it all I’d spend it on a weekend in New York City! I’d get a lower end hotel and blow the rest on eating out, and just strolling around looking at the people and sights.

    Reply
  59. Noelle August 14, 2017 at 9:33 AM

    I would use it to rent a cottage to spend a week away with my family. Or use it to go on a short babymoon trip with my husband before baby #2 arrives!

    Reply
  60. Skyla August 14, 2017 at 9:36 AM

    Tickets to see the Texas Rangers for my husband. We’ve been too busy (and frugal) to go this season! :)

    Reply
  61. Chris August 14, 2017 at 9:39 AM

    The lottery experiment sounds interesting but I would use the $1000 to splurge on a night at the Grand Californian hotel in Disneyland with all the extras for my kids. Every time we go to Disneyland we say that we need to stay there but it’s so expensive. I think it would be fun to surprise the kids with an all out splurge overnight trip.

    Reply
  62. Mrs. Picky Pincher August 14, 2017 at 9:40 AM

    Oooh, I love thissss. I would use the $1,000 to buy a Roomba, because f$%& sweeping as much as I do. The rest would go to a badass dancing pole in my fitness room–no, really.

    Reply
    1. J. Money August 17, 2017 at 4:44 PM

      Do roombas cost that much???

      Reply
  63. Lynda August 14, 2017 at 9:45 AM

    Give myself a couple more days in the US in November so I can ride the Texas Eagle!

    Reply
  64. Diane C August 14, 2017 at 9:50 AM

    I’ve had my eye on this super-cool, fixed gear bike called the Romeo…white-on-white!!!
    It’s $329. Next on the list…a new watch, but not just any watch, a Shinola – built in Detroit..approximately $650. Sweetest watches ever!!

    Reply
  65. Liz August 14, 2017 at 9:52 AM

    I would use it to upgrade parts of our honeymoon to Australia, i.e. dinners at nicer restaurants/wine with each meal, the more expensive tour package than what we’ve booked, hire a driver for the one leg instead of driving ourselves on the wrong side of the road, etc. Or maybe upgrade our plane tickets to a nicer class :)

    Normally I’d be like you and split it between our Roth IRA’s or our future home/condo.

    Reply
  66. Michelle August 14, 2017 at 9:54 AM

    We have our first grandchild next spring. We already plan to start a college account for him/her. This would add another $1,000 to the 529 pot!

    Reply
  67. Scott August 14, 2017 at 9:57 AM

    I think I would buy a drone. I really want one to use for photography.

    Reply
    1. J. Money August 17, 2017 at 5:33 PM

      Yeah man, those aerial shots are sick!

      Reply
  68. Kim August 14, 2017 at 10:04 AM

    I’d use it to rent a flat in Paris next summer for my 50th birthday with my husband and kids. Wine, bread, museums and outdoor cafes what more could I ask for. Um, maybe business class flights instead of being crammed in coach like usual. A girl can dream right?

    Reply
  69. Nakia August 14, 2017 at 10:07 AM

    I’d get facial filler injections. Truly frivolous but totally worth it.

    Reply
    1. J. Money August 17, 2017 at 5:34 PM

      what the hell are facial filler injections? haha…

      Reply
  70. Rachel August 14, 2017 at 10:11 AM

    Buy fabric! I’d start some ambitious new sewing projects, and grab remnants to my heart’s content to keep on hand “just in case.” Maybe put some of it toward getting my sewing machine tuned up, because it keeps skipping stitches but I’m too cheap to have someone look at it. (BTW, I’m 28, not 78.)

    Reply
    1. J. Money August 17, 2017 at 5:41 PM

      No judging here! I’m a coin collector! ;)

      Reply
  71. Rita August 14, 2017 at 10:12 AM

    1. Boob job
    2. New wardrobe
    3. Haircut
    4. Photoshoot
    5. Registrating for the 3 best dating sites
    6. Airplane tickets to visit my true love
    7. Wedding dress
    :-)

    Reply
    1. J. Money August 17, 2017 at 5:42 PM

      You must be thrifty to be able to do all that for under $1k :)

      Reply
  72. Stacey August 14, 2017 at 10:20 AM

    I really want a big touchscreen PC so I’d get that to replace my dying Chromebook. I’d also get me husband a Nintendo Switch. He really wants one but he’s frugal.

    Reply
  73. Heather August 14, 2017 at 10:34 AM

    If I had an extra $1,000 that I had to blow, I would:

    Buy some of the ridiculously cool, yet insanely expensive baby gear that I’d love to have but feel way too guilty buying myself or putting on a registry!

    Reply
  74. Amanda H. August 14, 2017 at 10:35 AM

    Oh man, a $1000 and not having to be responsible with it?? Where do I begin. A vacation without my family sounds like a great start. This momma could use a vacation!!

    Reply
  75. Mr Crazy Kicks August 14, 2017 at 10:35 AM

    Oh man, $1,000 is a lot of money to “waste.” As someone who has been letting loose during the summer, let me take a crack at it :)

    1.) Beer – First I’m going to need a lot of good beer for this throw down, I’ll brew up 5 gallons of my summer saison to start this party off. Cost $20 – $980 left.

    2.) Go out to eat – It’s a beautiful day, and I think a hike and a splurge at my favorite burger joint on the lake is in order. A couple burgers and fries enjoyed waterfront Cost $15 – $965 left.

    3.) Throw a party – Gotta share that beer, and maybe some surf and turf for half a dozen other friends. Lobster and Porterhouse steaks are on sale, we just bought enough for eight people last week which Cost $70 – $895 left.

    4.) Get an adrenaline fix – I usually mountain bike, but maybe I can waste more money with a boat. Instead of buying one, I’ll hire one out for a 30 min wake-boarding session. Cost $75 – $820 left.

    5.) Go meet friends in the city – Maybe some new blogger friends happen to be in town for a meetup. We’ll drive down to the city to share some beers in central park then get dinner. We’ll use $10 for 4 gallons of gas in the Prius, find free parking, bring $20 of super fancy beers, and spend $50 eating somewhere expensive. Cost $80 – $740 left.

    This isn’t going anywhere, I’ll try and pick things up…

    6.) Vacation in the mountains – Already did the city, now for a road trip and some views in the mountains. We’ll need to use $25 of gas to drive the Prius to Vermont and back, $140 for two nights at an airbnb with breakfast and views, spend $15 X 4 eating out at delis between hikes. Oh! And I’ll need $25 to bring back a couple packs of Heady Topper :) Total cost $250 – $490 left.

    7.) Surfing vacation! – My brothers been wanting to go on a trip, so how about a surf trip! Maybe a short 5 day trip would give us 3 full days in the water. I’ll need a round trip ticket to Puerto Rico for $250, a surfboard rental for 3 days for $60, split an Airbnb for 3 nights $180/2, and split a car rental for 5 days $100/2. Cost $450 – $40 left.

    8.) Fly to Colorado and drive a Supercar! – I forgot to mention, I spent everything on a new Delta Skymiles card. I’ll use my last $40 buying fancy beers to take to Colorado completing my $1000 spend requirement to earn 30k Delta Skymiles. With those miles I’ll book a round trip flight to Denver. In Colorado I’ll meet up with a certain blogger who recently acquired an NSX and offered a free test drive :) I drive the car, we drink all the fancy beers…. Cost $40 – $0 left.

    $1,000 spent, and I’m going to need at least a week to unwind and finish that keg of home brews :)

    Reply
    1. J. Money August 17, 2017 at 5:43 PM

      Good thing you’re retired – all that adventuring is like a full-time job!

      Reply
  76. Lynne August 14, 2017 at 10:42 AM

    Well….my son’s wedding is coming up…and while I’m sure it’ll be just fine to shop for a bargain dress and do my own hair….it sure would be a splurge to get a really rockin’ dress, got to a day spa (never been), get a manicure and a pedicure…(never had either) and have someone expert do my hair and makeup. I’ve put a lot of time, worry, and love into raising this son of mine and I’d sure like to look great on his special day.

    Reply
  77. Miss Mazuma August 14, 2017 at 10:42 AM

    I have to say, my answer would change from week to week. For me, $1000 is no longer a make or break situation to my finances, however, it could be the difference between hope and hopelessness for another’s. Ava’s story (posted Friday) has sat with me all weekend. The fact that she is doing her best to give back and the fact that she would like to start a charity to do so speaks volumes to the person she is. That is where I would put the money. In the hands of those who can do the most good with it. Getting people, especially kids, out of horrendous situations. ❤️

    Reply
  78. Erin August 14, 2017 at 10:43 AM

    Since I can’t add it to my emergency fund, I would either take my mom up to New England in the fall (she’s always wanted to go see the leaves), put the money aside for our tenth anniversary (it’s not for 2 years and 3 months, but I want to fly biz class to Ireland and stay in a castle, so I need $$$), or go absolutely nuts in my local bookstore.

    Reply
  79. susan August 14, 2017 at 10:49 AM

    I’ve been reading about effective altruism. This is when you try to donate money or do work where the most good or the most lives saved will occur. If you do it right, it’s possible to actually save the lives of many people. Actually save their lives, not just make them easier. I don’t think I’ve saved any lives so far. So that’s where I would put the $1000.

    Reply
  80. Dave August 14, 2017 at 10:51 AM

    I would go out and buy a 65″ or 70″ Smart TV with as many accessories as I could to make a great entertainment center in my Man Cave. Especially because of the football season is coming up. What Fun!

    Reply
  81. David T August 14, 2017 at 10:52 AM

    Easy peasey! ;-) $500 towards a trip to Disneyland for a family of 5 (not very travel hackable!) and $500 towards a trip to Ireland for two! :-)

    Reply
  82. CK August 14, 2017 at 10:54 AM

    Playing by the game, if I had to spend it all on material goods I would pick up some quality power tools.

    I would then sit alone in my garage with a book and playback a recording of me using the tools so everyone would leave me be.

    Reply
  83. Evan August 14, 2017 at 10:55 AM

    Buy a ticket to a Duke and North Carolina basketball game. It’d be enough to atleast get me in the building (I think) haha.

    If not, the lottery sounds fun or the casino betting on blackjack.

    Reply
  84. Mary August 14, 2017 at 10:58 AM

    What I’d *like* to do is put it toward credit card debt – which would be paid off shortly after that since that would be a significant chunk. Since I would have to spend it unwisely, however, I would spend the money on a graduation celebration trip for my husband who will be done with school this May. He’s always wanted to take the train, so we’d Amtrak to the west coast – probably Seattle. :)

    Reply
  85. Angie August 14, 2017 at 10:59 AM

    I sponsor two little girls through Compassion International…Denise in Burkina Faso and Love in Haiti. I would give them each $500. They are getting ready to finish highschool and begin the next chapter in their lives.

    Reply
    1. J. Money August 17, 2017 at 5:47 PM

      So specific!!! You are not playing around! :)

      Reply
  86. Mrs. Adventure Rich August 14, 2017 at 11:01 AM

    $1000 is going straight to our tractor fund so we can have a tractor for our 10 acre property!

    ps- I get brownie points for putting this and not one of my wish list items…. Mr. Adventure Rich is gunning for a used tractor in our near future, so he will be very appreciative that I went with his wish list item ;)

    Reply
  87. Andy Nguyen August 14, 2017 at 11:03 AM

    If I had $1000 to spend it would be on buying couple kicks. Fix my car and save the rest into my bank account. That would honestly what I do. I would love travel at this at my age but so focus on my career I would also get one of ramit Sethi online courses to further my career.

    Reply
  88. Nattie August 14, 2017 at 11:03 AM

    I’d use $1000 and invest in my fledgling travel and food blog. I’d get a cheap flight to visit a wandering nomad friend in Europe. The rest would be spend wisely on food and drink. And camera gear.

    Reply
  89. Joe August 14, 2017 at 11:06 AM

    I will get a new mattress. Probably a Leesa.
    Our current memory foam mattress isn’t good anymore. I just don’t want to buy one right now because I don’t want to move it when we move. But if I have an extra $1,000…, then I’d get it right away. :)
    Use the rest to take Mrs. RB40 out for a nice dinner.

    Reply
  90. Megan J August 14, 2017 at 11:07 AM

    I’d spend $400 on a Roomba, because I reallllly want one to clean up the dog hair from our shedding monster but can’t bring myself to spend $400 to be lazy ;)

    I’d spend the rest on a behind the scenes tour at the zoo, which is about $300 per person (I’d let me husband come along, too haha).

    Reply
  91. Annie August 14, 2017 at 11:08 AM

    I would put it towards a cargo bike. I’ve been looking at them for awhile as a way to get some exercise and get my kid to preschool. It would be a no-brainer to spend the money on it if I could use it to commute to work as well but since that’s not realistic it definitely would be a splurge to buy one.

    Reply
  92. Jez Slowe August 14, 2017 at 11:17 AM

    Nothing clever or funny. My wife and I have adopted 3 special needs kids. if I got given $1000 I’d like to take them on a long weekend to the coast about 3 hours from where we live as they love playing in the water.

    Reply
  93. ChaseS. August 14, 2017 at 11:18 AM

    So much money, so little time to not be responsible……..

    Turn my younger brothers June 2018 wedding into a longer family vacation.

    1. $125 Round trip gas according to gasbuddy.com (roughly 600 miles one way)
    2. $475 Stay for four nights instead of two.
    3. $200 Food so our family of three doesn’t starve to death.
    4. $100 See some sights/go carts/that sort of stuff.
    5. $90 Dollar dance at the wedding (if too responsible all goes to #6)
    6. $10 LOTTERY.

    Reply
  94. Elena August 14, 2017 at 11:23 AM

    I would spend it on vacation

    Reply
  95. Xochilt August 14, 2017 at 11:40 AM

    I would take a very much needed day off of work and family to go to a spa to be pampered from head to toe!

    Reply
  96. Alba Escurel August 14, 2017 at 11:41 AM

    Thanks J Money! What a great exercise. Now I know what I value at the moment, in a playful way. This is very valuable knowledge going forward!!

    If you had to spend $1000 on fun and pleasure!! (No assets!) :

    Fix up the lighting and walls in the dark, dank basement to have a little art studio down there $300

    Stock up on art supplies $100

    Fix my bike up for fun riding around the city $75

    Get a new bike helmet $25

    Fill my cupboard and fridge with gourmet delicious treats that I never purchase usually $100

    Shopping spree!! Get some better quality dresses, shoes and clothes that fit properly $250

    New bedsheets and duvet $150

    Doing this list made me so happy for some reason!!

    Reply
    1. J. Money August 17, 2017 at 6:05 PM

      good! print it out and post it on your fridge and maybe putting it out into the world like that will make it happen :)

      Reply
  97. Adrienne August 14, 2017 at 11:43 AM

    This answer requires a time machine, which I would use to travel back to 1994 and buy 10,000 sticks of bubble gum from the local grocery store. The long sticks used to cost 10/$1 and my brothers and I used to scrounge together our change and buy as many as we could.

    Reply
    1. J. Money August 17, 2017 at 6:05 PM

      Haha… you’re too smart for your britches over there.

      Reply
  98. Wendy August 14, 2017 at 11:45 AM

    I’d book a condo/cabin at the lake and take my kids on a getaway trip. Time together = priceless.

    Reply
  99. Tim B August 14, 2017 at 11:53 AM

    I’d start paying off my medical bills °-°

    Reply
  100. Margaret August 14, 2017 at 11:54 AM

    I would rescue adult dogs from an animal shelter and make sure that they live out their days in a forever home filled with loved and lots of food, toys, and beds to sleep on!

    Reply
  101. Cory @ Growing Dollars from Cents.com August 14, 2017 at 12:00 PM

    I would’ve blow that money on a new phone (my current is so old) and a Caribbean vacation. I think after the new phone I will have to use some of my savings for the Caribbean trip but who cares.

    Sun, beaches and food, sign me up!

    Reply
  102. Luis venegas August 14, 2017 at 12:02 PM

    Pay off my credit card, get closer to zero net worth.

    Reply
  103. Erin August 14, 2017 at 12:02 PM

    Let’s see. I’d spend about half of it donating to various causes that I’d really love to support more, especially after last weekend.

    The other half would go towards a trip to Venice-I want to see the city before it disappears under water!

    Reply
  104. Mr. Tako August 14, 2017 at 12:02 PM

    What would I do with a spare $1000 to spend? I’d probably put it towards a new laptop. My current laptop is starting to age, and I should probably upgrade sometime soon.

    Yes, I could probably buy a cheap crappy laptop for under $1000, but I don’t want to. A really good laptop (the kind I’d buy) costs considerably more than that!

    Reply
  105. Mike G. August 14, 2017 at 12:02 PM

    I would love to put $100 towards my dream Europe trip taking place this October. Going to put a dent in my bank account, but create an experience no one can ever take away!

    Reply
  106. Amanda August 14, 2017 at 12:05 PM

    I would absolutely purchase a street trike with a basket for my dogs. Who needs a car when you can run errands on a bike with storage!

    Reply
  107. Dads Dollars debts August 14, 2017 at 12:08 PM

    I actually would by scratch off tickets- $20 ones with 10 per location over 5 locations. Same type of ticket.

    I came into some cash the other day and spen $400 on a Nintendo swith and Zelda. I played for 1 week and realized it’s not as fun anymore. It is now for sale on Craigslist. So I am similar to young J Money and love(d) Nintendo.

    Reply
    1. J. Money August 25, 2017 at 2:42 PM

      Oh wow! That was a fast lesson, haha…

      I don’t think i’ve picked up a controller for at least 5 years. When I went to see if my wife’s old NES still worked (it did, but you had to do that trick of blowing into the slot and rubbing your fingers back and forth until it worked! Memories!)

      Reply
  108. Michelle S August 14, 2017 at 12:13 PM

    I love to spend on other people so I think my money would go something like this:

    1) $250 on my husband to buy a new fairing for his motorcycle.
    2) $250 on my son for airsoft equipment – new gun, carrying case, etc.
    3) $250 on my daughter to upgrade her aquarium.
    4) $250 on my Mom (who lives with us) on season tickets to her favorite shows in town.

    It would be so wonderful to see the look on each of their faces!

    Reply
  109. Brian R August 14, 2017 at 12:20 PM

    Give it all to my wife so she could start a Goodwill re-sale business. She keeps finding amazing items at Goodwill and re-selling, primarily through Varagesale. The biggest find to date was a $500 Christmas Tree that she bought for $10, but of course she kept it!

    Reply
    1. J. Money August 25, 2017 at 2:43 PM

      GREAT IDEA!!! She’s a hustler!

      Reply
  110. Theresa LaCoppola August 14, 2017 at 12:30 PM

    If I had to blow it on something frivolous and decadent, I would take $500 and play video black jack at Jakes 58 in Long Island. The other $500 I would spend in a nice steak house with 3 friends and have a few glasses of wine to wash it down!

    Reply
  111. NicoleC August 14, 2017 at 12:36 PM

    Ahhh, this is an easy one! I’d take my 14 year old son on a surprise weekend trip to Canada to see the Expos play! :)

    Reply
  112. Deb August 14, 2017 at 12:45 PM

    For the last 2 years, we have been hosting “Bond & Booze” nights with about 10 of our friends. We’ve watched sequentially nearly every James Bond movie, accompanied by a carefully selected themed cocktail (or two or three). We’ve gotten to experiment and taste a lot of different flavors & my husband now watches bartending videos for fun (side hustle?), but we’ve definitely gone through quite a few dozen bottles of liquor.

    So, with $1000 to use, I would definitely spend it all on restocking our liquor cabinet to prep for the final three movies in our “Bond & Booze” series [woot woot Daniel Craig!]. A little whiskey, scotch, tequila, mezcal, and rum, add in a few different bottles of bitters and some flavored liqueurs, and I could easily hit $1000.

    For us, having our community of friends is so important– for encouraging and supporting one another through all the good and the bad, and cheering each other on towards those goals. And, drinking with friends makes life just a little bit more fun.

    Reply
    1. J. Money August 25, 2017 at 3:04 PM

      THAT. IS. AWESOME.

      Reply
  113. Emily August 14, 2017 at 12:47 PM

    What a fun question! I’d buy tickets to Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (coming to Broadway next year) and spend the rest on a seriously fancy dinner the night of the show! Blow it all on one incredible evening.

    Reply
  114. Kelli August 14, 2017 at 12:48 PM

    I would put the $1,000 toward a trip to Venice! My husband and I are celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary and would love to visit Europe together for the first time. I want to see Venice before it sinks into the sea, and I’m drawn to the mystery and romance of it. I always prefer to spend on experiences like travel rather than material things. It makes me a better, happier, more knowledgeable person.

    Reply
  115. New Father Finance August 14, 2017 at 12:57 PM

    We don’t have any debt we need to pay off, so I would use it to help save for a down payment on our house. We’ve been working on that goal for almost 2 years now and it would be great to have some extra money for that.

    Reply
  116. Debbie August 14, 2017 at 1:01 PM

    What a coincidence! My husband recently received a surprise $1000 bonus at work.

    We spent it on:

    1) Donor Chose had a local teacher requesting $495 worth of supplies for a science project for her 1st graders. I donated the final $169 needed to bring the project to fruition.
    2) $550 for a large used armoire to store our electronics/DVD’s (yippee, no longer have them sitting in moving boxes floor to ceiling)
    3) $275 used guest bathroom vanity–current one damaged (bought a fixer upper house)
    4) $45 2 Xmas gift cards for family members

    Now, if I won $1000 for fun purposes, I’d spend a portion on Girl Scout cookies to share with friends/neighbors/family that would help their cause (yes, I was a Brownie/Girl Scout growing up!). I spend a portion on a new bookcase (have boxes of books piled in closet)

    Reply
    1. J. Money August 25, 2017 at 3:05 PM

      So cool you just got this $$$$! Love the cookie idea too haha…

      Reply
  117. Joley Budgets August 14, 2017 at 1:05 PM

    My grandma has Parkinson’s so if I had an extra $1000 I would take her for a weekend adventure doing whatever she wants to do and buying her whatever she wanted. She’s done so much for me over the years that I feel like I should do something for her too.

    Reply
  118. Michelle Marcus August 14, 2017 at 1:07 PM

    I would use $1000 towards putting my will together. I know it’s going to be a costly process so I’ve been putting it off.

    Reply
  119. Mercedes August 14, 2017 at 1:17 PM

    I’ve been wanting to get myself a pop-up camper for a while, so I would probably spend the money on buying one of those, and then fixing it up to suit my style inside. Then, with whatever I have leftover, hitting the road for a few weeks of sightseeing and camping!

    Reply
  120. Christine August 14, 2017 at 1:17 PM

    I would spend $1000 to pay someone to upgrade my tiny back yard. Kill the weeds, grow grass and extend the patio by 5ft.

    Reply
  121. Sarah De Diego August 14, 2017 at 1:19 PM

    Dear BAS,

    How cool that you still have that “assignment”.

    I would have and still would invest all of it in a savings vehicle that would maximize my returns and “free money” like my kids RESP (20% gift from the government that grows tax free).

    But, since that’s boring and this is a contest of sorts, I’ll say that if I win the $100, I’ll buy $40 worth of caviar and invest the rest because;

    A) I get it as a special treat once a year but missed last year so I’m overdue,
    B) While my serving of caviar “only” costs $20, I’d get two containers because my kids love it as much as I do and while I’m nice, I’m not THAT nice. They can share their own,
    C) A girl has to eat and caviar is food so that’s responsible.

    Thanks for the fun exercise.

    Besos Sarah.

    Reply
  122. Kel August 14, 2017 at 1:27 PM

    Since we can’t use it for retirement or investments, I would put it towards a charity here in the city that provides care and counseling for abused children. I have little ones of my own and it breaks my heart.
    The other (frivolous) thing I would do is save it towards a set of 10 piece fancy stoneware pots and pans set (like $800 on sale) which we can afford, but I don’t feel we need.

    Reply
  123. Kel August 14, 2017 at 1:30 PM

    Oh and since I said charity and dishware lol, I realized you said FUN ways to spend.

    Hmmm I think scuba diving in the ocean or tickets to a NHL playoff game would be amazing (we are huge hockey fans and have kids that play!) That would be a dream come true!

    Reply
  124. Sandra Boeschen August 14, 2017 at 1:36 PM

    Whole family – kids, grandkids, the elders – to Mendocino for a weekend!

    Reply
  125. Melissa August 14, 2017 at 1:45 PM

    I would use $1,000 for a long weekend away for just my husband and I. We haven’t had a vacation for just the two of us in many years.

    Reply
  126. Cheryl August 14, 2017 at 1:46 PM

    If you are going to give me $1000 fun money, that I cannot do anything responsible with…I would do the following –
    A) Buy shiny new running shoes without scouring the interwebs for a coupon code, and probably even pay for shipping!!
    B) Take my friends to see a movie, WITHOUT sneaking in snacks in my giant “going to the movies” purse!
    C) WEEKEND ROAD TRIP – without researching hotel discount codes and packing my own food!

    Reply
  127. Shaniah August 14, 2017 at 1:50 PM

    If I was handed $1K, I’d buy new workout clothes and trainers, get a deal on a bicycle, and use the rest for a short vacation trip.

    Reply
  128. Tyler August 14, 2017 at 2:02 PM

    Boom – right towards paying off my Line of Credit

    Reply
  129. Suzi August 14, 2017 at 2:09 PM

    BREWSTER’S MILLIONS!!! I loved that movie and actually had been thinking a lot about it lately; too bad it’s not available on Netflix.
    First thing I would buy would be a copy of that on DVD, I’d watch it, then I’d donate it to Salvation Army… because watching that once every 30 or so years ought to be adequate ;) Even if I get the most expensive copy on Blu-Ray, I’d still only be out 20 bucks.
    So then, I’d buy plane tickets and rental car to go stay in our timeshare that we bought 5 years ago and still haven’t seen. Anything left over would go to rebuild something there, because it’s near where all those fires were in Gatlinburg a couple years ago. So, semi-responsible response to having been totally irresponsible??? LOL!

    Reply
  130. Tucker August 14, 2017 at 2:11 PM

    I would 100% help pay for my two best friends to come to Canada for Christmas this year. One is in the Bay area and one is in London, England. We used to always spend Winter Solstice together (when they lived much closer: Maryland/Montreal, respectively) on a 200 acre farm but it’s been a couple of years! We’ve been talking about it for about a month now and I know my friend in England could use a little help with a plane ticket so that is exactly where I would stick it. I am all about the awesome hangouts (under the influence of good food, wine, and …other things) and now friends in Buffalo, Windsor/Detroit, Toronto, and Montreal are all talking about all descending on our house this winter so any money leftover would feed those jerks & buy firewood for the fireplace. :P

    Reply
  131. Allen August 14, 2017 at 2:14 PM

    My answer is equally boring and I’m not just saying this to copy you! I’d add the $1000 to my taxable investment account since I’ve already maxed out my Roth IRA for this year.

    Reply
  132. Steph August 14, 2017 at 2:14 PM

    So fun to think about!! Without a doubt, it would go to a fun experience with the kiddies – an adventure day at a water park or similar and/or a donation of some much needed support for their school. That aside, I’d LOVE to have a chance to take an extra week off of work (sparing my vacation time) so I can get all my minimizing/organizing/clean up done at once. This little-bit-at-a-time plan is an extreme exercise in patience (not unlike the process of re-filling our “sleep easier” fund).

    Reply
  133. Ika82 August 14, 2017 at 2:15 PM

    I would buy a tent and go for a long weekend to Italy. (I live in Eastern Europe, so I budget 400$ for this trip.)
    I would buy a season ticket to the games of the local basketball team. (100$)
    I would enrol in a course to become a chartered accountant. (500$) (Although it would be more fun to spend that sum on pole dance classes… ) :)

    Reply
    1. J. Money August 25, 2017 at 3:09 PM

      Did someone say poll dancing??? :)

      Reply
  134. Gabriela August 14, 2017 at 2:15 PM

    Oh man – I could easily blow $1000 on myself without batting an eye.

    Here’s what I would do – I would make memories with my nephews.

    I’d buy all the camping gear I haven’t acquired yet (I borrow the stuff I haven’t purchased already). I’d take my nephews on a road trip to camp somewhere awesome. Maybe the Grand Tetons. That would easily eat up $1000 with gear, gas, food, and maybe two nights in a hotel on the road from Los Angeles.

    Spending $ = easy peasy

    Reply
  135. Barnaby August 14, 2017 at 2:24 PM

    I’m visiting the remaining 27 MLB teams with my son. We love baseball, but have only made Citi Field, Camden Yards and Nationals Park so far. Would have to do the upper deck everywhere to make the money go as far as possible!

    Reply
  136. Trish August 14, 2017 at 2:33 PM

    Definitely buy a couple of new tvs – I still have 2 older tvs that I just can’t justify replacing since they aren’t watched much but I’d love to get rid of those and upgrade to new ones and then I’d go shopping and buy whatever I wanted until I’ve spent the rest of the money- impulse buy until the account runs dry!!! LOL

    Reply
  137. Tom August 14, 2017 at 2:52 PM

    Get it in $1’s and roll around in it like scrooge mcduck.

    Reply
  138. Melody August 14, 2017 at 2:54 PM

    For context, right now, I’m sitting in a hot-ass boat in Guatemala. The other day, I walked into a hardware store (of course, all gringo-y and sweaty – how do the locals NOT SWEAT?!) But I digress. I ask how much that small a/c unit is (you know, the window units we can get in the US for about $100?) and he looks at me, at my pathetic wet bangs plastered to my face, sweat dripping from my eyeballs (yes, my EYEBALLS were sweating), and tells me with a straight face… 2800 Quetzals (which is $400 USD). Are you shitting me? No way. I walk out. I was so mad, but then… supply and demand, right? Secretly, he knows I’ll be back.

    So here I sit, sweaty eyeballs and all, and all I can think about is that a/c. So if I had $1000, I’d take $400 of it and drop it like it’s hot at the Guatemalan hardware store. No question.

    Then, I’d spend $200 of it on a private car to the city where my hubby and I would get a romantic hotel room for the weekend to celebrate our 11th anniversary. We’d find the best sushi joint and eat our faces off in sushi. Because #yum.

    That should leave me about $200 left. So… a hundred bones would go to a proper haircut. Because 3 weeks ago, in a midlife-crisis / “I’m burning the $%@# up” moment, I cut 9 inches of it off with a pair of fabric scissors.

    Finally, I’d spend the last $100 of it on wifi cards, because #shittywifi and this girl needs to be able to submit comments like this in the hopes of winning $100, which, honestly will go straight to savings. (And maybe a better haircut) ;)

    Reply
    1. Melody August 14, 2017 at 2:57 PM

      Also, apparently I can’t do math, so I’d spend some of it on some kind of Udemy Math Course or something. haha

      Reply
      1. Melissa August 14, 2017 at 6:59 PM

        If it matters. Melody gets my vote! That’s hysterical

        Reply
        1. J. Money August 25, 2017 at 3:11 PM

          LOVE IT!! And miss seeing your face around here :)

          Reply
  139. Dani August 14, 2017 at 2:55 PM

    I would spend it all on a new camera lens to better capture the beautiful little gems of nature!

    Reply
  140. Elizabeth Coe August 14, 2017 at 3:00 PM

    As I have been paying off debt for the past seven months without buying items outside of necessities I would spend all $1,000 on new clothing. I have a Pinterest board I have been pinning clothes to over the past year that I really want and would buy as many of them as I could with my new windfall!

    Reply
  141. Jennifer Holt August 14, 2017 at 3:19 PM

    Hey J. Money! With $1,000 I would buy two season tickets to this year’s Broadway series (and a few pre-show dinners out too). I love musical theatre, but even more, it’s been rumored that 2017-2018 season ticket holders will get the first crack at Hamilton tickets when it tours Louisville in late 2018. I would love to see Hamilton (it’s my go-to shower soundtrack)!

    Love this question, as there are many ways I would apply the $1,000 to my financial goals but sometimes we forget that we should have some fun too. Thanks!

    Reply
  142. Sara August 14, 2017 at 3:22 PM

    Do new tires count as responsible? 1000…the handmade linen sheets I’ve been lusting for would happen. And the gin stash needs stocking, and then I would eat out at least once a week somewhere nice until all the money was gone

    Reply
  143. Kristy August 14, 2017 at 3:37 PM

    I would buy new running shoes and take a trip with the husband (kid free, of course!) for our 15 year anniversary.

    Reply
  144. Paula August 14, 2017 at 3:40 PM

    I would do a solo 3 day weekend to Palm Springs California – one of my favorite cities in the US. I’d lie out by the pool, read , nap and relax!!

    Reply
  145. Liz August 14, 2017 at 3:42 PM

    I would buy a ticket to Thailand. That would spend most of it, but at least the rest of the trip would be inexpensive one I’m there!

    Reply
  146. Crystal August 14, 2017 at 3:53 PM

    $1000 that I had to spend? I’d put in all into the coolest Halloween bash that I’ve ever hosted!!! $1000 should cover all the bases – all the scrumptious yet ghouliest treats and stuff for the party food PLUS turning my backyard into a super creepy haunted graveyard trail. Dry ice, grave markers, piles of fresh dirt with surprises that would pop out, open coffins (some with surprises and some not so the suspense can ebb and flow), and random graveyard markers with hilarious puns and less hilarious fake moving spiders and snakes. I’d even dress up as one of the 5 Nights at Freddy’s characters and slowly move around the graveyard when people weren’t looking…until I’m right behind them…and BOO!!!

    Oh yeah, this is going to be a thing eventually…

    Reply
  147. Kersten W August 14, 2017 at 4:09 PM

    You had a post a while back about dling something kind for others and I gave a bag of groceries to a homeless man, who in-turn have me SO MUCH MORE by response… Id take $500 in savings and then choose 5 people to help w random acts of kindness!! Thank you for post it makes me already feel like I win the lottery when the man said, ” I always give back to those less fortunate than me if only a smile or a piece of candy if they are worse off than me…”

    THANK YOU!

    Reply
    1. J. Money August 25, 2017 at 3:12 PM

      Love to hear that so much, Kersten :)

      Reply
  148. Tonya August 14, 2017 at 4:21 PM

    I feel as though my hands are tied! I can’t even think of how I would spend it besides using it to reach my financial goals. I obviously want to say that I would pay off debt but if I can’t, I guess I would go on a shopping spree and buy some new clothes.

    Reply
  149. Jodi Renaud August 14, 2017 at 4:23 PM

    Is it responsible to say that my first thought is a shopping spree at wholefoods? I once spent five hundred dollars there -before my discount! (I used to work there and I miss my discount terribly!) Then, I’m trying not to be responsible here, but My Next Thought Was To Order My vitamins. U Know, Protein Powder, Wheatgrass, Etc…after THat I Would Probably Go Into THe City For A Nice Meal And MAybe Some Shopping. But U Are So Right J Money…im somewhat Financially Independent NOw And O already Do All Of These THIngs! And By The Way, I Still Rollerblade. great EXercise.

    Reply
  150. Laura August 14, 2017 at 4:25 PM

    I would spend it on upgrading to first class on my upcoming trip to California and the rest would be spent on buying wine while we are there :)

    Reply
  151. Kendall @ Perfect Cents Living August 14, 2017 at 4:29 PM

    There are so many things I would use $1,000 for if being responsible wasn’t allowed! So, if I received $1,000 today, I’d use it to surprise my husband by taking him up to where we got married (June Lake) for a weekend getaway! Our 1 year anniversary is coming up next month!

    Other, non-romantical, things I would spend it on would be travel, clothes, wine, makeup, and home decor! And yes, I realize how basic betch I sound…

    Reply
  152. James Cooper August 14, 2017 at 4:38 PM

    I would buy a Klipsch G-42 soundbar for $699, a pint of Ben & Jerry’s for $5, a half hour at night on the LINQ ferris wheel at $47, and a 64GB iPod Touch for $249. That neatly uses up $1,000.

    Reply
  153. Ashley D August 14, 2017 at 5:00 PM

    Football is back! So I’d splurge on a trip to go to an NFL game with a friend. Preseason doesn’t count. I don’t really care where, but I’d prefer an iconic location like Lambeau or Gillete stadium even if I’m cheering for the away team.

    Tickets – $500
    Accommodations – $500 (I might need to tack on a few of my own other dollars to make this happen).

    Reply
  154. Kim August 14, 2017 at 5:23 PM

    I’d buy a kayak – which would be about $600 – I’ve been wanting one for a while. I’d get some passes for my yoga class $200 – total respite from my crazy days. and I’d spend the rest on amazing cakes and coffees at this cute little bakery in my town. It’s amazing. ❤️ I should actually just knock a few of these things off my list this week. Likely to coffee part – it’s gonna be a long long week.

    Reply
  155. Tara sieberg August 14, 2017 at 5:24 PM

    Oh …. Probably a flight out west to see a friend I haven’t in years! Or fabric…..lol

    Reply
  156. S.King August 14, 2017 at 5:25 PM

    Harder than I thought to spend that amount of money “Brewster” style after so long in save all of it mode.

    OK, here goes:

    1. In state, end of summer vacation, weekend trip to coast.
    2. Maid service to clean up house while gone on trip.
    3. Let the 3 year old boy go nuts in Toys “r” us because I feel like he has been told no way to often in his parents pursuit to do the right thing and deserves some mad money as well.

    Reply
  157. Katherine B August 14, 2017 at 5:28 PM

    I’m getting married early next year and I’ve always had massive anxiety about getting married because of the cost. So if I had an extra $1000 that I was required to spend on something “irresponsible”, I would use it to be just a little more extravagant than I’m budgeting for right now. I’d buy a fancier dress and shoes, and maybe spend a little more on flowers, and if I had any left, I’d spend it on table decorations.

    Reply
  158. Kevin Glaudel August 14, 2017 at 5:28 PM

    I have two ideas.

    1. Take a trip to Reno and put $1000 on black…Go big or go home!

    2. Send $1000 straight to my early pay off goal for the condo I just purchased!

    Okay I lied.

    3. Give it directly to my parents and telling them to take a trip somewhere on me :)

    Reply
  159. Gabrielle August 14, 2017 at 5:31 PM

    I would use the $1000 travel to the Blues Experiment (http://thebluesexperiment.com/) for a week-long dance immersion camp in the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

    Reply
  160. Kristie August 14, 2017 at 5:34 PM

    If I had $1000 to spend irresponsibly, I’d give my kids a crazy, fun-filled, “Yes Day” where anything goes (within safety reasons). Being frugal and maintaining financial priorities while trying to increase our kids’ financial IQs means we say “No”…a LOT. They don’t ask for a lot anymore because they recognize it needs to be worked into our very tight budget.

    But for one day to be able to say “Yes” would be wonderful. Yes to ice cream, yes to new shoes, yes to a new video game, yes to a trip to the museum. I suspect it would mean we’d spend a fair amount of money on fried chicken (my 9 yo son’s favorite food) and pony rides (my 4 yo daughter’s go-to activity).

    Reply
  161. Holly G August 14, 2017 at 5:43 PM

    Omgosh! With $1000 to play with I would drop my kids off with their grandparents, and grab the 1st flight out of town for a long weekend in Vegas for my hubby & I. When we get there, I would get him settled at a BJ table while I go spend a day at the spa getting all dolled up for a fun night out with the hubs. I need to remind him that the young, fun wife he married is still in there somewhere…buried beneath the frumpy, exhausted, work-at-home mom that he comes home to everyday! With $100, I could at least get my hair and make up done for a night of Netflix and chill :)

    Reply
    1. J. Money August 25, 2017 at 3:14 PM

      I think you should do that last part either way :) Maybe it’ll get HIM to get prettied up for you as well!

      Reply
  162. M August 14, 2017 at 5:49 PM

    1000$ I can do/buy a lot of irresponsible stuff :D
    1.buy an apple watch
    2.50$ worth lottery
    3.Bose speakers
    4.New high end sneakers
    5.new Ramen places to try…with friends
    6.a broadway show with mom
    7.new car paint… sure why not
    8.buy lunch at work everyday…in NYC :)
    1000$ enough lol

    Reply
  163. Mike August 14, 2017 at 5:50 PM

    I’d put it in my Daughter’s Roth IRA since she would benefit the most from the compounding over time!

    Reply
  164. Jeff @ Maximum Cents August 14, 2017 at 5:54 PM

    With a free $1,000 that could only be used on fun I would take a trip to the Caribbean. There are several cheap flights there and I could use the rest on hotels and food.

    Reply
  165. Erin August 14, 2017 at 5:55 PM

    I’d put it into our honeymoon fund. We’ve been married for a year, but we’re finishing the last of our debt before we splurge on a honeymoon. We’re so close I can taste it!

    Reply
  166. Stacy August 14, 2017 at 5:55 PM

    In the next 3 weeks we have to buy a laptop for our freshman for college (plus textbooks), we’re helping our oldest with a small honeymoon (after she skipped a big wedding to save $$) and our 17 yr old senior needs his first car. Oh! Forgot about paying for high school hockey fees…

    Reply
  167. Jen August 14, 2017 at 5:58 PM

    Since we’re not supposed to use it for anything “responsible”, I really like the lotto ticket idea…or even just gambling with it haha (Hello Vegas!)

    Alternately I would use it to fly back to Cali (gets pricey coming from here) and do a road trip: see family, hit up a Giants game, go to Disneyland…check out everything I miss being away from home :)

    Reply
  168. Joe August 14, 2017 at 5:59 PM

    Cryptocurrency.
    I’d pick up $500 of EOS, $250 PIVX and $250 BTC.
    Buy and hold!

    Reply
  169. Barbara August 14, 2017 at 6:09 PM

    I’d buy the latest Vitamix blender with all the bells and whistles on it (about $700) and spend the rest on organic ingredients to make absolutely decadent smoothies!

    Reply
  170. Amber F August 14, 2017 at 6:13 PM

    I would put it all towards a cruise my best friend and I have been trying to go to for the last 3 years. We want to do the Alaskan cruises which are so much more than the warmer cruises, which is a bummer.

    Reply
  171. Lauren August 14, 2017 at 6:14 PM

    EASY. I’d pay for a trip to the beach just me and the hubby when he gets home from deployment!

    Reply
  172. Nicole August 14, 2017 at 6:15 PM

    Brewster couldn’t have anything to show for his money at the end of the movie. That means he couldn’t OWN anything of VALUE. He rented everything, and he spent as much as he could making other people happy with parties, etc., but he couldn’t give it all away either. The point of Brewster’s exercise was to make him dislike spending money so he would understand the value of money.

    So, in the spirit of Brewster’s Millions–I’d blow it.

    I have no debt. My categories are funded. I have savings for my kids’ education and a decent start on retirement. I could always throw another $1000 into a savings account, and maybe I’d have $2500 by the time I retire. But in the spirit of Brewster, I’d take my husband away for the weekend to someplace pretty. (We live in beautiful British Columbia so it wouldn’t need to be too far.) We’d sleep in, we’d order all the room service, and we’d walk on a beautiful, cold beach. When we got home, we wouldn’t be any richer or poorer financially, but we’d be richer for the time we spent together without worry and without guilt.

    Reply
  173. Jessica Immel August 14, 2017 at 6:19 PM

    I would put the money in the startup fund for our new business. We are cash flowing it with only one partner so it’s a tight budget. The $1000 would cover 2 months rent at $400 and then $200 towards our licensing fees.

    Reply
  174. Shanna August 14, 2017 at 6:28 PM

    I would put air conditioning in my husband’s 69 Z28 Camaro because h3 has wanted it since he bought the car in 1976 and has never put it in.

    Reply
  175. Brenna August 14, 2017 at 6:37 PM

    I’d get myself a pair of diamond earrings. I don’t need them, I hardly wear jewelry, and I’d protest violently if anyone ever bought me a pair. But dang, girls gotta have diamonds.

    Reply
  176. Wendy August 14, 2017 at 6:38 PM

    I would take all my vacation time at once and go to the beach for a month and not worry about how I was going to pay for it.

    Reply
  177. Ruby August 14, 2017 at 6:39 PM

    With $1,000:

    1. Buy a ticket to see 98 degrees in jax ($75+ gas + other fees = $90)
    2. Buy a ticket to see 98 degrees in Sarasota ($90 + bus ticket + train home + uber) = $180

    That’s $270. $730 left.

    Book a flight to Vegas (around $300 RT or less using ultra low budget carriers)
    3 nights in a hotel ($100ish/night = $300) or use airbnb
    Watch backstreet boys residency in Vegas ($100ish ticket)

    And that’s that! I’m indulging my boy band guilty pleasure because I never had the oppportunity to do it when I was growing up.

    Even if I don’t win, I’ll still buy the 98 degrees tickets :D

    Reply
    1. J. Money August 25, 2017 at 3:16 PM

      OMG haha….. just… wow.

      Reply
  178. Melissa Becker August 14, 2017 at 6:40 PM

    We live in KY. My youngest just started school at WVU (on scholarship). Would love to see the UL v WVU basketball game. Tickets are already outrageous!! My dream gift for my husband seats courtside! He would die!

    Reply
  179. Coral August 14, 2017 at 6:46 PM

    I’d buy a cosleeper for the new baby coming (always wanted one, but it’s definitely NOT a necessity; bassinet works great). I’d take my kids and give them each $150 for “school supplies” and clothes (we homeschool, they don’t care IF they’re dressed most of the time). And I’d use the rest (probably around $100) to do the same for me. :)

    Reply
  180. Ysabela August 14, 2017 at 6:48 PM

    That is really difficult, because I don’t like to spend money and I also really dislike clothes shopping, which would be a great thing for me to do to fill a need. So what I would do is buy a set of tires for my SUV, get an alignment, have the electric windows fixed since only one of them works, and if anything were left after that, we’d go out to dinner!

    Reply
  181. MyMoneyDesign August 14, 2017 at 6:51 PM

    So many good options!

    If I had to absolutely spend all of it (no questions asked), I’d probably go to a few places where back to school shopping was going on and pre-pay for the folks behind me in line. We know of a lot of parents that could really use the help.

    Reply
  182. Ysabela August 14, 2017 at 6:55 PM

    I just realized that what I said could be construed as “responsible”, so I must rectify that! I would spend the entire $1,000 on 14K gold chain(s) and dinner out with my husband.

    Reply
  183. Christina August 14, 2017 at 6:59 PM

    I haven’t been able to go home and visit my family in a year and a half, so that is the first thing I would do for sure! With what’s left over I would treat myself to some new books and a bottle of my favorite Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab perfume.

    Reply
  184. kim August 14, 2017 at 7:20 PM

    I would buy myself some teacher supplies because I usually end up spending at least $500+ through out the school year, second I would be me a nice spay day complete with massage, facial, manicure and pedicure, and hair done. With the last $100 or so I would take my hubby out for a nice romantic dinner!

    Reply
    1. J. Money August 25, 2017 at 3:16 PM

      You teacher are sooooo good to our kids!! Thank you!!

      Reply
  185. MissMissy August 14, 2017 at 7:21 PM

    Option 1: order photo books to catch up with my albums

    Option 2: family vacation

    Option 3: new patio set and kitchen table

    Lastly, option 4: anniversary trip with my hubby…20 years are coming soon!

    Reply
  186. Darren August 14, 2017 at 7:36 PM

    J Money!

    We’d get away for the weekend, stay at a couple different B&Bs, eat amazing food, and create life-long memories.

    You said we had to be irresponsible. ;)

    Reply
  187. Winn Clark August 14, 2017 at 7:43 PM

    We’re saving to put a bocce ball court on our property and we need to have a serious earth mover come in to get it started. It’s part of a longer-term strategy to have a stand alone airbnb unit as well. The property overlooks our neighbors vineyard and the addition of a bocce ball court should make it extra fun!

    Reply
  188. Shawna August 14, 2017 at 7:53 PM

    I would get clothes custom made for me – however many I can get for $1,000! I’m a tall woman with long legs and longish arms so buying clothes can be a challenge. Even if I can find things long enough sometimes the fit still isn’t quite right. I’d love to be able to walk into a tailor with some pictures and get clothes made for my exact size and shape!

    Reply
  189. Kirsten Cohick August 14, 2017 at 7:57 PM

    I would totally buy myself the 1634 edition of Pliny’s “Natural History” that I’ve been lusting after. And then I’d book myself another trip to Rome. Unashamed history geek here.

    Reply
  190. Alyson Greene August 14, 2017 at 8:15 PM

    I would give the $1000 to my younger sister who is in the process of starting her dream of creating a children’s Art Temple in her garage. She needs about $1000 to finish the renovations and buy supplies. This is going to be a magical place for children (and adults) to come and create art without limits — a nourishing, creative place for creative expression and love! She’s creating this program, so she can build community (and work from home) with her two girls, ages 6 and 4. Youngest has Downs Syndrome and a lot of (expensive) special needs, so this project is also going to help support her family. Hopefully, doors open by late September! :-)

    Reply
    1. J. Money August 25, 2017 at 3:20 PM

      SUCH A GOOD IDEA!!! Please wish her tons of success for me!

      Reply
  191. spiffikins August 14, 2017 at 8:19 PM

    If I had a completely unexpected $1000 show up – my first impulse honestly would be to throw it at the mortgage. But since that’s against the “rules” of this post ….

    I would take my friends out to dinner – there’s a group of 8 of us that get together regularly at one person’s house – she loves hosting, but I would love to be able to take everyone out to a fancy dinner!

    Reply
  192. Ronda August 14, 2017 at 8:40 PM

    Wow, this is too easy. We are pretty much planning to blow about $500 in a couple months on a fun long weekend, so I guess that part isn’t just a dream, but reality. We’re going to a prophecy conference and the Creation Museum/Ark Encounter.

    And since I now have another $500 to blow :) I would probably take my husband on a hot air balloon ride. That has always looked like a lot of fun to me!

    Reply
  193. Winnie August 14, 2017 at 8:50 PM

    Mine is an easy answer: I’d buy an iPad Pro with an Apple Pencil! I’m working on monetizing my calligraphy hobby into a business, and the iPad Pro is the Mecca of lettering items but completely unnecessary lol. It would be frivolous but fantastic!

    Reply
  194. Kim K August 14, 2017 at 8:59 PM

    J$!!! I love the drawing…your kid self drew you with a Mohawk. Love it!!

    Ok…$1000, what I’d do…well…I live at the beach, so I don’t really need a vacay, but I’d love some fun stuff to enjoy my sandbar.
    1. Buy a bodacious used surf board from my favorite surf shop. Right on, man. Support local business.
    2. Enjoy some seriously good seafood at one of my local favorite restaurants washed down with a couple cold beverages
    3. And last but not least, a new pair of Birks….a crazy, fun color.

    Reply
  195. Thomas August 14, 2017 at 9:00 PM

    So totally wasteful.

    I have always wanted to own a million of something, in today’s world we forget just how big of a number one million is.

    I would buy 200 boxes of staples. Since there are 5000 staples in a box, I would have my collection.

    Reply
    1. Thomas August 14, 2017 at 9:11 PM

      And incase you were wondering, that would be 84 pounds of staples.

      Reply
      1. J. Money August 25, 2017 at 3:21 PM

        h-i-l-a-r-i-o-u-s.

        Reply
  196. Michael Kennedy August 14, 2017 at 9:15 PM

    I would put it with the $1200 Delta vouchers I have and fly my family out west to see the Grand Canyon and Yosemite. I have two girls (9 & 6 years old) who have never flown on a plane and they have been asking for us to take a trip where they can “be fancy and fly!”

    Reply
  197. Kevin August 14, 2017 at 9:23 PM

    Would I have to spend it now or can I wait a few months?

    If I can wait then I’m buying the next Google phone (Pixel 2). I might buy it anyways, but having $1000 cash to pay for it would remove any hesitation I have.

    If I had to spend this moment then I’m buying a NAS and hard drives. Maybe this sounds responsible but with $1,000, I’d splurge and buy a more expensive higher-end unit.

    Reply
  198. Almond August 14, 2017 at 9:30 PM

    I’d love to attend the IGMA miniatures school, but $1000 wouldn’t cover it, so I’d buy sculpting tutorials and the related supplies. It wouldn’t take long to spend it all, since each class could easily cost $150-$200.

    Reply
  199. Wendy August 14, 2017 at 10:20 PM

    Ok…if I had a unexpected grand I’d buy my 11 year old a beginners mandolin. He’s been playing guitar for about a year and he’s such a fast learner that it would be a good investment. I would buy myself these really cool boots that had sugar skulls on them. And my 8 year old and I would take a pottery class.

    Reply
  200. Erica August 14, 2017 at 10:27 PM

    I would get season tickets for myself and my teenage son to one or two excellent theater groups in the DC area where we live. He works so hard in school and loves thester and drama – and it would be fun, provide joy and anticipation all year, and make memories that would hopefully last forever for him. I believe in experiences over stuff whenever possible, and research shows that anticipating the joyful thing is half the fun of it, so this fits my criteria well even though it isn’t “responsible.”

    Reply
    1. J. Money August 25, 2017 at 3:22 PM

      Very cool! My aunt is in a ton of theater groups in DC – would be funny if you ever came across her in performances :)

      Reply
  201. Cindy August 14, 2017 at 10:29 PM

    Easy. I would buy a plane ticket for my mom to fly to Taiwan to visit my 81 yr old grandmom who is living alone. If that is consider responsible, then I would pay for the Penthouse suite for the weekend at an indoor waterpark for our family and 4 neighbors. 7 happy kids and 10 happy parents; the memories would be priceless.

    Reply
  202. Ryan Gaines August 14, 2017 at 10:47 PM

    I would go to the airport with my wife on a Friday night and buy two plane tickets to the coolest place for less than $300/ticket ($600 total). I’d then find an Airbnb for 2 nights at $100/night ($800 total). I would use the remaining $100/day on awesome food ($1,000 total). Wait, this sounds so fun. I’m going to start saving to do this.

    Reply
  203. Bec Munro August 14, 2017 at 10:48 PM

    I would buy new sheets and towels for my whole family as well as *gasp* matching tea towels for the kitchen! With the remaining money, I would book a weekend away with my husband, at the luxury cabins where we honeymooned. Our plan was once to spend each anniversary there, but we’ve been too poor to ever go back.

    Reply
  204. Karen August 14, 2017 at 11:20 PM

    Long weekend in NYC… Flight $150, Hotel 2 nights $500, Broadway play $100, Walking around cash $250

    Reply
  205. Sarah S August 14, 2017 at 11:36 PM

    We are just getting ready to start a remodel, so I would use it to buy some light fixtures, or a bathroom vanity. So exciting, I know.

    Reply
  206. caren August 14, 2017 at 11:57 PM

    I’m finally at a point where an extra $1K wouldn’t make me do anything differently, and for that I’m grateful. That said, if you gave me $1000 today, I’d probably buy a pair of yoga pants (because you can never have enough) and toss the rest to Vanguard.

    Boring, I know. :)

    Reply
  207. Rick August 15, 2017 at 12:26 AM

    After an over the top dinner with my wife, I would take the remaining cash and head to a Casino. I am 52 and have never been to a Casino because I am not allowed to bet with our money, per my wonderful wife, so I would try to break the Casino

    Reply
  208. Vella August 15, 2017 at 1:47 AM

    I would use it to take a trip with my husband. Out West to Yosemite and the PNW to see the Cascades.

    Reply
  209. Working Optional August 15, 2017 at 2:33 AM

    Send the wife to Barcelona for a week with some spending $. She’s been hankering to go… The tickets would be w/ award miles of course :).

    Reply
  210. $avingGeorge August 15, 2017 at 4:10 AM

    I think I’d buy my wife something nice then stock up on adult beverages!

    Reply
  211. Carrie August 15, 2017 at 4:54 AM

    I’d spend it on a trip – probably to Hawaii! Or somewhere tropical for sure!

    Reply
  212. Laura August 15, 2017 at 6:07 AM

    I’d buy a drone so I can take cool photos and videos. Husband has been eyeing it for a while so would be nice to just surprise him if I had 1k to spend :)

    Reply
  213. Josh August 15, 2017 at 6:37 AM

    “If I had a had a thousand dollars… If I had a thousand dollars… I would buy you a k car (a nice reliant automobile…)” Did I get the discount version of a Bare Naked Ladies song stuck in anyone’s head? If so my job is done!

    Seriously though, it didn’t take too long to think of something. My summer project list includes putting up a shed in the back yard, I can buy the materials for $900 or so. But here is the kicker, for a $1000 the good people at Lowe’s will deliver and assemble it for me! I would never pay for someone to do my chores for me unless I was intentionally trying to blow money!

    Reply
  214. Turning Point Money August 15, 2017 at 7:32 AM

    I second the laptop replacement. Need to upgrade my 10 year old relic.

    Reply
  215. Bryant August 15, 2017 at 8:04 AM

    Go to Waffle House on Christmas Eve morning, gut bust it with an All-Star Special, then leave the extra $990 as a tip.

    Reply
    1. J. Money August 25, 2017 at 3:23 PM

      Love it! I secretly want to do that one day too :)

      Reply
  216. Jacq August 15, 2017 at 8:04 AM

    I just went a little spend crazy & bought a new summer dress, as the one I’ve had for 10-12 years has 2 tiny holes. Just bought new work pants. I have a hard time spending money (like a surprise $1000) on things. Despite having more in my savings than what money I came into, in July, that’s what gave me ‘permission’ to upgrade my table and chairs.
    So I keep seeing posts from animal shelter my friends support. That’s how I’d spend $1000. Help them cover some vet bills.

    Reply
  217. Elora August 15, 2017 at 8:31 AM

    If I had an extra $1000 I would buy this area rug I’ve been eye-ing at IKEA, some new shoes, and use the last little bit to take my sweetheart sky diving :)

    Reply
  218. fehmeen khan August 15, 2017 at 8:50 AM

    Something irresponsible? I’d put it in a blender, add water and LOTS of sugar and drink it.

    Something realistic and crazy? Visit every street food stall in my country and try something new at each one. Then spend the rest on medical treatment for gastric infection.

    Also, I’d want to commission research that develops chocolates with zero cholesterol.

    Reply
  219. Heather August 15, 2017 at 9:26 AM

    I would use an extra $1000 to put $500 towards acupuncture sessions and the other $500 in the Charles Schwab index account I just opened! I am unable to take medicine for an ongoing health condition due to my sensitive allergies and acupuncture is the only treatment that has helped…but I have to pay out of pocket because my insurance doesn’t cover it! I am fortunate to be able to afford it although it takes quite a chunk out of my weekly budget. My husband and I are frugal members of the FI community but health comes first. I actually want to get to FI!

    Reply
  220. Joy August 15, 2017 at 9:47 AM

    I’m torn … part of me would want to use it to buy a camping trailer. My husband and I set up a tent for the summer at our friend’s campground; it’s our version of a “cottage”. Having our own bathroom and fridge while camping would be AWESOME!

    However, I would love to also blow it on yarn, fabric, a serger sewing machine, adjustable dress form, sewing table, more yarn, time to knit and sew, fancy knitting needles … :)

    Reply
  221. kelly August 15, 2017 at 9:53 AM

    I would spend the $1,000 on ALL the stamping supplies and organizational items I could at Michaels to make my craft/special place in my house even BETTER!! Yes, I do complain I never have enough time to spend on MY hobbies, & yes, I realize one day I will have ALL the time in the world but, I would LOVE to just get all my hearts desire for my hobby…just to be able to just get it for me…instead of waiting and wishing and making due…like pretty much every Mom does..right??

    Reply
  222. Samantha August 15, 2017 at 10:31 AM

    I would buy a few pairs of those Eclipse glasses and splurge the rest on an awesome trip in Nashville for the super cool solar eclipse next week!

    Reply
  223. Nancy August 15, 2017 at 10:32 AM

    Easy! I would use that $1000 to rent a vaction home for a week and invite all the family instead of cheap motel/hotel for three nights for my hubbby and I to see my oldest son graduate from MCRD Parris Island in November.

    Reply
  224. Nick Riedel August 15, 2017 at 10:41 AM

    I hear Bora Bora calling my name! Interested in visiting since watching Triple XXX with Vin Diesel after saving the day! Although visiting Japan or China is way up there on my bucket list.. =D

    Reply
  225. Sheila August 15, 2017 at 11:07 AM

    I would pay on our Dec 2, 2018 cruise or pay for some awesome excursions in Belize or Roatan. We’re going with my mom’s new found birth family!

    Reply
  226. Anthony August 15, 2017 at 11:20 AM

    If I had an extra $1,000, I would break into five possible categories:

    1.) Invest in 1 share of Facebook stock ($200 w/about $30 left over)
    2.) Add to my Travel Fund ($200)
    3.) Invest in my side hustle – selling inspiration Tees. ($200)
    4.) Purchase Back2School supplies for children in need. ($200)
    5.) Shop at a small, local business. ($200)

    Invest LOVE all around.

    The $30 remaining would probably go towards groceries or eating out, honestly.

    Reply
  227. Anastasiya August 15, 2017 at 11:38 AM

    $1000:
    – $500 on red
    – $500 on low (1 to 18)

    Reply
  228. Courtney August 15, 2017 at 11:41 AM

    If we’re allowed to do something responsible with it, then I’d buy a new drain pipe for the kitchen. (Woooooo! Wild and crazy fun!) But what I *really* want is a night in an overnight bungalow in Bora Bora. $1000 would maybe cover a third of the flight there. :)

    Reply
  229. Travis August 15, 2017 at 12:22 PM

    I would put it into my house. I would use it to get our basement apartment ready to rent. Then I could see that same $1,000 come back to me every month! :)

    Reply
  230. Graham August 15, 2017 at 1:15 PM

    We would probably put a few hundred towards our apartment that we’re just moved into last week. Then spend the rest of excursions to get familiar with the area. Weekend trips, museums, tours, and visiting family a couples hours away!

    Reply
  231. Revanche @ A Gai Shan Life August 15, 2017 at 1:23 PM

    My answer on Twitter was: $400 to SPLC because Nazis suck, $300 to local food bank, $300 to brokerage.

    But then I read the post and realized I couldn’t do the last $300 since it’s a financial thing. So instead: $400 to SPLC because Nazis&hate sucks, $300 to local food bank, $300 of tacos and dessert for a housewarming dinner.

    Reply
  232. Kiva August 15, 2017 at 1:27 PM

    If I had $1000. I would buy a dirt bike so I could ride with my daughter and boyfriend through the beautiful Tillamook Forest instead of having to sit back at camp all alone…
    Being responsible is not so much fun….
    I have been building my credit and it is amazing right now, so I could go get a brand new bike today….. However having my first home in the next year….. Is definitely worth sitting at camp alone….

    Reply
  233. Vic Rod August 15, 2017 at 2:43 PM

    1 – Give 100$ to my Grandma
    2 – Give 100$ to my Mom
    3 – Take a Trip to Boston to see my brother – Take him and his fiance out for food & some activity (maybe a movie or Escape the Room) = 200$
    4 – Take a Trip to Philly to see my Sister – Take her and her husband out for food and drinks = 200$
    5 – Take a Trip to Canada to see my sweetheart. Spend the rest on her (Food, drink, activities)
    6 – Anything left over I’ll spend on propane & food & throw a small BBQ to end the summer.

    Reply
  234. Becky August 15, 2017 at 2:46 PM

    I am actually in nearly this exact same predicament right now! (I guess it’s not really a predicament, but anyway) My grandpa bought me a 30-year $1000 bond for my first birthday and my 31st birthday is at the end of this month. So I have literally been pondering what to do with it. If I didn’t have to adhere to the rules of your post, I am deciding between opening an IRA to put it into, or using it to pay down a credit card (I know, I know, that’s a curse word on financial blogs, but I’m working on getting the balance down to a level where I can pay it off monthly), or perhaps buying a little something for myself and putting the rest towards one of these goals. I just don’t know what my grandpa would have wanted me to do with it, and I can’t ask him since he passed away when I was 10.

    Anyway, if I had to follow the rules and spend $1000 without putting it towards financial goals, here is what I would do:

    $150 to our local food bank
    $350 buy myself some new clothes
    $150 buy either a woven wrap, onbuhimo or tula for babywearing [yes, I’m a bit of a crunchy mama ;) ]
    $100 go out for a nice dinner with my hubby
    $250 Christmas shopping/buy something nice for my hubby and the baby

    Reply
    1. J. Money August 25, 2017 at 3:25 PM

      Fun problem to have!!! Did you make a decision on it yet? :)

      Reply
  235. Agnes August 15, 2017 at 2:49 PM

    Hello, I feel I have everything in life I need so I would use this money to spoil my loved ones: children, husband – I would take them for a trip to the seaside and make all their bigger and smaller wishes come true – great food, swimming, surfing, sunbathing – a lot of fun together.

    Reply
  236. Tabitha August 15, 2017 at 3:04 PM

    This would basically pay for all my hotel rooms for my upcoming trip to Iceland!

    Reply
  237. PenelopeFriday August 15, 2017 at 3:09 PM

    If I HAD to spend it, a couple nights in a treehouse cabin off Air BnB, good food and a spa day!

    But I’d rather throw it into my debt avalanche and keep slowly saving for that someday trip!

    Reply
  238. Yenti August 15, 2017 at 4:25 PM

    Wait for a good overseas travel deals and book it for me and my husband. More bang for the bucks and go crazy on trying different food.

    Reply
  239. Lynn August 15, 2017 at 4:53 PM

    Go to the biggest bookstore I could find and start working on my long list of books I would love to own.

    Reply
  240. Mike August 15, 2017 at 5:05 PM

    Put a downpayment on a Tesla Model 3 electric car. I wouldn’t have to pay off the balance for another 2 years or so because they are so back-ordered. I figure they would have the quality bugs worked out by then. On delivery, I’ll be driving in style and saving some serious bucks on gas.

    Reply
  241. Stephanie Chin August 15, 2017 at 5:12 PM

    I would hire someone to finish weeding the yard and clean the whole house. Then stay at a new waterfront hotel in my city for the week. Eat at the hotel while enjoying a gorgeous view of Lake Washington. Walk along the water to the burger joint that had great shakes. Rent a kayak for a few hours.

    Hmmmmm, my husband would probably want to go too so adjust the number of nights to accommodate his huge appetite But he doesn’t like coffee so take that into account!

    Hmmmmm, I’d feel guilty having so much when others have so little so have cash on hand to give to people along the way

    And one last thing……chocolate, handmade from a local place that may or may not exist anywhere near me.

    Reply
  242. Katie August 15, 2017 at 8:21 PM

    I’d put the funds towards a dream trip to Iceland :)

    Reply
  243. Gene Roberts August 15, 2017 at 9:35 PM

    Hmmm, I don’t usually answer these things but seeing as I am actually on vacation right now and in New Orleans I’d spend it on my hotel bill (in the French Quarter), and the remainder on rum drinks and zydeco music .

    Reply
    1. J. Money August 25, 2017 at 3:26 PM

      Reading blogs on vacation – you naughty boy you!

      Reply
  244. ZJ Thorne August 15, 2017 at 9:42 PM

    My family overseas is expecting a child. A plane ticket would be purchased. Love over everything.

    Reply
  245. Jaymee @ Smart Woman August 16, 2017 at 1:30 AM

    I would grab some Victoria Secret lingerie and do a tasteful but sexy photoshoot to help me boost my confidence and feel great about my body! Also to capture my youth in photos that I can look back on in the future.

    Reply
    1. J. Money August 25, 2017 at 3:28 PM

      I’m pretty sure many people would snap pictures for you for free, haha… You’re so beautiful!

      Reply
  246. Ashley Deters August 16, 2017 at 6:11 AM

    My husband wants a 1,000 “lord of the rings” one ring. He will never get it cause we are too responsible…but I’d spend the 1,000 getting him the “one ring.”

    Reply
  247. Lisa O August 16, 2017 at 9:23 AM

    I would have my living room, dining room and bedroom painted. It has been 10 years and a change of color would be nice. If I did the work myself, I would put the balance of lets say $400 into the savings :)

    The thoughts of just an extra $1K puts a smile on my face!

    Reply
  248. MW August 16, 2017 at 1:58 PM

    I’d go to the casino with the wife. Since we usually spend $20 when we go (about once a year, if that), I’d throw the 1k into some slots. Watch those bright lights spin ’round. Play big / win big! And I wouldn’t have to feel so bad about losing $20 if it wasn’t mine to begin with!

    Reply
  249. Amy K August 16, 2017 at 3:43 PM

    My original thoughts were to pay to have cable tv and Sirrius radio for a year – – we stopped these years ago. Yet, now thinking more, we really don’t miss either of these things.

    Take a trip to Bandon Oregon. We visited once about 15 years ago before we had kids. I want to take my girls so they know why I dream of living there…it’s so hot here in AZ! The memories would last a lifetime!

    Reply
  250. Adriane August 16, 2017 at 5:41 PM

    I’d buy a dress and heels and take my hubby out on a super fancy date.

    Then I’d put a lift on the Jeep.

    (realistically I’d pay off some debt)

    Reply
  251. EI August 16, 2017 at 6:14 PM

    A honeymoon trip to Thailand to play with the elephants!

    Reply
  252. Darla Mathews August 16, 2017 at 9:56 PM

    Ain’t gonna lie, I would have to spend it on my credit card debt…but where you might say that’s being fiscally responsible, I see it as buying back some of my freedom. Right now, I’m working two jobs (full-time and part-time) six days a week and have been doing so for almost seven years. It seems every time I hit a 3 year mark, something major happens (transmission going out, mother in hospital 17 times in a 6 month period, etc.) to knock me back down but I’m not giving up. When I get discouraged, I look back and remember how hard it used to be and how much I have paid off up to now and I get determined again that this is NOT going to beat me and I am going to come out of this better and stronger. I anticipate that it will take me another two years before I can even THINK about quitting and I’m 53 years old. Starting to feel my age, too, so yea….freedom is a true luxury for me so I can’t think of a better thing to spend it on. Unless, maybe, it was the winning numbers of a huge lottery ticket then yea, I would go with the ticket. :)

    Reply
  253. Cobo2000 August 16, 2017 at 11:40 PM

    With a frivolous $1000, I’d prepay/plan date nights for a year. Restaurant gift certificates, movie tix, show tickets, envelopes for babysitting $, etc. Just having the $ set aside for that purpose would make it easier to actually GO.

    Reply
  254. Tiffany August 17, 2017 at 1:50 AM

    This sounds silly (maybe not?) but I’d buy a bunch of kitchenware that I really need. Since taking control of my finances, I’ve also taken control of my health. I’ve been cooking more than I’ve ever cooked in my entire life (trying to go vegan!) and there is so much that I don’t have in my kitchen. I really want a vitamix, but holy goodness they’re expensive. So, that $1000 would cover most of that and get me the rest of the things on my wishlist.

    Reply
  255. beth August 17, 2017 at 8:43 AM

    I would take that $1,000 and bring my family to Disney World! Unfortunately, that won’t get us very far. I’ll be luck if it gets us the 4 plane tickets to get us there and back (road trips with my husband are fine; road trips with my kids are fine; both? FORGETABOUTIT!). Whatever is left will go towards the hotel. Maybe I could upgrade to the resort! My current savings goal for Disney is $5,000. I’m not even sure that would be enough!!

    Reply
  256. Kelly August 17, 2017 at 9:48 AM

    With an extra $1000? I’d pay off our washer and dryer. Yawn. It’s like Alfred Doolittle says in My Fair Lady “The missus wouldn’t have the heart to spend [$1000].[$1000] is a lot of money. Makes a man feel prudent-like, and good bye to happiness.” But once the washer and dryer are paid off, we’ll only have two more debts to our name, and then we could work on our down payment on a house in a better school district.

    Actually, I’m changing my answer. I would hire a handyman to help my husband finish all the lingering projects in our house so we can list it sooner.

    Reply
  257. Ming August 17, 2017 at 10:41 AM

    I would invest $1,000 in Alibaba stock shares and then forget about it:)

    Reply
  258. Lanae August 17, 2017 at 11:49 AM

    I’d go to Vegas and play Ultimate Texas Hold Em then take whatever my $1000 turned into and see the Cirque de Soleil Beatles show.

    Reply
  259. Dani August 17, 2017 at 2:54 PM

    As someone previously mentioned, never had a chance to try a VR headset, so spend that money on getting one of those. Spend the leftovers on food and beer! Haha

    Reply
  260. Lynda August 17, 2017 at 5:38 PM

    i would go traveling with $1000.

    Reply
  261. Marii-Heleen August 17, 2017 at 5:59 PM

    Haa! Well, this came on right time considering we are heading to Hawaii in less than two weeks and would love to have more fun money! For extra $1000 me and my husband, whose 30th birthday we are celebrating with this trip, could go on a sunset cruise with moonlight dinner looking at Honolulu ($145), kayak down the Napali coast in Kauai and enjoy lunch on a secret island ($200/in), have our anniversary dinner at the Polynesian Cultural Centre with a show filled with firework and dancing ($85/in) and take some surfing lessons!

    Reply
  262. Marleigh August 17, 2017 at 8:31 PM

    We have a tiny travel trailer so I think it would be fun to just hit the road spontaneously and see how long we could stay out with1000.00. If we boondocked/dry camped, we could definitely make that 1000.00 stretch for a long time. How cool would that be to spend a month somewhere that we’ve never been before.

    Reply
  263. Mark August 19, 2017 at 4:38 PM

    If I couldn’t use the money to pay off debt or save the money, I would buy a DJI Phantom 4 Quadcopter drone. That is the ultimate gadget for a gadget freak like me. Either that, or a HEXA robot spider. Both are incredibly cool.

    Reply
    1. J. Money August 25, 2017 at 3:30 PM

      I still can’t believe you had to deal with all that – ugh.

      Reply
  264. Nicole Peppin August 24, 2017 at 1:27 PM

    I just recently moved from San Antonio to Colorado Springs–so I would probably utilize the funds to purchase a bookcase for my new apartment and then replenish my savings acct which took a slight hit from moving expenses :(

    Reply
  265. Cubert August 29, 2017 at 4:54 PM

    I’d buy a bro date with Mr. Money Mustache and J. Money. One can dream…

    Reply
    1. J. Money August 30, 2017 at 6:05 AM

      That comes courtesy with your ticket to FinCon :)

      Reply
  266. KL September 5, 2017 at 6:37 AM

    Not participating in the lottery any more but I have one splurge: travel. Coincidentally, I did have a windfall recently when changing jobs and I did use about that amount to travel. The rest of the extra (more than that) was promptly invested though.

    Also eating out, sports (race fees / equipment) and treating my parents are on the list.

    Reply
    1. J. Money September 6, 2017 at 5:10 PM

      Smart to spend stuff on stuff you prioritize and then invest the rest! A nice 1-2 punch :)

      Reply

Leave A Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *