How do you budget a windfall?

[LivingAlmostLarge]

I couldn't book a nicer hotel for our next couple of vacations. Not quite there yet. Maybe if i see the money but who knows.

We only have two roth iras and 2 ESA and that's it. I've been "saving" 20% of our income but I sort of hate it. I just like to spend what comes in. This is why before it was easier. I would earmark all our saving, save all stock bonuses and then spend everything else. I still hate budgeting.

[Jluke]

If you aren’t sure what to do with it, let it sit for ~6 months.

maybe something obvious will pop up. Or not.

i think that is recommended on bogleheads too.

[bjl584]

If you aren’t sure what to do with it, let it sit for ~6 months.

maybe something obvious will pop up. Or not.

i think that is recommended on bogleheads too.

I've seen that recommendation given to lottery winners.
Do nothing for 6 months.
Get all your affairs in order, cool off on any emotional purchases that you may be thinking about, then make your moves after you can think logically and clearly.

[ryan_themoneyguy]

I'd start by covering all my debts, donating 10-20% to a cause I care about, saving 10-20%, and investing the rest, minus a chunk of spending money.

If you cover these bases first, you'll likely feel a lot better about spending a chunk of it, perhaps on a great vacation, or a home upgrade you've been wanting to do.