Falling into a large, unexpected amount of money is a dream of many. Whether from an inheritance, significant tax refund, or lucky lottery win, a sudden financial gain presents unique opportunities—and challenges.

Without a clear money management strategy, you can easily slip over this potential stepping stone to greater financial security. In this blog, we’ll explore some strategies for making the most out of your windfall and ensuring lasting wealth.

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Pause and Plan

Stop—before going out and purchasing your dream car or booking that trip to Europe, you need to assess your current situation. Acting on impulse can lead to regrettable choices. Here’s what to do instead.

Check Your Financial Health

See where you are right now. Reviewing your current situation is the first step in crafting an effective financial plan. What are your immediate needs? Is there anything that needs to be addressed right away?

Eliminate Debt with Unexpected Money

Between mortgages, auto loans, and student debt, the average American owes a staggering $104,215. If you’re one of the lucky few to fall into a large amount of unexpected money, eliminating debt is a top priority. Paying off your loans will free up cash and allow you to build sustainable wealth over time.

Strengthen Your Safety Net

While you may be tempted to start spending, it’s important to consider the future. Once you’ve got your debt under control, start building a safety net. This should include, if nothing else, an emergency fund. Experts generally recommend saving at least six months’ worth of living expenses. 

Now would also be a good time to start thinking about insurance. Review and upgrade your insurance plan if you don’t already have good coverage. A robust insurance plan is especially important for families with children or those living with chronic health conditions. 

Invest in the Future

Investing a portion of your unexpected money can increase its value exponentially over time. Consider diversifying your investments to mitigate risk. For example, most investors have a mix of retirement accounts, such as IRAs or 401(k)s, and index funds. Some of the best index funds to invest in are:

  • Fidelity ZERO Large Cap Index
  • Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
  • SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
  • iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
  • Schwab NASDAQ-100 Index Direct

Real estate is another popular avenue for investing. Investors buy property and rent it out, which can significantly boost their long-term earnings. Over time, these properties may increase in value, allowing you to sell at a profit. 

No matter what you choose to invest in, be sure to start as soon as you can. That way, you can take full advantage of compound interest. Put simply, the longer you invest, the more time your unexpected money has to grow, and that equals wealth. 

Give Back

With newfound financial power comes the chance to make a positive impact on your community and the wider world. There are an unlimited number of ways you can give to charity. Some of the most popular types include:

  • Education
  • Healthcare
  • Poverty relief
  • Disaster recovery
  • Arts and culture

Take a look around and see what inspires you. What do you care about? How might you make the most impact? What kind of legacy do you hope to leave? These questions can help point you in the right direction.

Donating to charity also brings tax benefits. These donations can be claimed as itemized deductions on Schedule A of IRS Form 1040. For tax year 2024, the limit for charitable cash contributions is 60% of your adjusted gross income (AGI). Non-cash contributions are limited to 20-50% of AGI. 

Needless to say, whether you donate out of altruism, to receive tax breaks, or perhaps both, giving to charity is a great idea when coming into a large sum of money. 

Treat Yourself with Unexpected Money

Exercising self-control is critical, but don’t hesitate to treat yourself once you’ve managed debts and other financial obligations. A sudden windfall should improve your quality of life—not just in the distant future, but in the present as well.

Seek Financial Guidance

Coming into a sudden windfall can be overwhelming, and there’s no shame in seeking expert advice. A financial advisor can work with you to create a comprehensive plan tailored to your goals, helping you make smart, financially sound decisions.

They can assist with everything from tax planning to strategic asset allocation for investing, offering objective insights and helping you avoid impulsive spending. With a professional at your side, you can navigate your windfall with confidence and ensure you stay on track to long-term wealth. 

Let Us Help With Your Unexpected Financial Gain 

If you’re dealing with newfound funds and in need of professional guidance, let us help. Alpha Wealth Funds’ financial experts can help you manage your windfall. We will work alongside you to develop a strategy designed for your specific needs, both now and long-term. 

Ready to get started? Contact us for financial planning help today. 

 

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PAST PERFORMANCE IS NOT NECESSARILY INDICATIVE OF FUTURE RESULTS. All investments involve risk, including the loss of principal.