How to Maximize Your Bonus (Ep. 8)

For those who receive a year-end bonus, it can be tempting to splurge or treat yourself. But what if that extra money could help you check off a major financial goal?

 In this episode, Jamie Hopkins and Kate Duffy dive into the psychology behind bonuses and why timing, taxes, and emotions matter more than you think. They share practical strategies to turn windfalls into long-term wins, covering everything from tax withholding and automation to emergency funds, Roth accounts, and 401(k) contributions. Plus, they break down how to approach bonuses at different career stages so you can make the most of every dollar.

Key takeaways:

00:00 – Welcome and Episode Overview
00:43 – Mental Accounting and Emotional Spending of Bonuses
04:01 – Why You Need a Plan for Your Bonus and the Power of Compounding
05:15 – The Dangers of Pre-Spending Bonuses
06:29 – Understanding Bonus Taxation and Withholdings
08:40 – Planning for Executive Bonuses and Equity Compensation
11:34 – Using Bonuses for Mid-Career Financial Goals (Retirement and Charitable Giving)
16:39 – Early Career Bonuses, Emergency Funds, and Allocation Strategies
24:35 – When to Plan: The Importance of Advance Financial Review
27:45 – Closing remarks and next steps