5. Strengthen Your Family Ties and Secure Your Legacy
Sometimes, the best use of money has less to do with our own balance sheet and more to do with the people and causes we love. A stimulus check can be a wonderful opportunity to provide a meaningful gift, help secure your family’s future, or support a cause that is close to your heart. This path provides an emotional return on investment that can be just as valuable as a financial one.
Giving a Meaningful Gift to Loved Ones
For many grandparents, one of life’s greatest joys is helping their children and grandchildren. A stimulus check could be used to give a timely and impactful gift. Perhaps your adult child is saving for a down payment on a home, or your grandchild is getting ready for college. A direct financial gift could provide a much-needed boost.
It’s helpful to know the basics of the federal gift tax. As of recent years, you can generally give up to a certain amount per person per year (this amount is adjusted for inflation) without having to file a gift tax return. For a married couple, that amount is doubled. You can find the current annual exclusion amount on the IRS website. A typical stimulus check amount falls well below this threshold, so it’s usually not a concern, but it’s good information to have.
Another powerful way to help a grandchild is by contributing to a 529 education savings plan. A 529 plan is a tax-advantaged account designed specifically for education savings. Your contribution can grow tax-free, and withdrawals are tax-free when used for qualified education expenses like college tuition, books, and fees. It’s a gift that can literally last a lifetime.
The Most Important Plan: Your Estate Plan
One of the most profound acts of love you can undertake for your family is to create a clear, legally sound estate plan. This includes documents like a will, a living trust, a durable power of attorney for finances, and an advance directive for healthcare. These documents ensure that your wishes are carried out and that your loved ones are not burdened with difficult decisions and legal complications during a time of grief.
Many people put off estate planning because of the cost. A stimulus check could be the perfect way to pay the legal fees to have these crucial documents drafted or updated by a qualified attorney. If your will is more than ten years old or if you’ve had a major life event (like a marriage, divorce, or the birth of a grandchild), it’s likely time for a review. This is not an expense; it is an investment in your family’s peace and a cornerstone of your legacy.
Supporting a Cause You Cherish
If your own financial needs are met and your family is secure, you might find the greatest satisfaction in using your stimulus check to support a charitable organization. Whether it’s your local place of worship, an animal shelter, a food bank, or a medical research foundation, a donation can make a real difference in your community and the world.
Charitable donations can also provide a tax deduction if you itemize on your tax return. Be sure to get a receipt from the organization for your records. You can verify the legitimacy of a charity using online tools provided by organizations that monitor non-profits. This ensures your generous gift goes to a reputable cause.
Choosing this path is about aligning your money with your values. It’s a way to make a positive impact that extends far beyond your own household, creating a legacy of generosity and care.
