<commit_before>---
title: What Should I Do With My Wedding Gift Money?
date: 2018-11-19 11:00:00 -05:00
categories:
- lifestyle
image: "/uploads/gift-784611.jpg"
tweet: Wedding gifts are an exciting part of getting married! Here's how you should
  use any money you get.
posts:
- How to Create a Wedding Budget
- How to Plan a Wedding and Stay Sane
- How I'm Incorporating My Values Into My Wedding
---

Congratulations, you're married! And the wedding planning part of life is finally over! Plus, if you're lucky, you're walking away from your wedding with a nice chunk of change. But it's important to have a plan when you get a windfall like this. You don't want to find yourself a few months from now with no extra money left and nothing to show for it.

Of course, how you use the money depends on you and your partner's goals and responsibilities. But there are some basics that you should focus on when spending that money.

> You don't want to find yourself a few months from now with no money left and nothing to show for it.

## Pay Off Debt

I know this doesn't sound fun. No one likes to pay off debt with gift money. But it's actually hugely important to pay off your debt if you can! If you have any credit card debt (or debt accrued during wedding planning), you should absolutely put your wedding money towards it. This will help you and your new spouse start your marriage on more solid financial footing.

## Build Up Your Savings

## Do Something Fun<commit_msg>Updated What Should I Do With My Wedding Gift Money<commit_after>---
title: What Should I Do With My Wedding Gift Money?
date: 2018-11-19 11:00:00 -05:00
categories:
- lifestyle
image: "/uploads/gift-784611.jpg"
tweet: Wedding gifts are an exciting part of getting married! Here's how you should
  use any money you get.
posts:
- How to Create a Wedding Budget
- How to Plan a Wedding and Stay Sane
- How I'm Incorporating My Values Into My Wedding
---

Congratulations, you're married! And the wedding planning part of life is finally over! Plus, if you're lucky, you're walking away from your wedding with a nice chunk of change. But it's important to have a plan when you get a windfall like this. You don't want to find yourself a few months from now with no extra money left and nothing to show for it.

Of course, how you use the money depends on you and your partner's goals and responsibilities. But there are some basics that you should focus on when spending that money.

> You don't want to find yourself a few months from now with no money left and nothing to show for it.

## Pay Off Debt

I know this doesn't sound fun. No one likes to pay off debt with gift money. But it's actually hugely important to pay off your debt if you can! If you have any credit card debt (or debt accrued during wedding planning), you should absolutely put your wedding money towards it. This will help you and your new spouse start your marriage on more solid financial footing.

## Build Up Your Savings

As I've written before, building up your emergency savings is crucial for your financial wellness. 

## Do Something Fun

Using all of your gift money for responsible things can be a real downer. That's why it's also okay to use a portion of your money to pay for something fun! Take 10% of your gift money to spend just one the two of you. It could go towards your honeymoon, towards a fancy dinner, or perhaps for a new piece of furniture for your home. Whatever will treat you enough to make you feel good about putting most of the money towards debt and savings!

*What did you spend your wedding gift money on? Share in the comments!*
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