Making the most of a bonus

The optimal order for special payments (bonus, Christmas bonus):

Step 1: pay off expensive debt (top priority)

• Overdraft at 13% interest? Pay it off immediately. No ETF guarantees 13%
• Consumer loan? An extra repayment saves interest

Step 2: top up your emergency fund

• Not yet at 3–6 months' salary? Put the bonus into overnight money

Step 3: pay off cheap debt

• Mortgage: special repayment possible? Saves thousands of euros in interest in the long run

Step 4: invest

• Lump-sum investment in an ETF (or: invest over 3–6 months via an increased savings plan)
• Junior securities account for the children

Step 5: treat yourself (10–20%!)

• Important: consciously set aside 10–20% of the bonus for something nice. You've earned it
• A dinner, a gift, an experience – without a guilty conscience

Example: €3,000 Christmas bonus:

• €1,000 to pay off the overdraft ✅
• €1,000 to top up the emergency fund ✅
• €600 lump-sum ETF investment ✅
• €400 for you ✅