How to Spend your $900 – think about your future needs first

Thousands of Australians are just receiving or are about to receive a pretty handsome cheque from the Federal Government as part of the economic stimulous package. The question then is ‘what do I spend this on?’ Below I offer a futurist’s view on where certain generational types might consider spending the bonus.

As a Strategic Futurist I am asked to help individuals and organisations of all shapes and sizes consider emerging issues and potential implications as a result of those issues.  Below is a ‘generational’ take that might assist you when thinking about your future and how to spend the funds wisely:

Boomers – okay let’s say you’re about to be in receipt of a full $900 – where do you use the cash?  Well if I was a Boomer, I’d be looking at two areas in particular – training, and training.  First, consider a book-keeping course – it’s a great skill with plenty of ongoing demand, and second then about doing a Cert IV in Training and Assessment – that workplace experience and teaching qualification could be in great demand.  Alternatively, think about buying yourself a good bicycle with all the riding accessories you need – helmet, lights etc.  You might find you’ll need to stop driving or have more time to spend with the grand kids

For Gen Xers (the ‘forgotten’ generation) – the Cert IV in Training and Assessment is a must do, slightly after paying off Credit Card Debt.  If you’re okay in those two areas then I’d certainly think about getting a yearly gym membership – just make sure you pay all in one hit so you don’t get locked into contracts with horrendous and punitive ‘get-out’ clauses.  The training qualification will be useful in later years as the upturn kicks in because there will be plenty of people needing to be re-trained in a hurry.  The gym because if you find yourself temporarily on the scrap heap, your health can go down hill fast.  Committing to staying healthy means your state of mind is sharper, you’ll look better and you just never know who you might meet there.  For many, it’ll be a chance to make up for one too many good lunches and long working hours that rarely included sufficient exercise

Gen Y – ah yes, the first shock to the system for many in this bracket.  Consider buying camping equipment and an outdoor stove because you might just find that you’ll need somewhere to live once the rental and free accommodation dries up.  Also a good bicycle because if your friends lose their job (or you do) running a car will be expensive – same goes for a reliance on parents to drive you around – such an asset may no longer be available and the ol’peddley will turn out to be more than a useful option

There you have it – enjoy the cash, spend wisely