What to do with $2000 - 6 Ways to Invest in Yourself
Written By: Taylor Rao
Advertising Disclosure- Our content is free because we earn a commission when you click or make a purchase using our site.
When a little extra cash comes your way, whether it’s from a federal tax return, a bonus at work, or a generous gift, there’s no doubt your wheels start turning as you think about what you could do with a chunk of money in your pocket.
Let’s say you have $2,000, for example. That is a significant dollar amount that can go a long way in a lot of ways –and we don’t just mean shopping sprees or other frivolous purchases. It’s important to take a step back before you spend and think about how your money can work for you to benefit your current state of mind or your medium-to-long-term future.
Wondering how you can make the most of it? Take some of the tips below and learn how you can create long-lasting investments in yourself with $2,000 to play with.
Ready, set, invest
One of the first thoughts is typically to come up with a dollar amount of your total that you would like to put towards some kind of savings. But nowadays, instead of tossing money in a “secret” savings account to use for later, you can invest that money smartly while still having access to it if need be.
The popular investment app Acorns is a great place to get started if you have never stored money away like this before, and after a brief questionnaire about what you are willing to invest, what your appetite is for taking risks is, and what your long term goals are, Acorns takes your cash invested and strategically helps you increase your total over time.
You can invest a set dollar amount per month or store a lump sum away to start, and with the simple touch of a button, you can see how your investment accounts are growing.
Create an in-home fitness experience
There is truly no better investment in your own health –both mentally and physically. And if you’ve been saving up for in-home exercise equipment or dream of having a dedicated space to sweat it out, you will immediately start to see the benefits of buying the tools you need to stay physically active and decompress through exercise in a comfortable place.
For those of us who used to make regular appearances at your local cycling studios before the pandemic, you can emulate the same environment at home with a MYXfitness professional-grade bike. And it’s not just a bike, the MYX II Plus comes with an entire suite of workout equipment including dumbbells, a kettlebell, an exercise mat, a foam roller, and more. So, safe to say you’ve got a one-stop shop that can deliver an entire studio to your home with just one purchase. Did we mention they also offer a 30-day risk-free home trial?
Upgrade your mattress
And with the importance of physical activity of course comes the necessity to ensure you get the best possible rest you can every night, especially during times of stress or while managing a busy schedule. if you have a little extra money to invest in your long-term health, replacing an old mattress can be at the top of the list.
You might not realize how much your mattress has to do with whether you’re sleeping well or not, and when you start to determine what factors affect your sleep, you won’t be able to add a new mattress to your cart quickly enough.
Yeah, that’s right –your online cart! With Saatva, you can order the perfect mattress for you directly online after you take their quiz. They have a Sleep Guide you can chat with to answer any questions before your new products get delivered to your door for a better night’s rest.
Visit a destination on your bucket list
After going on two-plus years with limited travel, now is the time to take the leap into finding new ways to travel safely again. Chances are, you might have had to put a pin in some of your plans to visit friends, explore a new city or fly outside of the country, but with additional funds in your account and a world returning to normal, there’s more opportunity to get out and visit a destination on your bucket list.
Sometimes, it is more fulfilling to spend your money on experiences instead of material items, and the gift of travel can provide perspective when you take in breathtaking views, absorb local culture, meet interesting people along the way and open yourself to the unknown.
Not sure where to start? Have an open mind when you open the Airbnb app and see which places are trending. Airbnb has expanded its offerings beyond just lodging, but to unique excursions, experiences, and more in whichever city, beach town or ski mountain you’re into.
According to Architectural Digest, some of the most popular international destinations in 2022 include Paris, Oslo, Copenhagen, Dubai, and The British Virgin Islands.
Straighten up your smile
As an adult, it’s not uncommon for your teeth to shift a little here and a little there in the years after your childhood braces come off. And some people, might not have ever had orthodontic work done as a kid at all. But in the world of first impressions, from business meetings to dating apps, your smile says so much about you and can be one of the many keys to confidence.
By making the commitment to improve your teeth and smile with teeth aligners, you are showing yourself some love and making a change that will benefit you for years to come. Today’s process is made much easier with online companies like Byte, which sends an impression kit right to your home to get you started on getting straight teeth ASAP. They have a few options, from all day to at night only aligners so that you achieve your goals in a way that works best for your lifestyle and schedule.
Tackle a DIY project at home
If there’s a certain room in your house that you walk into every day and say, “I can’t wait to change this up,” then it’s worth spending your money on creating a plan of action to transform a commonly used space to bring you more peace or joy when you’re around.
For some people, this could be doing a mini bathroom makeover to make getting ready in the morning a more pleasant experience. You will notice a big difference by improving the lighting to help you with your skincare and makeup routine, purchasing more luxurious towels to step out of the shower with, or repainting a vanity or medicine cabinet to give it a fresh look.
Other ideas might be reimagining a living room or bedroom area with cosmetic updates like paint or peel-and-stick wallpaper, or even an easier option to update throw pillows, area rugs, or wall art. There’s a lot to be said for making your living spaces a relaxing, welcoming environment that reflects your personality and puts you at ease.
