LUKA GOT A TRIPLE DOUBLE IN HIS 1ST GAME VS MAVS?! 🤯
Luka went STOOPID during the Lakers/Mavs game the other night, and shoutout to him because your parlay hit! 🤑 Or maybe your taxes came early and it’s burning a hole in your pocket. 🔥 Either way, you weren’t really expecting this money, but now that you have it, your brain is moving a mile a minute.
The group chat is already talking about bottle service this weekend and looking at spring break flights to Tulum. And now that you think about it, didn’t they drop the Chinese tariff? Maybe, you could finally get that SHEIN cart and wouldn’t even have to use Afterpay.
I know you’re rubbing your hands together like Birdman in a music video, and that voice in the back of your head is telling you to “treat yo’self,” but before you ball out, hear me out for a second. Surprise money disappears faster than regular money if you don’t have a plan. One minute you’re up, the next minute your pockets are touching and you’re stuck trying to figure out where all the money went.
So how do you make sure that this money helps you instead of being another mark in the “damn, I should’ve been smarter with that” column? Let’s talk about how to secure the BAG—aka how to not waste unexpected money.
Secure The BAG: How to NOT Waste Unexpected Money
When you get unexpected money, it’s easy to get caught up in the moment. No judgment—we’ve all been there. Not with a parlay, but The Horseshoe Casino got me right a time or two when it first opened. But securing the bag isn’t just about getting money. It’s about keeping it and using it in a way that supports your long term goals, so that you’re still winning long after Luka’s stat line fades from the headlines.
Here’s the tea:
- B — Break it down (into buckets)
- A — Allocate the coins (before you touch it)
- G — Grow something (so that your money works for you)
B – Break It Down (Into Buckets)
First things first—don’t treat the money like one big lump sum. That’s how it slips through your fingers. Break it down into categories so you know exactly where it’s going.
Try the 50-30-20 Windfall Rule:
✔ 50% Stability – Bills, debt, emergency fund (future-you will be grateful).
✔ 30% Flex – Enjoy yourself (responsibly). Treat yourself—but keep it cute.
✔ 20% Growth – Investing, business moves, or personal development.
🔹 Here’s an example: If Luka’s triple-double blessed you with $1,500:
- Take $750 to handle your business (cover bills, knock out some debt, or pad your emergency fund).
- Take $450 for some guilt-free fun (yes, that concert ticket or weekend getaway is calling—but don’t blow it all here).
- Take $300 and put it toward future you (investing, learning, or starting that side hustle you keep thinking about).
The exact percentages can flex depending on your situation—but the goal? Intentionality. Plan first, spend second.
A – Allocate The Coins (Before You Touch It)
Look, if the money’s just chilling in your checking account, it’s gonna start feeling like “extra” money—and that’s exactly how people end up broke before next weekend.
Here’s how to avoid the quick fade:
✅ Park it somewhere safe – Not ready to decide? Move it into a high-yield savings account. Let it sit and earn a little something something while you figure out your next steps.
✅ Patch up your emergency fund – If an unexpected expense would still throw you off, this is your chance to fix that. Rainy days will always come, and if you stay ready, you never have to get ready.
✅ Tackle that high-interest debt – If you’re carrying credit card balances or payday loans, paying some of that down is a guaranteed return on your money.
💡 Quick tip: Rename your savings account something related to what you’re saving for. I have a savings account named after the Pop Tart Bowl in December! It makes you think twice before dipping into it for random spending.
G – Grow Something (So the Money Works for You)
This is where you level up. Instead of letting all of that money disappear on things that you’ll break or lose or just don’t really need, use a portion to make future-you richer.
💰 Invest a little – Even if you’re new, start small. Open a Roth IRA, put some money into an index fund, or try micro-investing apps. The goal: get in the game.
🚀 Fund your hustle – Been sitting on a business idea? Need equipment or software for your side gig? Use this chance to invest in yourself.
📚 Buy knowledge – A course, a certification, or something that could boost your earning power? That’s money well spent.
🔹 For example: Imagine you spend $200 on a course that helps you get a higher-paying job. That’s future income unlocked off this one-time windfall.
Final Thought: Don’t Let Short Money Keep You from Long Money
It’s okay to celebrate. If you just scored off Luka’s stat line, treat yourself to something that makes you smile. You deserve that.
But also? Don’t fumble the bag.
This isn’t just about this money—it’s about using today’s win to set up tomorrow’s success. A little planning now can mean more freedom, less stress, and bigger wins in the future.
So if you remember nothing else from this, just keep it simple:
BAG – Break it down, Allocate your coins, and Grow something.
Go secure the BAG the right way. 🏆💸 Tell them The Money Plug taught you!
Your favorite cousin,
The Money Plug 🫶🏾✨
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