I checked my account. There was an extra $2,400 from the government to help out people suffering from the pandemic financial crisis. There might be more in the future.
Because they needed to get the money out right away to help those who really need it yesterday, they also give a bunch of money to people who are still fully employed. If they had more time, they would have made sure the people who really need it got it (people who need to spend it, not just leave it in savings or put it in the investment account) to provide relief and lubricate the broader economy.
If you know someone who is in dire straits*, or if you know of an organization you trust that is helping those who are struggling to eat or provide shelter, you could hand off your unexpected bonus for its intended purpose! Or half of it? If that seems like a lot, think of the folks who are on the verge of homelessness. You can still remodel your bathroom. Just get the cheaper tile. :)
Not connected to anyone in need or any organizations yet and need some ideas? I recommend somewhere local where you can actually SEE what they're doing or someone you actually know personally. If your company has a program (my school has a process to accept donations to help our students' families in need), this might be an opportunity to contribute a little extra this year!
Here are a few other ideas:
https://foodnotbombs.net/new_site/index.php
https://www.standupforkids.org/
https://afsp.org/
Your church's outreach programs
Or you could head downtown with 100 $10 bills (or 10 $100 bills) and give them to people who look like they need them.
If it's awkward to give it to someone you know who needs it... Maybe something like this:
You: "Hey, the government gave me this money for the COVID relief but, like, I'm still working and that's wack. It's supposed to be for people who could really use it. Do you mind if I Venmo you some of it? It'd make me feel better. I mean, damn, it's not fair and I'd feel like an asshole spending it."
Hey, look, I know the multi-millionaires and billionaires could fix the whole "people in need" problem in short order, but seriously, if they were the type of people who thought like that, they wouldn't be uber-rich, now, would they, and we wouldn't have a homelessness problem**, or food deserts, and everyone would get basic healthcare. If millionaires and billionaires felt like fixing it, it would be done by now, and it isn't, so they won't.
If you don't want to give handouts, maybe you could find a "getting people back to work" like the workforce.org, or supporting PPE for all, or any other things that will stop the pandemic, get kids in school, get people vaccinated. Or be creative and find a cause worthy of your excess bounty!
* Mark Knopfler notwithstanding
** I didn't say there wouldn't be homeless people. But it wouldn't be a big problem. It would be a lifestyle choice which, now, it overwhelmingly isn't.
