Both Catholic and Methodist churches practice infant baptism. When kids in these denominations become teenagers, they can choose to go through confirmation — a symbolic ceremony that confirms their faith in Jesus’ sacrifice and their commitment to the church. It’s meant to be an outward symbol of an inward transformation.
If you’ve recently been confirmed, you may have received money as a celebratory gift from supportive friends and family. You could do so many fun things with this money, ranging from saving it all to spending every cent on something you’ve been eyeing for a while. Here are nine fun ways to spend your confirmation money.
1. Buy a Pet
If you’ve been thinking about getting a pet, you now have the funds for one. Pets can cost as much as $1,000 for the first year of ownership. Remember that you’ll have to pay adoption fees, vet bills and the constant cost of upkeep.
However, pets are well worth this expense, adding an abundance of sunshine and cuddles to your life. When you adopt a pet, you get a built-in best friend who will want to follow you wherever you go.
2. Eat Ice Cream
Ice cream is a perfectly legitimate purchase to make with your confirmation money. For many people, ice cream represents happiness in a cone. Pick out several of your favorite flavors, or hit a specialty store and order something unique.
You can even create your own by mixing vanilla with ingredients of your choice. Ice cream is a wonderful way to celebrate your confirmation without spending all your gift money.
3. Try a New Hobby
Think about a hobby you love or something new you’d like to try. You could invest some of your gift money toward craft supplies, a new bike or a fancy camera. Most hobbies cost something, and this is your opportunity to dive deeper into something you love. Think carefully and put your confirmation money toward an experience or skill you’ll value for years to come.
4. Plan an Experience
You could also use your confirmation money to take a special trip. This is a great way to make unforgettable memories and commemorate this meaningful time in your life. Visit a new city, hike a mountain range or take a plane to a new continent. You could even commit to future adventures by purchasing an RV. Make sure you take a friend or family member along with you for twice the fun.
5. Save for a Car
If you’re saving for a car, gifts at confirmation could significantly help you reach your goals. Put all your money into savings and consider asking for extra help from grandparents. Family members may pool their funds in honor of the occasion and help you achieve your dreams much faster than you thought possible.
6. Give to Charity
Giving to charity is another good use for confirmation money. When you’re confirmed, you publicly recognize how much God has given to you. This is the perfect opportunity to turn around and pass some of your blessings on to others. Choose a reputable nonprofit you admire and donate your confirmation gift as a way to celebrate this special time in your life.
7. Start a Roth IRA
Confirmation is also the perfect time to open a Roth IRA and begin saving for retirement. Although it might seem early, you can make more money with fewer investments the earlier you start. Compound interest will cause your investment to grow year after year, especially if you keep contributing to your account. This might not sound like fun right now, but you’ll thank yourself later.
8. Open a Business
You can use your confirmation money to start a business if you have entrepreneurial dreams. You can sell unique, handmade items on platforms like Instagram and Etsy with very little startup money. Create a business plan, buy supplies and get started. You may be able to double your money over a few months with enough hard work.
9. Organize a Club
Consider using your confirmation money to start a club with your friends. Ideas include a book club, making tea together, visiting historical sites, writing novels or doing outdoor cleanup in your neighborhood. Whatever you choose, your money can buy the snacks and supplies to keep you and your friends going.
Celebrate With Fun Money
At confirmation, Catholics and Methodists publicly announce their faith in Christ and their commitment to follow him. Many families celebrate this special time with financial gifts to show their support. Before you spend your confirmation money, take some time to consider your options.
Use these nine ideas to find the best way to spend your confirmation money. Remember that it doesn’t all have to go to one place — you could give one-third to charity, put one-third in savings and still have extra for something fun like ice cream or craft supplies. It’s OK to celebrate by doing something enjoyable with your confirmation money.
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