Long time no blog! During this quarantine, I’ve decided to get back into journaling and blogging in a more personal, first-person style, hoping to keep both you and myself entertained. You might feel like you’ve missed quite a bit, maybe even a whole season, but we’ll catch up together. In the meantime, stay safe and keep washing your hands.

It’s Day 52 of quarantine, and it’s almost mid-May. By now, most people in the U.S. have received their stimulus checks: $1,200 per person and $500 per child under 17, aimed to help those facing reduced work hours or unemployment. There’s also an extra $600 per week for those on unemployment, transforming minimum wage earners into $15 per hour recipients without needing childcare or paying for gas.

Tax refunds came in about a month ago, so you might find yourself with some extra cash. Here’s what you should consider doing with it:

First, pay off any high-interest debt you might have. For example, my credit card company in the U.K. canceled a card I hadn’t used for a long time, which could make it harder to get more credit since I don’t live there anymore. So, be mindful of your credit situation.

Next, handle your obligations. Just because the government allows delayed rent payments doesn’t mean you’re off the hook. Eventually, you’ll need to pay it. Imagine in a city like San Diego, where a one-bedroom apartment costs $2,000 a month—missing five payments means you’ll owe $10,000. It’s no joke, so pay your bills or even prepay them to avoid impulsive spending.

If you have some leftover cash, consider investing it. I don’t usually give specific stock or real estate advice, but building a financial cushion for uncertain times is always a good idea.

Lastly, help out if you can. Although distributing the same amount to everyone seems fair, the reality is some need it more than others. Food banks, for example, are struggling to meet demand. If you’re looking to help, that’s a great place to start. I’ve been sending funds to Guatemala to help villagers with food, raising over $500 thanks to generous readers.

Connecting with a community leader like a mayor or pastor can help you identify where your support will be most impactful. In my community on Coronado Island, one of the wealthiest in California, there are still neighbors in need. For instance, I walk my elderly neighbor’s dog, and local kids are helping older residents set up Zoom so they can stay connected with their families.

The debate about whether to spend or save your stimulus check is intriguing. If you’re naturally a saver but want to help, aside from donating to non-profits, you can buy gift cards to your favorite local shops. This gives them cash now while you save your purchases for later.

I also like the idea of providing work. Some neighbors are hiring kids for yard work. My projects in Guatemala aren’t urgent, but the workers there need the income now. If you can manage without your stimulus check, finding ways to do some good with it can make a big difference.