Is Your Annual Bonus a Blessing or a Curse?

Though not everyone enjoys the wonder that is the year-end bonus, for many workers it's the most glorious time of the year. In a 2014 study, 80% of employers claimed to offer workers some sort of additional year-end payment. And while not every bonus check is of the over-the-top Wall Street variety, even an extra thousand dollars or two could have a serious impact on your finances.

But although you'd think your annual bonus would be something to celebrate, if you're not careful, it can hurt you as well -- namely, if you're counting on it and it doesn't come through. That's why you'll need to be cautiously optimistic when it comes to your bonus, and avoid making the mistake of factoring that money into your budget from the get-go.

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Source: Fool.com