The unexpected bonus landed in David's inbox like a digital thunderbolt. $10,000. A year-end surprise from his remarkably generous employer, a windfall he hadn’t even dared to dream of. Initially, a wave of pure, unadulterated joy washed over him. He envisioned new skis, a long-overdue upgrade to his creaky laptop, perhaps even a down payment on a slightly less dilapidated car. The possibilities, fueled by the potent cocktail of surprise and unexpected wealth, seemed endless. He pictured himself relaxing on a beach, margarita in hand, the weight of financial worries momentarily lifted. He even considered buying his long-suffering mother a new washing machine, a gift that would alleviate some of her daily struggles.