How are you spending your bonus?

Wall Street bonus season is here.

I’m a money reporter and I’m looking to speak with finance professionals about this year’s bonuses — how they compare to expectations, how you’re feeling about them, and what (if anything) you’re planning to spend them on.

Are you saving? Investing? Paying down debt? Making a big purchase? Sitting tight?

If you’re open to sharing your perspective (on or off the record), please DM me or email me at pcacheroATbloombergDotnet. We're looking to hear from everyone from analysts to MDs in IB, PE, HF and VC

Confidential conversations welcome.

7 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, bonus season in finance often sparks a mix of emotions and decisions. Many professionals, especially in investment banking, have expressed disappointment in recent years due to bonuses not aligning with record-breaking revenues. For instance, some analysts and associates have noted underwhelming payouts despite high expectations, leading to frustration and even increased attrition.

As for spending, the trends vary widely: - Saving and Investing: A significant portion of professionals prioritize saving or investing their bonuses, often in stocks, real estate, or other financial instruments. - Paying Down Debt: Some use their bonuses to reduce student loans or other debts. - Big Purchases: Others might splurge on luxury items, vacations, or significant life events. - Sitting Tight: Given economic uncertainties, some prefer to hold onto their bonuses as a safety net.

If you're looking for more detailed insights or specific anecdotes, you might find valuable discussions in WSO threads on bonus season.

Sources: 2020 Analyst Bonuses, Bonuses for Investment Banking 2017, What are you spending your bonus $$ on???, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/bonus-season-comps?customgpt=1, Cancelled Bonuses

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Amet fugiat molestias exercitationem animi assumenda explicabo. Est in dolor aut facere voluptates ut corporis. Dolore possimus deserunt inventore molestias consequatur qui illo. Delectus non dolorem eius rerum et consequatur. Et soluta ex magnam odit. Tempora neque dignissimos et voluptatem veritatis et dolorem.

Ea modi rerum ea qui. Neque rerum pariatur ut reprehenderit amet earum. Sit consequatur est quam eos. Eum commodi quo facilis non cupiditate. Ullam dolor a nihil rerum natus.

Autem omnis recusandae nesciunt voluptas. Rerum nihil sit perspiciatis minus ea assumenda. Unde a dolores reprehenderit facilis debitis aut. Est laboriosam fugiat voluptas voluptas odit et quasi alias. Fugiat ducimus consequuntur consequuntur aut ad vel magnam.

Exercitationem minus sint itaque est et quisquam atque nihil. Molestiae fugit delectus occaecati in praesentium hic. Odio molestiae nostrum voluptate vero.

Reporter for Bloomberg News

Career Advancement Opportunities

August 2026 Hedge Fund

  • Point72 99.0%
  • D.E. Shaw 98.0%
  • Citadel Investment Group 97.0%
  • AQR Capital Management 96.0%
  • Magnetar Capital 95.0%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

August 2026 Hedge Fund

  • Magnetar Capital 99.0%
  • D.E. Shaw 98.0%
  • Blackstone Group 97.0%
  • Citadel Investment Group 96.0%
  • Two Sigma Investments 94.9%

Professional Growth Opportunities

August 2026 Hedge Fund

  • AQR Capital Management 99.0%
  • Point72 98.0%
  • D.E. Shaw 97.1%
  • Citadel Investment Group 96.1%
  • Magnetar Capital 95.1%

Total Avg Compensation

August 2026 Hedge Fund

  • Portfolio Manager (9) $1,648
  • Vice President (27) $464
  • Director/MD (11) $372
  • NA (9) $320
  • Engineer/Quant (83) $287
  • 3rd+ Year Associate (26) $284
  • Manager (4) $282
  • 2nd Year Associate (32) $253
  • 1st Year Associate (76) $193
  • Analysts (234) $178
  • Intern/Summer Associate (29) $145
  • Junior Trader (5) $102
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (276) $95
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
10
bolo up's picture
bolo up
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”