If you’re paid biweekly, you actually receive 26 paychecks a year. Most monthly budgets assume only two per month (that’s 24), which leaves two “extra” checks that can be turned into a savings boost, debt payoff, or a planned treat. The trick is seeing them coming—and giving them a job before they disappear into everyday spending.

What Is the 13th Paycheck Strategy?

Two months each year will include a third paycheck if you’re paid every two weeks. Treat those checks as intentional fuel for your goals rather than normal bill money.

Step 1: Identify Your Bonus Paychecks

Scan your pay calendar for the two months with three paychecks. If that’s tedious, let Onu do it—our cashflow pulse watches deposits and marks the extra-pay periods for you.

Step 2: Give the Extra Paycheck a Job

Decide in advance where the money goes:

• ⚡ Debt payoff (especially high-interest cards)
• 🛟 Emergency fund or planned savings
• 📈 Investments or retirement contributions
• 🏖️ Yearly treat (vacation, course, upgrade)

Onu models simple what-if forecasts so you can see whether debt payoff or savings will create more impact now.

Step 3: Automate Your Decision (Not Your Money)

Onu does not move your money. You stay in control. Instead, Onu provides timely insights and advice so you can take action quickly:

• 🔔 Alerts via email/Slack when a bonus deposit lands
• 🎯 Recommendations on which “jar” to fund based on your targets
• 📊 Before/after previews of your cashflow if you follow through

Step 4: Repeat Every Year

Onu can remind you about the two bonus months annually. Rinse and repeat—your “13th paycheck” becomes a reliable wealth habit.

Why Onu Makes It Easy