Some Vaccinated West Virginians Will Get a $100 Savings Bond

Residents under 35 now have another good reason to get the COVID-19 vaccination.

As more states push for residents to get the COVID-19 vaccine, some are getting creative by offering perks to motivate more people to get fully vaccinated -- and West Virginia is one of them. If you're in West Virginia and you're planning to get the shot soon, it may pay off. Keep reading to find out more.

Residents ages 16-35 are eligible for a reward

Some people are still hesitant to get the jab. But more people across the United States need to get vaccinated to limit the spread of the virus. To that end, West Virginia's governor, Jim Justice, recently announced that residents 16 to 35 will be eligible to receive a $100 saving bond if they get vaccinated against COVID-19.

This initiative is retroactive, too -- so if you're a younger West Virginia resident who has already been vaccinated, you're eligible for this reward. The governor noted that the median age of West Virginians who are testing positive is 34, and the state's younger population hasn't been getting vaccinated as quickly as preferred. For this reason, the incentive is targeted toward younger residents.

The savings bonds are being paid for through CARES Act funding (the economic stimulus bill passed in March of 2020). To make getting vaccinated even easier, the state is running free vaccination clinics through Memorial Day.

You may be eligible for other incentives and perks

Whether you live in West Virginia or another state, you may be eligible for incentives for vaccinated people. Some companies are giving away free products and services if you show that you're fully vaccinated. Here's a look at some of these opportunities:

• Through May, the Cincinnati Reds baseball team is offering special $10 tickets to fans who show their vaccination cards.
• Detroit residents can get a $50 prepaid debit card for driving a neighbor to get their shot.
• If you show your vaccination card at Krispy Kreme, you can get a free Original Glazed doughnut daily for the rest of 2021.
• Through May 31, vaccinated people are eligible for a complimentary dessert-on-a-stick treat from White Castle.

In addition to the above incentives, check with local businesses in your area to see if they're running any vaccination promotions or offering cash incentives. Some organizations are even paying their employees to get vaccinated. If your employer offers this, it can be an easy way to add some extra money to your bank account while doing your part to protect yourself and others.

Put that extra money to good use

Getting vaccinated is good for public health, but it can also be smart for your savings. If you're offered money as an incentive, you can put it into a savings account instead of spending it right away (if you can afford to do so). Setting your extra money aside can help make your personal finance goals a reality -- and help you prepare for the future as the pandemic continues.

During these uncertain times, it's normal to feel financial stress. Even as states open and more people get vaccinated, you may still be concerned about money. If you're struggling financially due to the pandemic, our coronavirus resources may be of help. And if you have yet to get vaccinated, now is a good time to do so. Look for opportunities to get rewarded for your efforts and earn some nice freebies or extra cash in the process.