[You can set the new hire bonus up so it’s paid monthly to you ]

This is probably better for your cash flow. Since taxes are deducted according to a mindless chart, your bonuses will be over-taxed when paid (if you are given a $20,000 check in a given week, the tax chart tells accounting to deduct taxes from it as though you earn $20,000 every week). You'll then get some of that back when you do your taxes at the end of the year (although you'll get back less than you think because they will have been under-deducting on your regular pay all year once the bonus money kicks you up a bracket). By taking the bonuses as they are earned, you'll smooth out the deductions and also eliminate the obligation to work in the future because of money received in the past.