Ask the Readers: The Best Thing That Happened to You in 2015?

Editor's Note: Congratulations to SKB, Lisa, and Julie for winning this week's contest!

Every year has its ups and downs. 2015 might've had more downs than usual in terms of world and national events, but it's important to remember the good things that happened in our day-to-day, personal lives.

What was the best thing that happened to you in 2015? Did you reach a major goal or advance your career? What experiences did you have this year that you'll remember for years to come?

Tell us about the best thing that happened to you in 2015 and we'll enter you in a drawing to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card!

Win 1 of 3 $20 Amazon Gift Cards

We're doing three giveaways — here's how you can win!

Mandatory Entry:

  • Post your answer in the comments below. One commenter will be randomly selected to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card!

For Extra Entries:

  • You can tweet about our giveaway for an extra entry. Also, our Facebook fans can get an extra entry too! Use our Rafflecopter widget for your chance to win one of the other two Amazon Gift Cards:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

If you're inspired to write a whole blog post OR you have a photo on flickr to share, please link to it in the comments or tweet it.

Giveaway Rules:

  • Contest ends Monday, December 28th at 11:59 p.m. Pacific. Winners will be announced after December 28th on the original post. Winners will also be contacted via email.
     
  • You can enter all three drawings — once by leaving a comment, once by liking our Facebook update, and once by tweeting.
     
  • This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered, or associated with Facebook.
     
  • You must be 18 and US resident to enter. Void where prohibited.

Good Luck! 

Disclaimer: The links and mentions on this site may be affiliate links. But they do not affect the actual opinions and recommendations of the authors.

Wise Bread is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.


Guest's picture
Gina

I made good new friends in 2015.

Guest's picture
Julie Wood

I got a new car in 2015 and love it!

Guest's picture
Marileyn @leyn16

I got rid of extra lbs and now I fit my pre pregnancy jeans again! Totally the best thing to me in 2015. Learning how to be healthy without sacrificing the taste was the best. Also working out more without a GYM membership!

Guest's picture
Mami2jcn

The best thing that happened in 2015 was giving birth to my 4th child 3 months ago.

Guest's picture
Elena

The best thing was my vacation in Hawaii

Guest's picture
Amanda

I paid off 90% of my outstanding student loan balance (of $47,554.) I also advanced my career. I don't think I could have done either, though, without blogging. I started a personal finance blog, and the community kept me accountable, encouraged me, cheered me on, and celebrated my victories. THAT is the best thing that happened to me in 2015 - (e)meeting those fine folks in the personal finance community!

Guest's picture
Nisha

I went well out of my comfort zone and tried out new activities in 2015: I tried snorkeling and parasailing for the first time in Aruba. I was terrified & exhilarated all at once.

Guest's picture
Julie Lundstrom

The best thing that happened in 2015 was that one of my daughters got her Associates Degree and she got engaged.

Guest's picture
Emily S.

I got engaged December 07, 2015!

Guest's picture
Steve J

I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Bad news? Nope. I have much healthier, sustainable diet, exercise regularly, take two pills a day, go off the rails a couple of times a month, and all blood tests are well within healthy ranges. Best thing that ever happened to me.

Guest's picture
Emily Pilote

In 2015 my husband and I adopted our son. He was a surprise and we had 3 days to get life together. When he was 10 weeks old I was diagnosed with cancer. Even though it was a scary and difficult time, I realized the importance of having my financial house in order. I'm now cancer free and love being mom to a healthy, happy almost 1 year old.

Guest's picture
Lisa

i had the most incredible 'aha' moment when i made it happen in terms of surprising my brother in the army for his birthday his big 30th! i hadn't seen him in over 7 years, horrible fact, and something i had to fix by making this reunion happen...he made it out of Kabul serving in army and now he is stationed in Colorado Springs, CO so i made the flight and surprised him...HAPPY TEARS....and i fell in love with my 3 little nephews...and i realized i have the best sister-in-law...has the most amazing trip....FULL OF LOVE.

Guest's picture
Mary W

My Grandson was born in 2015. That's as good as it gets!

Guest's picture
Ernest S.

Getting more clarity on what I want to do in my life, especially from a career perspective!

Guest's picture
Elle

I got a new car about 6 months ago and I love it.

Guest's picture
Steve from Arkansas

The best thing that happened to me happened today when I finalized my plans to retire! I just turned 60, and have saved aggressively and invested throughout my 38 year career at the same company and finally realized I do not need an income anymore. I do have a two day a week contract consulting job lined up that will let me stay busy and still make about $75,000 a year which will keep me from having to pull much out of savings until I get to Social Security. I may also try to ramp that "hobby" job into something resembling full time and then keep adding to my savings, but I'll only do that if i'm having a lot of fun at it. The job I'm leaving is a majorly stressful one that keeps me on call 24 by 7 by 365. It was a lot of fun for most of my career, but I feel it is time to move to something more fun and less demanding. And to get to enjoy more leisure time as well.

Guest's picture
Jeff

added a comma to my number.

Guest's picture
Harley

I received a job offer from my dream employer!!!

I was working in a very toxic office for about 5 years, when I braved up and went on a job hunt. I applied, and the recruiter called the very next day. I was so excited. Eventually, I was hired and today...I put in my two weeks. Better benefits, $20k more a year than what I currently am making, and now the flexibility to travel, since I worked weekends. Talk about getting a great start to 2016 already!

Guest's picture
Guest

Getting married! And paying cash for our wedding! And refinancing our mortgage and dropping out PMI! Yipee!

Guest's picture
Rebecca B. A. R.

New jobs for me and my husband!

Guest's picture
Michelle D.

I did a lot of traveling and went to Hawaii, Bahamas and Florida for the first time!

Guest's picture
Jennifer Marie

We moved and started a new school!

Guest's picture
Tabathia B

My youngest daughter just had her last blood transfusion because she is on a new medicine

Guest's picture
Leigh Anne Borders

I got accepted into an Administrative internship!

Guest's picture
Candace Evans

The best thing to happen to me this year was visiting Africa in the spring! It was a dream I've had for decades and it finally came true.

Guest's picture
An G

I've learned to let go of nit picky things and enjoy life

Guest's picture
Christine Brown

I decided to become more active and she's extra weight. I'm stronger and much more confidant.

Guest's picture
Donna Sako

I managed to enjoy the year despite some set backs.

Guest's picture
Louly

2015 was actually just an awful year and I am ready for it to be over. I did win a few nice things for my family, but that's about it.

Guest's picture
Guest

I got to watch my grandson discover the world.

Guest's picture
Guest

I got a great new job!

Guest's picture
Susan Smith

I lost 60 pounds this year!

Guest's picture
Monique

I simplified my life to be able to spend some time travelling. First stop was Florida to spend time with family. And 2016 will be bring even more good things!

Guest's picture
Trish

I got into an exercise routine!

Guest's picture
Betty

I went on a beautiful cruise to Bermuda with my daughter in 2015. My best vacation so far. We plan to vacation together again in 2016.

Guest's picture
Amanda Sakovitz

The best thing to happen to me was meeting my boyfriend. Truly blessed.

Guest's picture
Lynda

Had my first child

Guest's picture
Catseye

I made A's in all of my classes.

Guest's picture
J. Pario

We hit the half-way point on our mortgage.

Guest's picture
Natalie Merino

I finished paying off my school loan!! Such a relief after being laid off 2x. Looking forward to better financial success in 2016! Merry Chrisfmas and Happy/Health 2016! Make it your year to thrive! :)

Guest's picture
Sheryl

I bought a new car and I am so happy!

Guest's picture
Donna D

Enjoyed my garden and got to share with others.

Guest's picture
Tara

We got pregnant in 2015 after 2 years of trying! Hoping to give birth this week before the year is out!

Guest's picture
Marie

This was a year of firsts for me. My husband and I bought and completely renovated a condo - what a learning experience that was! We'd never renovated anything before but the finished product was well worth all of the challenges we endured! Up until this November, I had also been at a job going on 2 years in which I was completely unhappy for which I discovered I was painfully underpaid. I took a huge leap of faith and left my company of almost 11 years to chase after my dream job....and I got it along with a $23/yr pay raise! Life is very, very good when you set your fears aside just long enough to take a chance on yourself.... I've realized I'm capable of far more than I ever dreamed!

Guest's picture
Carmen N

Finding time to read books again!

Guest's picture
Happy Love

I got pregnant again.

Guest's picture
Trang

I became an auntie!

Guest's picture
RICH

I got engaged!

Guest's picture
Suz_Glo

The best thing that happened to me in 2015 is that I am still a happy and healthy person.

Guest's picture
Devon

We made the realization that our attitude toward money HAS to change in this coming year!

Guest's picture
SKB

No one big moment but it was a happy and healthy year

Guest's picture
Renee

I got a great new project at work and a raise to go with it!

Guest's picture
Angelica

I took my kids to the beach for the first time! Their reactions were pricless! :)

Guest's picture
Miss kim

I had family that I hadn't seen in years visit me this year.

Guest's picture
Thomas Murphy

I bought a new house!