BillShrink Giving Away $2,500 to Wise Bread Readers
Editor's Note: Contest has ended. Click here to see list of winners.
BillShrink, a free website that gives personalized money-saving recommendations on everyday bills, is giving away $2,500 to Wise Bread readers!
In addition to the contest, BillShrink CEO Peter Pham also shared some great savings tips later in this post. But first, the contest!
Blog Comment Contest: $2,000
Prize: 1 winner of $2,000. BillShrink representatives will pick their favorite response.
How to Enter
BillShrink wants to give you $2,000 to start your New Year with a money make over.
Simply leave a comment below and tell us in 2-3 sentences about what you’d do with $2,000? The best response takes the grand prize.
Would the responsible you pay down your credit card debt? Put the money in savings? Buy low in the stock market? Or start a college fund for your toddler? Or … would rowdy you blow it on a ticket to Antigua? Or buy 14 bottles of Dom Perignon? Or get a flat screen TV or a new computer? BillShrink CEO Peter Pham also talks about how he would spend $2,000. You might want to check out Peter's response get some inspiration.
Don't forget to enter your email address while leaving a comment. We can't contact you if you don't leave an email address!
Twitter Contest: $250
Prize: 1 winner of $250. Randomly selected.
How to Enter
Simply tweet one of these messages:
- RT this for chance to win $250 @WiseBread http://bit.ly/4t0sDu
- Win $2500 at @WiseBread courtesy of @BillShrink http://bit.ly/4t0sDu
Don't forget to follow us on Twitter. It makes it easier for us to message you when you win.
BillShrink Facebook Contest: $250
Prize: 1 winner of $250. BillShrink will randomly select one of their new fans following them on Facebook.
How to Enter
Visit BillShrink's Facebook fan page and add yourself as a fan. That's it!
(While you're in Facebook, don't forget to check out Wise Bread's fan page as well.)
Rules For All Three Contests
The Blog Comment, Twitter, and Facebook contests all end at midnight EST 1/08/10. Winners will be announced on this post on 1/13/10. You can enter all 3 contests, but you can only win once. US residents only, must be 18 or over, void where prohibited (see official contest rules).
Interview With Peter Pham
According to your website, BillShrink has identified more than $1 billion in savings for more than 1 million people this year. Why are so many people overpaying on their bills?
Wireless plan and credit cards are inherently complex. You have in- and out-network calling, overage fees, variable interest rates, annual fees – it’s really too much for a person to track. Each wireless plan, each credit card, markets their plans with different language, gives you options over different periods of time, and has different offerings, so it’s nearly impossible to make an apples-to-apples comparison. BillShrink will do all that homework for you using technology that analyzes all of the fine print and tracks the best options on the market so you don’t have to.
Another reason people are overpaying is that options are constantly changing. Credit cards, banks and wireless companies are competing for your business and continue to make new offers. That’s why we’ve also built into BillShrink the ability to get alerts when a better deal comes along. We’ll take into account all things like wireless termination fees, so you can see if you will really save more money in the long run.
What was the best piece of budgeting advice you got or gave in 2009?
The best piece of advice I gave was to ignore those seeming appealing in-store credit card offers. Salespeople entice you at the register with an additional 10-30% off your purchase and 0% APR promises. But that impulse decision could cost you in the long run because after introductory rates, store credit cards are have interest rates that are generally higher than standard credit cards. Not to mention that they are notoriously strict about late fees, which increase the rate dramatically. All this and that’s not all, when you apply for a new card, an inquiry is made to the credit bureau, which may slightly lower your credit score.
How do you think people can save money on the necessities like gas and cell phones? Is there a way to cut back without making sacrifices?
Absolutely! Most people don’t alter their plan to better fit their usage, but like most, you may have selected a wireless package a year ago that isn’t the right plan for you now. Most people are so afraid of overage charges so they buy tons of minutes or get the unlimited plans that they may not really need.
BillShrink assesses what you need and on average, we save people $300 on their phone bill, without them having to sacrifice any minutes or plan options. For gas, many people by habit go to the same gas station. But, if you can drive the same distance to a station that costs $0.50 less per gallon of gas, that could be a savings of $130 a year.
Do you think frugality will end when the economy starts to pick up?
I think frugality is here to stay, at least I hope so. While this economically turbulent year forced many to change their spending behaviors, I think people will choose to remain frugal as it feels good to be wise about your dollars. In particular, if people feel they are getting the same services for less money, the question simply is ‘why would I pay more than I need to?’ So maybe ‘Frugal is the new black!’
My weakness is food; I’m a culinary snob. I’d consider blowing it on a trip to NY and have dinner with my wife at Masa, where the pre-fix menu is $500/person.
Never mind all the bill shrinking -- what do you think is worth paying top dollar for?
Vacations. When I get the rare chance to go on holiday with my family, I love a fine hotel with great service, excellent restaurants, and a gorgeous pool. That comes with a price tag, but the rest and luxury is worth it!
Can the consumers be sure that your recommendations are objective?
BillShrink is independent and unbiased. This means that we present the best options to users and have no preferential display of any wireless, credit card, savings or gas recommendations. Our rankings are calculated by complex algorithms that match your unique spending habits with all the available plans in the marketplace, so in essence, we’re your personal financial matchmaker. We think our best value comes in continuing to alert you when a better deal comes along that could save you even more money.
So far your focus is on cell phones, credit cards, and gas prices. But couldn't you expand this to a lot more goods and services? What are your plans for the future?
We intend to keep saving people throughout 2010 and beyond. We’ll add services like TV and Internet services, as well as a host of other bills so that we’ll save Americans another $1 billion next year.
Update: Announcing the Winners!
Blog Comment $2,000 Winner
Winner: Joe Wilson
I would use the money to help pay off my wife's battle with breast cancer. I am on a fixed income (disabled) 64 years old. my wife has to work for health ins due to my sickness 20 years ago. she is a 62 year old pharmacy tech and works 40 hrs a week. we are staying even due to our good credit rating (796) but I have a wad of debt. paying off the hospital and certain other tests she has undergone will allow us to continue with her prescribed medical needs this coming year using Canada to buy certain drugs due to pricing . thank you for your consideration joe and kathy Wilson
Jenny from BillShrink explains why this was her favorite:
Whew! Wonderful to see 1053 respondents for the contest. We read some funny and some very heartbreaking stories about people who really could use the $2000 cash. We liked the below entry from Joe & Kathy Wilson. We appreciated that Kathy keeps a full-time job and that these are hard-working people who have tried to maintain good credit, but have medical expenses that are beyond their means. Again, this was a hard choice and... well, we had a few runner-ups that we really liked as well.
Twitter Contest $250 Winner:
Winner: MMC67. Thank you Michelle Carter for tweeting about our contest!
Facebook Winner:
Anna Labbe who wrote:
Just discovered billshrink! hope to put it to good use for a financially better 2010! Winning that $2000.00 would be great too! How about an article on how to get your spouse on the same "page"with savings and finance!! Thanks!
Thank you everyone for participating in the contest! We'll be contacting each winner directly via email, Twitter, and Facebook. If you don't respond within 3 business days we reserve the right to give the prizes to an alternate winner.
Tagged: Giveaways
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The first thing I would do is put some into a college fund for my 18 mo. old grand daughter. Since she was born, I've purchased savings bonds for holidays, birthdays, etc. instead of toys, to give her a chance at furthering her education and to do something really special in her life. After that, I would pay off my car note, and take that money I was putting towards the car and apply it to the balance I owe the IRS.
If we won $2,000, it would go a long way to allowing us to visit my husband's family in San Diego this summer. We (the kids and I) haven't met most of his west coast cousins, and some are going through some hard times right now, so I think they'd like to have a family visit.
Part of this would go into a college fund for my 18 month old grand daughter. Instead of toys for birthday, holidays, I have been buying savings bonds for her to use to further her education. The remainder would be used to pay off my car payment, then I would roll that monthly payment into my current payment towards the IRS to get it paid off faster and save interest.
If I won the $$, I would put it towards our mortgage. It's the only debt we have...our rule is that anything with interest has got to go first!
Oh what,oh what would Dear little Camille do with $2500?
Shrinking my bills would be oh so necessary for my life after a tasty win like that!I'd love for these horrid daily letters in the mail to STOP!&lastly,I'd get myself a little laptop to make taking these online classes much easier (rather than running back &forth trying to catch an open computer in the office at my apt complex.)
Oh what,oh what would Dear little Camille do with $2500?
Shrinking my bills would be oh so necessary for my life after a tasty win like that!I'd love for these horrid daily letters in the mail to STOP!&lastly,I'd get myself a little laptop to make taking these online classes much easier (rather than running back &forth trying to catch an open computer in the office at my apt complex.)
Oh what,oh what would Dear little Camille do with $2500?
Shrinking my bills would be oh so necessary for my life after a tasty win like that!I'd love for these horrid daily letters in the mail to STOP!&lastly,I'd get myself a little laptop to make taking these online classes much easier (rather than running back &forth trying to catch an open computer in the office at my apt complex.)
If I won $2,000 we could pay off one of our two credit cards. This would be a great help in reducing our debt.
Oh what,oh what would Dear little Camille do with $2500?
Shrinking my bills would be oh so necessary for my life after a tasty win like that!I'd love for these horrid daily letters in the mail to STOP!&lastly,I'd get myself a little laptop to make taking these online classes much easier (rather than running back &forth trying to catch an open computer in the office at my apt complex.)
My husband is scheduled for spine surgery to correct severe scoliosis. So we'd use that $2000 to pay our deductible for the surgery.
I was originally going to say I'd use it for a down payment to replace my 13-year-old car, but my husband has decided he needs a new spine more. :)
We are getting new windows, but skipping a few because of the price - i could do all of them with an extra $2500 and our heatbill would go down more.
go somewhere really warm in February for my birthday.
If I won, first I would be thankful for being so lucky. Next I would use $1,000 dollars to lower my credit card bills which I maxed out by having my first child. The rest of the money I would give it to charity to help children in need. I want to be able to teach my son that when good fortune comes to you, you always return the favor!
Well, I'd pay off one of my credit cards and use the rest for my wedding that the fiance and I have been putting off for about 2 years now due to lack of funds.
If I won the money honestly
That would almost get my home loan caught back up. I would rather use it to pay down my overdraft card at the bank or my credit card though It wouldnt make much of a dent there. It would however almost get my home loan caught back up and so that is where I would spend it.
Honestly Im a single parent so I would, pay the bills in my houdsehold first. Then pay off a large bill on my credit report if any money was left I would then do something nice with my kids.
Honestly Im a single parent so I would, pay the bills in my houdsehold first. Then pay off a large bill on my credit report if any money was left I would then do something nice with my kids.
Honestly Im a single parent so I would, pay the bills in my houdsehold first. Then pay off a large bill on my credit report if any money was left I would then do something nice with my kids.
$1000 in savings.
$300 for clothing~<100 for each of us>
$250 for summer vacation.
$250 food dehydrator.
$50 for new cloths line, fix up chicken coop.
$150 for when something breaks in the house.
The first thing I would do is to finish paying off my car. That will leave me an extra $145 to invest/spend each month. With the rest of the $2000, I would buy myself a much needed flatscreen TV (and of course invest 20%!)
We would put it right in the bank to go toward expenses that we're now avoiding putting on credit cards. We've been putting a lot of effort into shrinking our own bills, but one pitfall we eventually run into is having to use a credit card for unexpected expenses because we don't have enough savings set aside. We want to have as much put away in our bank account as possible to avoid this. So, we would use it to pay cash for something and not end up owing more on our credit card!
I would first set aside $200 into an Emergency Cash Reserve Fund. I would then use the other $800 to pay off a bunch of "small bills" to be almost debt free, except for larger bills we are currently paying down.
The remaining $1000 I would split in these ways.
My wife has fibormyalgia and degenerative disc disease,
I would get her a perm for her hair to chear her up, buy
her a winter coat and take her out for a VERY nice dinner,
she deserves that. The remaining funds I would use for a book project teaching people about getting back to nature and "simple living" for better health and to survive
The Great Recession.
I would use the two thousand to pay my back taxes on my home for the last two years and pay back my 18 year old son a small loan he gave me back this last fall. This has been a very lean year money wise and it's been all I can do just to keep the basics paid let alone any extras. So, I could use any extra help at all. Please.
I've learned over the past few years that simply taking a "gift" of $2000 and plopping it all into paying one credit card bill or something like that ends up not working in the long run. It doesn't encourage me to keep working down debt methodically - it just feels like free money. So, my plan would be to tackle my two existing credit cards, with around 4k and 1k debt. I have already got the debt down to that level by concentrated $200-500 payments. So I would now apply $1000 to the $4k debt, $400 to the $1k card debt. With my normal advanced payments that would bring the one card to ZERO for the first time in years. Now, since I just moved into my first solo apartment and need a couch, I would use the remaining $600 to buy a couch without using credit!
Overall, I think that would continue to teach me judicious application of "free money".
Or buy 14 bottles of Dom Perignon? I might have to change my mind this sounds good right about now hehe.
I'd use $2,000 to help pay off my house early. Everyone who wants a mortgage until you're 60, raise your hand! (Hmm...it's unanimous.)
Although I'd love to do something fun with $2000, my use would be pretty practical. I'd pay for my family's health insurance, which is through COBRA. Some money would be used to pay for some existing medical bills.
I would use the money to visit my fiance in Wyoming this Spring, to pay for the big move there next Summer from where I live in Vermont, and for my wedding in the Fall. I realize that's alot, but a marriage is an investment as well as a happy ending!
I would purchase an up-to-date computer for my freshman who need one for her classwork, so she wouldn't need to stay at school to do her work until all hours.
Then I would would fix a problem with my car before it becomes a HUGE problem.
Not real orig, but honest.
I would take my cat to the vet to be checked out. Then I'd pay for my garage storage unit I rent from a friend. Then I'd enjoy the rest. Maybe Have a big BBQ for my friends.
My girls are 9 & 10 now. Because I can't afford their necessities which in my opinion are luxuries of course, their friends don't want to come for play dates. What are their necessities? hmm..Nintendo Wii,Karaoke system..so I will buy those and some of my "necessities" like a nice diamond ring. Dh's love is still the same but my ring is Old!
Pay for my daughters college textbooks
We would use as downpayment on another car. We have only one car and it is 10 yo now and always breaking down. It is impossible to be w/o a reliable car where we live. Too rural.
would really help our family out, I was out of work for a while and because of that a lot of bills got on top of us, we would put the money towards all of our bills and debt out of the way so we can start saving some money. We have 2 children with medical problems so this money would also help to go towards their medical bills and the chemist account. Once we got all of that out of the way, I know things will be less stressful.
Being the thrifty gal that I am, I would use the money to buy a vintage travel trailer for cheap, gut it, remodel it, and turn it into a mobile craft studio. I would maximize my investment by both living and working out of the trailer. The money that I made from the items that I sell would be used to fund my travels around the United States, Canada, and Mexico. I would then write about my journey and shop it around to publishers who might be interested in knowing more about me--the crafty nomad.
Catch up on bills/mortgage and once we're on solid ground there the long awaited spending/saving plan can be implemented!
Lacking the financial resources necessary to start my own business, I would put the $2,000 by opening a booth at my local flea market in Orlando, Florida. In addition to covering my first month's worth of expenses, it would also allow me to buy a significant amount of product to sale. I believe every dollar spent should ultimately earn you more money.
Wow, $2000 would really help me start my 2010 off in the right direction! I would pay off $600 worth of bills that I owe...a few doctor bills and a phone bill. Then I would spend the other $1400 toward moving into my new apartment in NYC in the Spring! It would be great to already have another month of rent ready to be paid while I look for a job in the new city I'll be living in. Thanks so much, this $2000 is seriously going to make someone's new year super sweet!
I'd seriously think about finding another place to live. I have 2 young children, and do not understand for the life of me why my husband cant get his act together to pay the bills. I need to get away and start over.
If I won $2000 I could pay my tuition this semester. I fell ill last semester and had to withdraw out of my classes which made me ineligible for Federal student loans this semester, and I could not work and save up money due to my illness. This would make me very happy as I am struggling financially and trying to better myself through education.
$2,000!! Of course, I would SPEND IT! I would LOVE to spend it on a family trip because the I suffered a stroke in 2008 and have just started to be physically able to go somewhere. But truthfully, because of the stroke and my having to retire from teaching after 26 years, and not being able to work, I would have to use it to pay bills that we haven't been able to afford to pay lately.
My mommy would love $2,000 you see,
she would just jump up and down and even hug me!
She would spend it to take care of others because she is that kind of gal,
I know this because I am her doggy pal.
As a doggy, it is kinda hard to say thank you,
cause I can't talk and walk like you people do.
But choosing my mommy will really let her know,
that I love her and can show her by winning her dough!!
...at first I was going to say, pay my maintenance or mortgage but to be honest, after seeing the news yesterday about a man kicking and abusing his little dog in the elevator, I want to give the money to the ASPCA. 1 month ago I found two homeless cats on the side street in the pouring rain in Manhattan and the ASPCA took them in. I was so happy that they were cleaned up and taken care of immediately. I felt relieved. I am a true animal lover as are the people who work there as they must see all sorts of atrocities.
I would use the money to stop my home from going into foreclosure. I also would pay some bills. Thanks for the giveaway!
If I won $2,000 we could pay off one of our 2 credit card bills. This would definitely help in reducing our debt.
I would use part of the money to cover some of the cost of a trip to New York in May to see a new show with Sean Hayes and Kristin Chenoweth. I would use the other part to help fund the costs of a new web design and blogging venture I am starting up. I think it's always good whenever possible to save or invest part of a windfall and to splurge with another part of it.
How do I tell the story and stay Stress-Free? I can't, as who is to blame, Me or Hubby??
I would use to pay back taxes, and temporarily, I can Breathe!
$2000 would go towards our house down-payment savings!!
Winning this $2000 would be a true blessing and would set off a great start for this year!
The first thing I would buy if I ever won is a laptop. A month ago, my laptop and along with other stuff were stolen. Being the poor student that I am, I can't afford a new laptop. So for the past few weeks, I have spent a lot of efforts in trying to win a laptop, but to no avail. The reason behind my desperation for a laptop is that my stiff index finger (due to an infection couple years ago) makes it quite difficult for me to write with a pen/pencil. So I need to rely on a laptop to take notes.
Another thing that I desperately need is a new pair of glasses. Right now I have a pair of ugly glasses that no young guy would ever wear. It was the only one that fit my big head that cost less than $150. It makes me look five years older than my actual age. And if I don't shave my beard, 7 years older. My accounting professor once made a joke saying that "you look so old." With part of the prize money, I can finally buy myself a light weight and more fashionable eyeglasses that would fit my big head. The prize tag is $500 for the frame only.
The next thing I would do with this money is to donate $300 to Salvation Army because a fake SC check of $25,000 has forced them to cut back their assistance for the needy. My family has received their assistance eight years ago when we ran into financial troubles. We are very grateful and have tried to donate as much as we can every month. And with this prize money, I can do a bit more this month.
The rest of the money I will likely invest in stocks and CD's. I have participated in online stock simulations for a while now. And have done fairly well. I believe right now is the best time to invest, with a lot of stocks at their low points. All I need right now is a little bit of real money to put my skills to test.
Thank you for your consideration.
buy a used car or truck to get me back and forth to the dr and to the store as i,m disabled and theres no public transportation where i live and my 25 year old car is on its last leg.i have no family to ask for help, i,m alone in this world, but i,m here and the dr is 50 miles away and my walking days are just about behind me,i,ve never had a credet card and my tv isnt a flat screen, i help my neighbors, some have it worse than me,mabey the gods will touch someones heart and help a kind woman,that all the kings horses and all the kings men put back togeather again, , 3 times,thanks for your time,think of me in your dreams
Elisa Bonham 912 dixon circle
murfreesboro, ar, 71958
I would use the entire amount for downpayment on a certified pre-owned Honda or Toyota. Our present car is 10 yo & is breaking down every month or so. We r in a rural area so we cannot live w/o a reliable car. Thanks
I would probably end up using it on bills. I am working a temp job that will be ending soon and do not have much unemployment left when I refile.
I would use the money to pay the medical bills that my 'health' insurance company won't pay.
If I had $2000, I would move to New Mexico to a climate that I could survive in. I live in SD and have severe lung infection and am unable to leave my house in cold, windy or humid weather. $2000 would let me live again.
TODAY MY HUSBAND WAS LAID OFF FROM HIS PT JOB.WE ARE SENIORS AND HAVE A MORTGAGE. I WOULD PUT THE 2500. AWAY AS A LITTLE NEST EGG IN CASE WE CANT MAKE IT. HE WILL BE 71 IN A FEW DAYS. NICE BIRTHDAY GIFT. WE WILL BE MARRIED 48 YEARS.
I have been unemployed for almost a year and I ran out of money. This money would bring me such joy and relief, and I will used it to pay for my rent and bills. I'm 20 years old and I don't want to end up homeless.
Hello everyone,
My name is Mrs Jennifer Anderson and i am talking as the happiest person in the whole wild world today and i told my self that any lender that rescue my family from our poor situation, i will tell the name to the whole wild world and i am so happy to say that my family is back for good because i was in need a loan of $100,000 USD to start my life all over as i am a single mum with 4 kids and the whole world seemed like it was hanging on me until i met the GOD sent loan lender that changed my life and that of my family, a GOD fearing lender, Fredrick Thomson Loans he was the saviour GOD sent to rescue my family and at first i thought it was not going to be possible until i received my loan of $100,000 USD and i will advise any one who is in genuine need of a loan to contact Mr Fredrick Thomson via fredricktomsonloaninvestment@gmail.combecause he is the most understanding and kind hearted lender.
Hello everyone,
My name is Mrs Jennifer Anderson and i am talking as the happiest person in the whole wild world today and i told my self that any lender that rescue my family from our poor situation, i will tell the name to the whole wild world and i am so happy to say that my family is back for good because i was in need a loan of $100,000 USD to start my life all over as i am a single mum with 4 kids and the whole world seemed like it was hanging on me until i met the GOD sent loan lender that changed my life and that of my family, a GOD fearing lender, Fredrick Thomson Loans he was the saviour GOD sent to rescue my family and at first i thought it was not going to be possible until i received my loan of $100,000 USD and i will advise any one who is in genuine need of a loan to contact Mr Fredrick Thomson via fredricktomsonloaninvestment@gmail.combecause he is the most understanding and kind hearted lender.
I am seeking the funds to assist me in my paramedic program I just began. I have 2 additional semesters at the end of the year. Thank you for the consideration.
If I won this money I would help out a friend who is in dire need but seeing how my own family won't help me then I need to turn to someone who might. I have always helped others and now when I need it they don't want to help me. So if I win this money I would help my friend out.
i know the most inportant thing for me to do is use it for a down payment on an aprartmnet, for me and my children. and on things i will need for my baby i am exspecting. and i will save what ever is left for rent and bills intil i can find a job, which is hard. becus family is not wiling to help unless u have money and this is a good start, to help me get on my feet. well even less than that would with what i have to go threw right now. cus i dont have much time t stay were im at cus family is too crowed and she wants me out. so please can u help me. i alread cale plent of sheters that just keep turning theirback on me. i needhelp!!!!!!!!!!!
Very interesting! Thank you!
I would pay on my credit card debt
I would pay on my credit card debt
I would keep 1,ooo for our family, and give 1,ooo to the Women's Center in our town.
I would keep 1,ooo for our family, and give 1,ooo to the Women's Center in our town.
What I would do with $2000 dollars is pay for my Europe trip next year in 8 th grade that costs 2000. That is all I want it for because all my friends are going and I really want to go too.
My goal is to start my own business eventually. However in order to do that I would need to definately pay off some bills. For me, getting a bill paid off would be a breath of fresh air, get me closer to my goal and help me sleep easily at night. I can't think of any better feeling than being at peace with my finances.
If you were to give me $2,000 right now I would pay on my son's college. He is the first of 4 to go to college and we didn't get started ealry enough to take advantage of scholarships and such. In 2 years the other 3 will also be in college (triplets they are 16 now) and I would like to get some of his paid off.
i would use it all on my daughter, cause she is the only thing in this world that feels right..i would buy her a beautiful dress and beautiful shoes and balloons and and a birthday cake..(my daughters words)
If i won the $2000 dollars, i would pay for the debt of my car that was fixed by my mechanic, or i would use the money to relocate back home which is the bahamas, because i am currently going through a divorce. Also i could use it to pay some debts that i have besides the car that i need back. I don't have a car to drive now. I am in need of some help and i just need $2000 dollars to get my car back. I was laidoff last year february as a clerk at the courthouse. My husband left my daughter and I by resorting to the streets.
Like all things in my life, upon receiving $2,000 I would seek to incorporate it into my life in a balanced fashion. For me, that means 60% would go to paying life’s necessities – specifically I would get $1,200 closer to paying off my student loan debt. Another 30%, or $600, would be divided equally among my savings accounts which include an emergency fund, education fund, a wedding fund, a vacation fund, an investment account and (of course) my retirement Roth IRA. I’d do something fun for myself with 5%... hmmm, $100 sounds like a spa treatment to me. Lastly, I would donate 5% to charity, and this time I think it would be the ASPCA.
Hi i am a 63 year old widom who is living on a fixed income i have a furnace in my home that have not been working for the last 2 year if i was given 2,500 i would fix my furnace so i would no longer have to use my space heater that is causing my light billed to sky rocket.
What I would do with 2,000 I'd finish my schooling and use the rest for my 5 month old for the things she's in needing.
I would buy my 1 year old son all the things he needs. A baby's bed, some new clothing and pay off a few old bills as well. I would open an account for my 1 yo for a raining day and deposit 500.00 of the 2,000 in there. Since, I'm unemployed. I would utilize some of the funds for transportation to go job hunting and on interviews. I believe these funds can take me a long way and I would use every penny wisely.
If should be given this wonderful privilege I would use the money to build a inside bathroom and a kitchen because currently we bath and cook outside and in the night when we need to use the bathroom you have to go out side and Am devastated of our living conditions, also I would put on veranda that we can sit and look out side to get fresh hair.
With $2,000, I would use half of it to pay off our highest interest credit card (I have been working an extra 12 hours a week bartending to pay them off, and we are almost done with this one!!). I would stick another $500 in our emergency fund (since that can always use a little help) and then use the balance to get a good garden going and buy a couple chickens. Growing a garden and is a great way to gain the most benefit from a modest amount of cash and teach my children responsibility by helping us feed the family. And having a consistent supply of organic eggs would be wonderful!
I'd probably just blow the $2k on scuba equipment, lol.