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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I am in the process of eliminating my electric and gas bills. I already have a solar system, have replaced all my lights, eliminated silent electrical usages of appliances and computers, and now am in the process of buying the most energy efficient appliances I can find. My refrig is 10 years old, and I think I can buy a new one which would save 50% of the energy it uses. Plus I like those new models with double french doors on top and freezer drawers on the bottom. So that's what I would spend your money on.
I am in the process of eliminating my electric and gas bills. I already have a solar system, have replaced all my lights, eliminated silent electrical usages of appliances and computers, and now am in the process of buying the most energy efficient appliances I can find. My refrig is 10 years old, and I think I can buy a new one which would save 50% of the energy it uses. Plus I like those new models with double french doors on top and freezer drawers on the bottom. So that's what I would spend your money on.
With $2000 I would finish paying off my car and another bill. With those combined I would free up about $300 a month.
I would use the money to get my family a place to live. It is a cold winter here, and we lose our apartment in 7 days. Extended stay hotels aren't affordable enough. May YOU all have a better 2010.
With $2,000, I would buy my family a new, efficient, and safe furnace, as our current one is rusted and has no safety controls. Right now we're saving $100 a month on top of our debt snowball payments in order to save up $2,000 in two years to buy a furnace. I would feel much safer having one now, and then we could put the $100 we've been saving each month toward our debt instead.
I would pay down the little debt my husband and I have so we could use our tax return for the home projects that NEED to be done on our almost 100 year-old home.
I would start to pay back my medical school loans. $150,000!!
Originally I thought we would put it towards my husbands student loans, which is the only debt we have outside of our mortgage. But after thinking about it, I would probably use it to take a week or two of unpaid leave to go on a mission trip to Venezuela this summer. The money is saved for the tickets and other expenses, I just don't know that I will have enough vacation time to go.
Erin
Were I fortunate enough to receive $2000 unasked for, I would first donate a portion of it, at least ten percent, to provide for the needs of someone else. Once others are cared for, the remainder would go to invest in building myself up to a point where I would have more income to share. As I am currently in the nine-to-five rat race, this money would be specifically for nothing of my own finances, but to help me create a new business, purchasing inventory for a new store. I want so much to be at a point where I can not only provide for my family, but be overflowing in helping others as well.
Honeymoon! My boyfriend and I are planning on getting married this summer. We both have HUGE families and are planning on a minimalist wedding...which is still insanely expensive. We're not quite sure how we'll afford a honeymoon. (We're saving for a house and don't want to touch that fund) We're not extravagant people, we don't need to travel to Tuscany or lounge in Bali. What we would LOVE to do, however, is hike the grand canyon! The $2,000 would cover the cost of the guided multi-day hike!
What better way to start our married life than sleeping under the stars? Isn't marriage just one big cliffwalk anyways :)
My best friend and I have been planning to quit our jobs and finish our idea that will change the way the world looks at getting and staying healthy (free from sickness). We are just about 2000 short for the final R & D and patents. With this money we could change the world!
I would use most of the money to pay of some bills ($1000). I would use the $1200 to pay for much needed eye surgery for my poor bassett hound! :( He is so sad! And if there was a little left....I would pay for a car starter for myself. Brrrrrrr.....It's cold here in Buffalo, NY.
The best thing I can think of to do with $2000 is to pay down my debt. With the cost of everything going up, I worry about my financial situation all the time.
I'd invest 25% in a charity that I am active in: buildon.org, set aside 25% to my kid's college fund, and the other 50% towards a down payment on a home that we'd like to purchase in the spring.
This is so easy: $1200 for airfare and 37600 php ($800) worth of rice- purchased in person- for my money poor friends in the Philippines. I miss them.
I would put it towards paying down my husbands law school loans. He graduated in May and we would like to get out from under them as soon as possible!
With $2000, I'd share the joy! I'd have insulation added to the crawl space under my flat row-house roof, and upgrade the remaining five inefficient windows, to save money on heating and cooling -- two years ahead of what I'm saving for. Then, for once in my life I'd spend $120 to treat my two little canine companions to a visit to a professional groomer. And then I'd save $150, give $200 to the local women's shelter, and give $150 to my only sister so she and her loving husband could enjoy a rare and lovely dinner out.
Two Thousand Dollars dropped on my head (in a metaphorical sense) would come in realllllll handy these days -- in one fell swoop, I'd finish paying off my credit cards, beef up my Emergency Fund and drop the rest into savings. . .what a wonderful feeling that would be!
I would certainly do the smart thing - pay off some bills!
Given that I am currently part of the statistics of the 1 in 10 currently unemployed I would first put half of the money straight into our savings fund. Then, with $500 I would treat my husband and myself to a trip to get away from the stress that the combination of the holidays and being unemployed has created. The remaining $500 I would invest into myself in the form of my photography.
I am getting furloughed from my job as a pilot and am taking advantage of this opportunity to focus on my passion, my volunteer organization to use women in aviation as role models to inspire girls to achieve their full potential. I have just formed Girls With Wings, Inc., with 501(c)(3) status pending, and this would be a great way to kick off the new year, new venture!
With the nutritional advice of WiseBread, I already pay the full balance of my only (monthly cash reward) credit card each month. My BillShrink win would be an actual win! So, I would put $500.00 in savings, give $50.00 to (4) strangers in need, adopt a dog from the local SPCA for $250.00, and take my sweetheart and my brother and his wife to dinner at my favorite local French restaurant, and lastly, spend a very long weekend at the beach with my sweetheart.
I would donate it to a few charities I support: Evangelical UCC, Joint Neighborhood Ministries(a food pantry and more) and Lydia House(a shelter for abused women). Evangelical UCC, the 'other' evangelical, is an open and affirming, welcoming, diverse congregation, advocating for justice, and advancing a progressive Christianity in St. Louis, Missouri.
I would use $500 to take my family to go visit my mother in law. She lives in a nursing home and we have not been able to go visit in years.
I would put $500 into a savings acct to start an emergency fund. We currently have no savings, no credit card debt, and just one small loan against my car that we used for repairs. The rest of the money would go towards paying off that loan.
We live pretty simply but there is no extra, this would give us a bit of a cushion and motivate us to continue making changes so we can increase the savings account, start depositing in the ilde 529 account, and have some wiggle room for maybe a fun thing or even a night out.
I would find a need in an emerging country through a source like KIVA. I would personally go there to experience the people, the food, the culture. While there I would investigate the need and lend a hand. Whatever money was left over I would loan to the need.
My wife and I recently celebrated our 10th anniversary. For years we had spoken of grand plans for this anniversary. Due to our commitment to remaining (non-mortgage) debt-free, we didn't feel like we had the available funds to make any of those plans happen. I would use the money to give my wife and mother of my children the vacation she deserves.
Since August, I have been making plans to quit my job and move to full-time freelance writing by April of 2010. I need to have saved up a full year's income before I make the break. I am so close to my goal. This $2000 would help me make the break one month earlier.
Because I am disabled, and therefore on a fixed income, there are necessities that are not being met. First I would pay off the Dell Computer bill ($650), then the credit card ($280) and then be able to pay for trips to the dentist (5 years since last check-up), eye exams/new glasses (11 years), and establish myself with a primary care provider. I relocated five years ago, need a new doctor and don't have the needed co-pay. I realized the Dell computer was a financial risk when I bought it, but my laptop died, and my life is lived online so I needed a new computer and quickly. Dell provided one but their financial repayment structure is a killer. If any monies remain, I support Joy Junction, a local homeless shelter, with donations and would *love* to be able to give them some money as well.
If chosen, I would use $2,000 to pay off our credit card. It would be great since my husband and I have been paying it off slowly all year and this would really help...especially since I'm about to be laid off in January.
Debt reduction! Even though I have always payed much more than the minimum on our credit card, and have never been late or missed a payment, my interest rate has quadrupled. Before this unexpected rate increase, we were on a fast track to eliminate that debt completely. Now, we're just barely able to keep up. I look forward to the time we could be debt free!
I'm conflicted about what I'd do with $2,000! That is exactly the amount that it would cost for me to replace a wall of very old single pane windows in my living room. I know that replacing them would significantly increase the energy efficiency of my home so that's probably what I'd do. However, I have a student loan monkey on my back and that money would make a dent there. But then, as Mr. Pham indicated, vacations are where it's at and my family would love to take a trip to NYC. I'd love to take my kiddo to the museums and there's a vegan restaurant there I love and my BFF moved there 2 years ago and I haven't been there to visit her! So it's a toss up!
$2000 would go towards building my "fotress of solitude," or manspace at is sometimes known. Basically it would be my own personal version of a home office, if home offices did crack and redbull at the same time. I would use this manspace to launch my personal web development business.
#1 Give 10% to our local food pantry.
#2 Start a SuperBerry business growing and marketing berry products (aronia, saskatoon, elderberry, currants) high in antioxidants, polyphenols and vitamins to fight disease such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer more naturally.
#3 Invest and give back profits earned from the business.
My wife and I will use $1000 to defray some of the cost of our 12th (and final) IVF procedure in the hopes of finally having a child. Thinking positively, I will use the other $1000 to open a college fund for our son/daughter.
Every month there seems to be a $300 emergency--illness, bill, reapir--that comes along, so I'd put at least 500 of that in a (gasp!) emergency fund. The other 1,500 I'd use to pay off a VERY old college bill so I can get my transcript which is a requirement for a teaching job! :/
I'd pay bills so that I COULD have some fun later.
Unfortunately, I don't have a job at the moment, so $2000 would go toward paying rent and expenses for the next three months. It is possible. I've done it.
Stuck in a job with a salary freeze (aka no raise for me no matter how much of a busy little bee I've been) and living by myself has made it almost impossible to save a little each month. I'd use the majority of it to cut out a good portion of my neverending student loans! Nine more years of debt is absolutely terrifying as I wonder how I'm ever going to start saving for later in life!
I would pay off my Christmas bill and then put the rest into Savings.
Pay off my car note.
I would use the money to pay down debt which will make it easier to move to a warmer climate come retirement time. My old bones can't take the new jersey winters!
It would be split between paying down our credit card and replenishing our savings account, minus one dinner out with the family (a rare things these days).
i'd use the money to pay off my credit card debt, so i would stop dripping into my savings account for those payments, allowing me to reach the amount needed to start a roth ira. then i'd have a lot less to worry about once i have to start paying my student loans this spring when i graduate my masters program! (phew)
I would invest it in my jewelry design business. I am just starting to make a profit and it would grow faster if I had a bit of capital to invest in promotion and sales.
ok, I would use this money to move to Cincinnati (for love). I'm not sure that this is the most practical thing, but I really can't think of any better way to invest in the future.
I would use the $$ to buy fabric and notions to get a small craft business up and running. Those are the last things that I need. Then use the profits to pay down my debt.
First: Laugh really hard
Second: $200 charity
Third: $1,800 emergency fund.
Fourth: Big thank you card (still laughing)
I'd pay a big chunk of the sudden debt that appeared when I had to buy a new furnace two weeks ago. I've had a year of big expenses that have drained my cash reserves, and now I'm in debt for the first time in more than 10 years. the good news is that it's made me take a new, fresh look at my finances and I've realized I hadn't been living as simply or frugally as I could have been.
I would put these funds directly towards my credit card debit with the highest interest rate!
And then It would be a Merry Christmas
My girlfriend means the world to me. And the only thing keeping me from proposing is finances. With 2,000 dollars, I would finally have enough money to buy my girlfriend the engagement ring she deserves.
If I were to win $2,000, I would use half of it to pay off the balance on my credit card and then use the rest towards my student debt. While this isn't the most exciting use of the money, this would free up some cash (roughly $400) that ordinarily would have been put towards paying off my credit card and student loans.
The 'extra' $400 would go to my photo project I'm working on for my parents. I'm organizing all our family photos and sending them to a company to be scanned so that I can get a digital copy of all the pictures. Once that's done, I'd like to purchase 2 digital picture frames, 2 memory cards, select a bunch of our family photos to put on them, and gift them to my parents! I originally wanted to do it for Christmas but the project turned out more expensive and time consuming than I had expected!
Seeing as I've barely turned 30, and have just truly started understanding the power of money and saving, the majority of the $2,000 would become an investment for my future, and hopefully for my future family. Some debt would be paid off as well, and I would use a remaining token to bring flowers home to my girlfriend, along with a nice bottle of wine for us to share.
My fiance and I just moved into our first apartment together, and it is barren and inhospitable. We don't have any tables or chairs, we have no microwave, and our TV (purchased from goodwill) sits atop a cardboard box. With 2000 dollars we would finally be able to furnish our apartment and make our first home something worth remembering.
January my 2nd semester of grad school tuition is due, but then again, my mom is going to visit, and I promised her a room on Michigan Ave, Chicago. It would be so cool to treat her to something nice from one of the stores there. Or, I would save it for my b-day in March, since I have always wanted to go to a waterpark for my b-day, but we never have money post-Xmas. I suppose I would use it on all these things, and continue our house savings plans.
In the summer, we're moving overseas with my husband's military job. I would use that money to make sure that we keep our budget balanced during the move - I can't even begin to imagine how to budget for this!
I would pay off one of my college loans!
I would turn on the heat b/c I am being extra frugal this year and not turning it on but, we are FREEZING. So, I'd take 1000.00 of that to pay for subsequent the heating bill! I'd take the other 1500.00 and put it towards my emergency funds and pay down all of the outstanding utility bills I have!
Pay off some of the debt I have from getting my engine replaced in my car. I don't understand why this car insists on breaking down all the time, I am so upside down in it now.
I'd put that money into going back to school. I'm saving to pursue an MSW/MPH so I can help in developing policies and rendering services to improve global health.
If I won $2,000 I would use it to pay off a debt, my only one so I can finally move forward in my life. I also would use some to put toward a class I want to take but can't afford.
I would use the $2,000 to fund our emergency account. I might consider using 1/3 of it to stock up on inflation-hedging supplies around the house.
I am in California right now with my two youngest children while my husband works in Texas at a job he just started after being unemployed for six months here. I want to have enough put away to handle the minor car problems, which he would normally fix himself and enough to buy a ticket for him to come home if a serious family emergency came up. I would use $1000 to start that fund. $800 would go to pay a month ahead on the car payment, the utilities, and our storage unit to relieve a little of the pressure on our finances in an effort to free my husband to move back home and find work here. $100 would go to restock our pantry with the basics that we have gone through and not been able to replace. The last $100 would be used for some "fun" and to get each of us a little treat to brighten up our family during this difficult struggle. With this plan, $2000 would be just what we need to turn our streak of unfortunate luck around and reunite our family again.
I would use the money to buy snacks then sell those snacks out of my dorm room at lower prices than the vending machines on campus. I could possibly turn a $2,000 investment into an income stream that will help me pay for my college tuition.
We have exactly 2 grand left on our Visa. This prize would make us debt free.
I've spent the past couple of years paying off all my credit card debt and a loan from my parents - the credit card debt is gone (YES!) and I'm almost square with mom and dad. I've also been building up my savings account and just generally being frugal. I've been so good for so long that I'm taking myself to Paris in 2010! I'll have the trip paid for, but that $2,000 would certain help and would get me some pretty amazing French perfume - oh, la la!
I would finally get help with financial planning, a will, living trust, etc. We would take care of living and dying! How nice it would be to have really be prepared for the future.
With $2000 I would take my husband and daughter to visit our family and friends in other states that we have not seen for the longest time because we have been using our money to responsibly pay down debt and buy our first house. With hugs and kisses and time, we could "repay" their patience and understanding for our absence, and "invest" in some goodwill and support for the future!
I am close to paying off my credit card debt and $2000 would just about do it.
Currently saving for a trip to Turkey. This would top it off.
My husband broke up with me in May, quite unexpectedly. I'm currently sleeping on a couple of futon mattresses on the floor. I'd get myself a decent bed, some new clothes (which I desperately need... I'm "plus-size" and those clothes tend to be really pricey), and then do something fun for myself and some friends and family.
With $2,000, I would pay off my credit card and use the remainder to purchase books for this next semester. This would keep me out of the debt cycle because I wouldn't be charging books to my card after paying it off!
I would use the $2,000.00 for my husband and I to take a relaxing vacation at the beach this spring. For the past 5 years I worked at a job with little leave, and the vacation time I had--had to be used as sick leave. My husband found a new job (after losing his previous job) but we had to move and I am currently looking for work. So now we have the time, but not much money!
I've been taking money out of my moving account to pay for classes toward a new certification and entry into a different field during this period of unemployment. That means I won't be able to pay cash for any possible move for a new job. The $2000 would help return that borrowed money and pay for one more class this upcoming quarter.
I know it is exceptionally exciting, but I would use it as payment towards credit cards. I would probably add more items to our emergency kit as well. I might sock some of it away for next year's Seed Saver's Exchange conference and Weston Price conferences. Learning is invaluable, we should never stop!
I would give $200 to church/charity (10%). I would put $800 in my savings to help my emergency fund. The final $1000 would go to my highest interest debt, which is a personal loan from going to college. Thank you for helping me dream!
With $2,000 I would get my floors replaced. THe previous owners put them in incorrectly and they squeak. We need to get them replaced in the hallway, guest room and foyer. I would use the money to do this. Thanks.
My daughter just auditioned for two prestigious college ballet programs. $2000 would almost get us through a year of pointe shoes at $85 a pair at the rate of 2-3 pair a month. She's worked so hard for this; giving up the normal teenager's social life, and I want to be able to provide for her needs in fulfilling her dream.
My husband and I would definately use the money ($2,000) to pay on my car loan. The loan is almost done, we still have the car, which we will drive 'til it's dead, so no more car loans in our near future!
We thought the economy wasn't bothering us, but in the past few months, it's gotten bad. My husband's boss had to tell him he's getting $1000 LESS a month for who knows how long, because they can barely get work (home additions/repairs) and the work they do get, is severely discounted in order for the customers to agree to the work!
If my car was paid off, that would make my husband feel WAY more secure with the less money!
Save the planet! Actually, save on my electric bill and save the planet at the same time by replacing my leaky front door with a better insulated energy-efficient door and storm door. That would shrink my electric bill.
If I won 2,000 dollars I would pay off the remainder of my son's hospital bill from two years ago (single mom here) and put the rest (1,500-ish) against my credit card, which hangs over my head like a dark shadow.
I would put $1000 to fund my Roth IRA, and i'd use the other half to buy my parents any items they have gone without over the last year. My father became ill, therefore working less, and my mother has been suffering a lot with her shoulder, and as a hair dresser, one finds having a pain free shoulder a useful thing! So i'd give them the money so my mother can take a week or two off from work guilt free.
First, I'm going to yell Whoohooo!!! on video and post it on my facebook. http://www.facebook.com/tracy.duong
Then I'm going to take my boyfriend to an awesome Tapas restaurant in the Mission. We're going to splurge and spend 50 bucks!!! Then put the rest in our wedding fund.
I would take that $2000 and invest in myself. I've been in debt pretty much my entire adult life and despite several false starts, I've only recently started seriously digging myself out. I should be debt-free by mid-2012 and I'm writing a book about the experience. The first thing I would do with the money is fill out the appropriate copyright/trademark paperwork for my awesome book title and buy the URL address to go with it. Next, although I'd love to buy several bottles of amazing wine, the leftover cash would go towards paying off my car loan so I can continue being a good role model to my future readers.
After much consideration (which was quite fun), I would use and extra $2,000 to build a greenhouse for year round food growth to lower my grocery bill. I would also buy a new bike with baskets that can carry groceries and other errands as my New Year's resolution is to use the car less and to bike more. Finally, I would split what is left and give a donation to the local food pantry and the local animal shelter.
I would use it to pay for my mom's vacation to Vietnam. It would pay for the hotel and airfare, plus maybe even a little spending money. She's a proud american living here but she hasn't been back in over 30 years since I was born. She never had any savings to even think about going back. This trip would mean so much to her. If we win this money, I will pay for my part so that I can go with her and see where she grew up. It would bring back so many memories as well as create new ones for her. She and I would be so grateful!!
It would be a true blessing if I won $2,000. I had over $3,000 in medical bills and $1,200 in veterinarian bills this year. I had to put off buying so many things. I'd use $1,000 to pay off part of my credit card bill. I'd use $500 for a new laptop and put $500 in savings. I need a new computer so I can start working on my blog again!
Thanks for giving me a chance :)
In a very un-frugal moment I decided to have my midlife crisis 10 years early (I'm 31) and I went and bought an '07 BMW. That 2500 would go right to that bill so maybe I won't still be paying it off in 2014. (Worth every single penny though!)
I would use it to pay for a plane ticket for our son to join us on a trip to Italy my husband and I are taking in the fall. I won the trip, so all we have to pay for is our son's ticket and spending money. This would help us avoid putting that expense on a credit card and paying for this trip for the rest of his life (he is 2 years old.)
I would use the $2,000 prize money to go towards my IRA. I'm about halfway to reaching the maximum contribution and since this contest ends in January and I have until April to contribute, this money would fit within the time frame I'm allowed.
1. Sit up all night and look at it.
2. Buy a standing rib roast and not ask the price per lb.
3. Downpayment on energy efficent windows.
I'm in the process of starting a blog, and finishing a book on How to Advertising, Market, and Sell more effectively for small businesses. I'm trying to do it with what's left of an SSDI (SS Disability) income, of less than $1,000, before I pay bills. The book is based on what I was doing, before I became unable to run my custom shirt business, in late 2000.
By February, I hope to be out of my current job as a software developer, and at least temporarily free from the rat race. My dream, however far fetched, is to write a browser-based role playing game. The $2000 would be used to help fund my endeavour.
I'd invest it all. I plan on trying to retire by 35, and I'll take any extra money I can get.
I also plan on having kids someday, and I've heard they're pretty expensive.
i would bring all my bills up to date. i would pay off some medicals bills as well. with the little that was left i think that i might take myself out to dinner.
I would use the $2000 to invest in the future of the country, namely by contributing it to my daughter's college fund. Increasing the education of this country's residents is the surest way to sustaining its greatness.
I would pay some bills and stick the rest in savings!
I would use the $2,000 to continue work on my project, The Europeans, which is documenting how Europe is changing as the European Union expands. I photograph the asylum seekers, the farmers and the factory workers who don't make the front pages of our newspapers and magazines but who are most impacted by the changes which are happening to our world. While editors and art directors may not care about the work I do it has become a passion and this money would go a long way towards making my dreams a reality.
I'm going to Santa Fe with this $2,000!
I would use $1900 to pay my property taxes and with the $100 do something nice for me.