Christmas Stimulus Is Back! Who Wants $100??

Goooooood morning, y’all!

Nice and happy from all that Thanksgiving goodness over the weekend? Ready to get back to the real world now and start talking Turkey vs eating it? ;) Can anyone use an extra $100 bill these days??

Well good news my fiscal friends, Christmas Stimulus is back!! And this year we’re giving away $500 in cash just for being a reader of this blog :)

My old blogging friend Brad Chaffee and I used to do these every year before he left blogging (anyone around from the Enemy of Debt days?) and I guess life and kids and who knows what else got in my way from continuing it forward…

But not anymore, baby!! We’re re-inaugurating it! This is for you, Brad!

If you’re new to the blog here (and by “new” I mean started reading anytime after 2012 haha…) here are the rules to Christmas Stimulus – it’s super simple:

  1. Make sure you’re signed up to this blog’s newsletter (do so here if you’re not)
  2. Answer the following question in the comments below:

How would you use this $100 this holiday season?

There are no right or wrong answers here, I’m just nosey and fascinated by how people spend money :) Especially FREE money! Share your answers by December 3rd (this Sunday) at midnight, and I’ll randomly select 5 of you to win $100 each.

Good luck!! Thanks so much for reading this blog!!

UPDATE: Giveaway now over. Click here to see who won :)

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816 Comments

  1. Ms99to1percent November 27, 2017 at 5:20 AM

    1. Already s subscriber
    2. I would give it to my readers? Is that allowed? :-)

    Reply
    1. Laura Narux November 27, 2017 at 10:38 AM

      I’ve been reading for the past year, you are hilarious! I would put the money towards paying off my mortgage, which I’ve been working on for the past three years. I’m down to $28,000, so I will be completely debt free in less than three years.

      Reply
    2. Tanya Williams November 27, 2017 at 11:28 AM

      I would give $10.00 to the Union Rescue Mission. Put $10.00 in my savings account. Use $10.00 to take myself to a matinee. And use the remaining $70.00 to reduce my $1300.00 Visa credit card debt.

      Reply
    3. Joscelyne November 27, 2017 at 7:50 PM

      Hello!! What I’d do – $70 towards my debt, $15 towards a nice lunch (I looooove ramen, it’s such a treat!), and $15 towards my remaining Xmas gifts (not much left to buy, thank GOD)!

      Reply
    4. Karen November 28, 2017 at 6:11 AM

      My parents and I live in VA, but my sister and her family live in TX. Naturally, we don’t get to see them often. Since my sister and I both teach and have a good chunk of time off at the holidays, I want to take my parents on a road trip to go visit them after Christmas. (The cost of airfare for the 3 of us is definitely out of reach!) If I managed to score an extra $100, that would go straight into the travel fund.

      Reply
    5. Viktor November 30, 2017 at 7:10 PM

      Just joined:). I would use it to pay off my 3K credit card debt.

      Reply
    6. Renato Fruggiero December 1, 2017 at 9:46 AM

      all Signed up!

      I am in the middle of avalanching current debt (student loans, baby with a hospital bill and new home furniture) so I would use the $100 in addition to my monthly payment. Not much spending going on for the Fruggiero’s in December 2017. : (

      Reply
    7. Erin December 2, 2017 at 5:42 PM

      I’m a teacher of four wonderful children. I will use some of the money to take my 4 kids to Chuck E Chesee. I hardly have any extra money during the month do spend it on them. I will use some of it to buy some groceries for my house. I will also buy a Christmas gift for my teammates at work and buy some gifts for my 18 Second graders. That’s what I would do with the $100.00 blessing from you two.

      Reply
    8. Fabiola Figueroa December 3, 2017 at 8:33 PM

      If I were a lucky one and won $100 buck-a-roos, I’d be very grateful. The first thing I’d do was donate $20 to may favorite charity, use another $20 for gas so I can drive around and go Christmas shopping for my loved ones, use another $20 for toiletries and such for family whom are coming to town for the holidays, use another $20 to buy ingredients to bake cookies for all my small business owners who I go to for hair, nails, yoga, etc., and finally I’d use the final $20 to go get some yummy snacks for myself and enjoy at home while I wrap Christmas presents while I listen to Christmas music. Merry Christmas, Jay! Thanks for your awesome financial wisdom. Regards, Fabiola

      Reply
  2. a November 27, 2017 at 5:44 AM

    Been reading for ages. Just signed up :)..I have a non-profit. Will use it for some of our projects. Thank you

    Reply
  3. Holly November 27, 2017 at 6:09 AM

    Just subscribed! I have been reading for less than a year so definitely a new reader.

    Kind of boring but my husband and I are working really hard to pay off our credit card debt so I would use $100 towards that. We are so close!

    Reply
  4. JC November 27, 2017 at 6:22 AM

    Already a subscriber.

    I will put the $100 towards a Careergasm course that hopefully will help me figure how to start working full-time for myself!

    Reply
  5. Lily @ The Frugal Gene November 27, 2017 at 6:34 AM

    I’m subscribed but under a ninja email. I’m not expecting to win but for fun, I would buy lotto tickets to amuse myself. If I won anything from the tickets then I donate it to the Rockstar Finance fund and Grace’s dog rescue.

    Reply
  6. HW November 27, 2017 at 6:48 AM

    I am signed up!

    I would put the money towards a trip I’m planning on taking next year.

    Reply
  7. Aaron November 27, 2017 at 6:49 AM

    A $100 bill saved is a $100 bill earned. That $100 would go straight into my savings account before eventually getting shuffled off into a 2018 Roth IRA contribution.

    Reply
  8. Leticia November 27, 2017 at 7:08 AM

    1. Subscribed.
    2. I would deposit into my investment account. Every bit helps!

    Fingers crossed!

    Reply
  9. Laura November 27, 2017 at 7:13 AM

    I’d use it on Christmas gifts! This year I budgeted around $650 for my flight and gifts, but the flight alone was $450 (ugh). I don’t have a ton of gifts to buy, but a little wiggle room in the ol’ budget would definitely help.

    Reply
  10. Tina November 27, 2017 at 7:14 AM

    I have followed you on FB, but signed up. I would give it to my 8 year old for her savings account.

    Reply
  11. Mrs. Kiwi @ KiwiAndKeweenaw.com November 27, 2017 at 7:17 AM

    I would invest half of it and buy a board game the hubby and I have been eyeing for a while! Any leftover money would get donated to the food bank near us!

    Reply
    1. Danielle November 27, 2017 at 11:27 AM

      out of curiosity, what board game is it? always looking for new ones!

      Reply
      1. ThinkingAhead November 27, 2017 at 4:31 PM

        The last board game I bought for my family was Splendor (found it on sale on Amazon) and we love it. Try it out, if you don’t have it already.

        Reply
  12. Joe November 27, 2017 at 7:17 AM

    I’d use it to get my wife a gift, we tend to be pretty meager with each other and spend it on the kids.

    Reply
  13. Marshal Hines November 27, 2017 at 7:19 AM

    I would add it our holiday fund. The hubbs and I are going to spend 10 nights in Mexico. Mostly from travel hacking.

    Reply
  14. Chris November 27, 2017 at 7:21 AM

    I would most likely use it for Christmas presents. Or towards one of the 6 weddings I will be attending this year.

    Reply
  15. Tammy H November 27, 2017 at 7:22 AM

    Hey,

    I am already a subscriber. I would use the money to buy my niece and nephew Christmas presents. What is even more exciting is that my husband and I are going to Europe for the first time this year for FREE! He travels a lot for his job and accumulated enough points to pay for our flights, hotel, and travel. We are only responsible for taxes, so that is where the rest of the money would go or I might buy something special in Paris! ;-)

    Reply
  16. Josh November 27, 2017 at 7:22 AM

    Buy Christmas gifts!

    Reply
  17. Liz Holtzinger November 27, 2017 at 7:22 AM

    I’m hosting Christmas dinner for the first time ever. I’d use the cash toward feeding my family.

    Reply
  18. Krista Leicht November 27, 2017 at 7:23 AM

    I would put it in my kids’ college savings!

    Reply
  19. Katie November 27, 2017 at 7:25 AM

    Happy Holidays! I would put the money in my IRA. It’s boring, I know.

    Reply
  20. PaulM November 27, 2017 at 7:28 AM

    I’m already a subscriber and would pass the money forward to one or two people who need it more than I do. I can’t imagine a better use for it.

    Reply
  21. OFG November 27, 2017 at 7:30 AM

    I’d use it to pay my son’s tuition bill.

    Reply
  22. CPR November 27, 2017 at 7:33 AM

    Been reading for a while, but just signed up today. I’d give $100 to my 12 year old daughter – she’s saving up for enough to start investing with Vanguard index funds.

    Reply
  23. Mike November 27, 2017 at 7:35 AM

    J,
    I would use the money for taking the family out to dinner when we are all in Denver over Christmas.

    Reply
  24. Danielle November 27, 2017 at 7:35 AM

    I’d use $100 for our angel tree family and Christmas dinner.

    Reply
  25. Brian Driesenga November 27, 2017 at 7:36 AM

    Just subscribed. I would take that $100 and buy some more bitcoin! haha

    Reply
  26. Kiel November 27, 2017 at 7:38 AM

    Pay down debt like student loans.

    Reply
  27. Ms. Frugal Asian Finance November 27, 2017 at 7:43 AM

    Woo this is so cool!

    1. I’m a subscriber.
    2. I would put it towards our joint account for groceries :D

    Reply
  28. Jen November 27, 2017 at 7:45 AM

    I’d use it to pay down my car loan.

    Reply
  29. Apathy Ends November 27, 2017 at 7:47 AM

    Bribe my wife to proof read my posts

    Reply
  30. Dustin November 27, 2017 at 7:51 AM

    I’ve had a few unexpected expenses come up this year, so I lowered my contributions to my IRA for a few months. As of now, I will be about $250 short of the maximum by years end, so I would use the money to bring myself closer to maxing my IRA for the year.

    I know I have until the tax deadline, but I always feel better if I have my contributions maxed out before January.

    Reply
  31. Winslow Mohr November 27, 2017 at 7:51 AM

    1. Been reading your stuff through an RSS feed, wasn’t aware you had a newsletter!

    2. Price limit for presents this year between my fiancee and I is $100. So this would allow me to use the $100 I would spend on the present, instead on paying off my dang credit card.

    Reply
  32. Erin November 27, 2017 at 7:53 AM

    Hopefully my email newsletter subscription went through. There was some kind of error when I tried to set my preferences.

    I would put the money into a savings account. A close family member was just diagnosed with a serious illness and we will all be helping them with the medical expenses. We set up a savings account so everyone could contribute as they are able to help offset the cost.

    Reply
  33. [HCF] November 27, 2017 at 7:54 AM

    1) I was subscribed with another email but now subscribed with my blogging one.
    2) I would use the $100 to pay back my blog kickstarting expenses to the family budget (and maybe fund a frugal weekend trip for having fun together).

    Reply
  34. Becky November 27, 2017 at 7:55 AM

    I would probably, divide it up between my 2 college kids. $50 goes a long way when you are in college!

    Reply
  35. JRubin November 27, 2017 at 7:59 AM

    I’m already a subscriber.
    If I were to win the $100 – I would pass it on to friends of mine that are having some difficult financial times right now. I’ve already gifted them some $$ so that they can get Christmas gifts for their boys and/or pay some bills and/or buy some extra food, whatever they need the most. I would like to do more for them, just waiting to see how my end of year budget works out so I can see if there’s moolah to offer and how much.

    Reply
  36. Ms. Steward November 27, 2017 at 8:00 AM

    1. I’m a subscriber (sung to the tune of Beyonce’s “Survivor”)
    2. I would put it in my “Harry Potter World” fund for next November.

    Reply
  37. Jennifer November 27, 2017 at 8:01 AM

    Christmas is already paid for since I have a Christmas club account at my credit union that I make automatic deposits to every payday. This year I’m making brunch for my parents and I would like to make sure that everyone else has food on the table. (Small condo or else I would feed a lot more people.) My $100 is going to be donated to the local food bank.

    Reply
  38. Stephanie @ bendNeverbreak.ca November 27, 2017 at 8:11 AM

    $100 would go to paying off our debt! Merry Christmas to all :)

    Reply
  39. Rachel November 27, 2017 at 8:12 AM

    I would put it towards a Christmas gift for my husband and any leftover for our families! Our budget is super tight this year.

    Reply
  40. Accidental Fire November 27, 2017 at 8:13 AM

    VTSAX

    …then 5 years down the road when it’s worth $150 I’ll run a “Vets Day Stimulus” contest and give it to a deserving military veteran, with an extra $100 kicked in. Because I’ll be a famous blogger by then.

    Or so I hope :)

    Reply
    1. J. Money December 7, 2017 at 6:24 AM

      Yeah you will be ;)

      Reply
  41. Mariana November 27, 2017 at 8:13 AM

    I will use it to pay debt!

    Reply
  42. Andrew Schwartz November 27, 2017 at 8:17 AM

    I would put it in retirement because every penny counts and as Ben Franklin says ” Compound interest is the 8th greatest wonder in the world”

    Reply
  43. Erik November 27, 2017 at 8:20 AM

    There is family drama on both my fiance and my side for this Christmas. Its pretty expensive to fly to Buffalo for the holidays so $100 would help get me away from the drama and able to spend the holiday with the most important person in my life.

    Reply
  44. Eric November 27, 2017 at 8:20 AM

    I’d use it for holiday shopping. $100 less I’d need to use from my income and I could divert that towards savings.

    Reply
  45. Janet November 27, 2017 at 8:22 AM

    I am only $200 away from my goal of a $1000 emergency fund, so that’s where I would send the $100.

    Reply
  46. Brian November 27, 2017 at 8:24 AM

    I would donate it to a local 501c3 who’s promoting and hosting youth events, including financial literacy events.

    Reply
  47. Chris November 27, 2017 at 8:28 AM

    I would use it to take my kids in the polar Express while we’re in Colorado.

    Reply
  48. Vix November 27, 2017 at 8:28 AM

    I’d add it to the holiday fund. After all, the evidence shows that it’s best to spend money on things not experiences!

    Reply
  49. Danielle November 27, 2017 at 8:29 AM

    $100 this holiday season would go towards purchasing an outdoor Christmas decoration, we are looking for a “pre-used” lit Manger for our front yard. My kids are almost as excited to celebrate Jesus’ birthday as to see Santa! I am trying to hold on to that pride for as long as possible!

    Reply
  50. Kate November 27, 2017 at 8:32 AM

    Subscribed! And I would invest it!

    Reply
  51. Emilie November 27, 2017 at 8:32 AM

    I’d use the $100 to pay down my debt!

    Reply
  52. Michelle November 27, 2017 at 8:33 AM

    I’m currently studying abroad in Frankfurt, Germany (BSc in fianance), I’d put it toward my tuition expense for the next semester :)

    Reply
  53. Brenda November 27, 2017 at 8:36 AM

    Put it toward flights from the USA to South Africa, for my kids to see their grampa who just had surgery.

    Reply
  54. Bonnie November 27, 2017 at 8:40 AM

    I would split it between the two grandkids and put it in their savings accounts! Of course With a money lesson they had to listen to in order to get the deposit.

    Reply
  55. Jason@WinningPersonalFinance November 27, 2017 at 8:40 AM

    I’d reinvest the $100 into my blog via taking a course or buying some software that I can’t pay for today with my non-existent blog income.

    Reply
  56. Jennifer Goff November 27, 2017 at 8:41 AM

    Subscribed! I’d use the $100 to make an extra payment on my loans!

    Reply
  57. Mike from Budget Kitty November 27, 2017 at 8:44 AM

    I’d take my wife out for a nice dinner because she deserves it.

    Reply
  58. Steve B November 27, 2017 at 8:51 AM

    Just signed up, not sure why I never did that before.
    Money would be used to take the kids out for a nice dinner when they’re home over the holidays.

    Reply
  59. CAROLYN s DOSHER November 27, 2017 at 8:55 AM

    Since I’m not using my debit card this holiday season, I’d pay on my credit card!

    Reply
  60. Wade J November 27, 2017 at 8:58 AM

    I would split it in half and put 50.00 each in both my kids savings accounts.

    Great blog!

    Reply
  61. Cheryl November 27, 2017 at 9:03 AM

    I would apply it to my mortgage as I’m trying to get it paid off by end of year—appreciate your help with that lofty goal! :)

    Reply
  62. Chung November 27, 2017 at 9:04 AM

    I’m going to do something nice for myself since I tend to put everyone else first. I’ll get a SPA for myself.

    Reply
  63. Amanda of My Life, I Guess November 27, 2017 at 9:08 AM

    I just accepted a new job (I start next week!) and could really use a wardrobe update for this new position. Thanks for hosting this giveaway!

    Reply
  64. Lisa O November 27, 2017 at 9:09 AM

    1. I have been a reader for a few years and love it!
    2. I am currently working on a project to help the local homeless shelter. We as a group are

    Reply
    1. Lisa O November 27, 2017 at 9:15 AM

      trying to work on doing something that is lasting…not just giving for the holiday. (Would welcome any thoughts from readers!)

      Feeling blessed this season and just want to pass on the feeling of peace, joy & understanding.

      Reply
  65. Beth November 27, 2017 at 9:10 AM

    I’d use it toward putting in a BIG vegetable garden this spring.

    Reply
  66. Lyndsey November 27, 2017 at 9:15 AM

    Would love a Benjamin to get a leaf blower! This is my first fall/winter as a homeowner and man, just leave EVERYWHERE! :)

    Reply
  67. Jennifer November 27, 2017 at 9:16 AM

    I would save it for travel expenses this summer as I hope to go overseas for a month or two on husband’s generous paternity leave as a new family of 5.

    Reply
  68. David T November 27, 2017 at 9:16 AM

    I would use it towards that pesky roof bill or towards all those Christmas presents for our 6 yo, 4 yo, and 2 yo daughters! :-)

    Reply
  69. Laura W November 27, 2017 at 9:23 AM

    1. Subscribed!
    2. I would take my family to the movies- tickets add up fast and it’s cheaper to rent a DVD, but it’s such a fun experience to see a movie in theaters, all together :)

    Reply
  70. Katelyn November 27, 2017 at 9:26 AM

    Been subscribed! Would use it to pay down credit card debt! yay!

    Reply
  71. Curtis Wheat November 27, 2017 at 9:33 AM

    I would blow it on something for me.

    Reply
  72. Tim November 27, 2017 at 9:42 AM

    Already subscribed! I would take that money and dump it right into VTSAX…and cash it out in 30 years when it has grown to way more than 100$! Thanks J-Money-Claus!

    Reply
  73. Brittany November 27, 2017 at 9:42 AM

    I would save $50 and spend $50 on my student loans – Super exciting!

    Reply
  74. Chris November 27, 2017 at 9:46 AM

    I would give it to my cousin who has hit a rough patch and would really appreciate it come Christmas time.

    I’ve always tried to avoid family loans but this could be a no strings attached gift that would bend the rules just this one time :)

    Reply
  75. Jenna November 27, 2017 at 9:53 AM

    1. Already subscribed.
    2. Cards. I suck at getting cards for people. This year’s gifts are all travel trips, but a nice card to the recipients would be lovely.

    Always, Jenna

    Reply
  76. Megan November 27, 2017 at 9:54 AM

    I’d use the $100 for books for me, Legos for the kids.

    Reply
  77. Kelly November 27, 2017 at 10:02 AM

    I’d donate it to my favorite charity. My employer matches charitable donations of up to $250, so I can stretch the money from $100 to $200 that way, and feel good about giving back.

    Reply
  78. Eric McWhinnie November 27, 2017 at 10:03 AM

    Hey J$!

    1. I’m signed up!

    2. My wife is a teacher and her room adopts a kid for Christmas gifts. I would donate $25 for that cause. Then I would place $25 in my kid’s piggy bank (he’s only 2) to help teach him about money later, and then I would spend the last $50 on a family dinner out since we don’t do that too often.

    Thanks J$!

    Reply
  79. Colleen November 27, 2017 at 10:06 AM

    I would invest it in my brokerage account (already maxed everything else for this year).

    Reply
  80. Kellie November 27, 2017 at 10:06 AM

    1. Subscribed.
    2. $100 would just about cover a costco-sized prime rib for Christmas :)

    Reply
  81. Jenny November 27, 2017 at 10:08 AM

    We’d use it to start rebuilding our emergency fund. Cutting up the credit cards this month after a yucky season of backsliding into debt (dental emergencies, car trouble, house repairs). We’re welcoming baby number 5 in a few weeks and need to get back on track.

    Reply
  82. CC November 27, 2017 at 10:15 AM

    Just subscribed, I have been reading the blog for a couple years.
    I would use the $ to pay down student loan.

    Reply
  83. HM November 27, 2017 at 10:20 AM

    Already a subscriber! And I would put that money into our daughter’s saving account!

    Reply
  84. Chantal November 27, 2017 at 10:29 AM

    Add it to my son’s tuition fund so we can pay in cash to avoid the 10% interest financing.

    Reply
  85. Drew November 27, 2017 at 10:38 AM

    I’d invest it.

    Reply
  86. Cheri November 27, 2017 at 10:42 AM

    I would use it for gas money to bring my daughter home for Christmas break. She is 5 hours away. Go Badgers! On Wisconsin!

    Reply
  87. Andrew November 27, 2017 at 10:45 AM

    New subscriber but long-time reader.

    I would keep it in checking. I just opened a rewards checking account that pays 3% for balances up to $20,000. Gradually adding to that account until I get to that number.

    Reply
  88. Ryan Dahm November 27, 2017 at 10:51 AM

    My wife is going to be going to Northwestern University to to participate in their Stem Cell Treatment program to hopefully treat her Multiple Sclerosis. This $100 will cover bills that will come along as she is in treatment.

    Reply
    1. J. Money December 7, 2017 at 6:27 AM

      I hope it goes okay!!!

      Reply
  89. Spencer H November 27, 2017 at 10:51 AM

    I’d put the money towards buying my wife’s van new tires. Winter is coming and bald tires don’t do well in Utah snow.

    Reply
  90. Andrew November 27, 2017 at 10:51 AM

    Straight into the HSA account. Have a little more left to go to max that baby out this year :)

    Reply
  91. Henrietta November 27, 2017 at 10:51 AM

    I already subscribe. If I was the lucky winner, I’d use the $100 to pay down debt.

    Reply
  92. Lisa W November 27, 2017 at 10:52 AM

    Pay extra on my mortgage!

    Reply
  93. James Stines November 27, 2017 at 10:52 AM

    I’d probably buy a bottle of whiskey. :^)

    Reply
  94. Shannon November 27, 2017 at 10:53 AM

    I owe $196,000 in student loans, so I would pay off a little more of that debt mountain!

    Reply
  95. Rose November 27, 2017 at 10:53 AM

    I would give it away and spend it on presents for my family.

    Reply
  96. Lance November 27, 2017 at 10:53 AM

    I’d take it to the bank and ask for all quarters and then take the quarters and glue them to the sidewalk and sit on my porch with my phone filming all the kids so excited to see 400 quarters on the ground and then me laughing at them because they can’t pick them up. Then I’d start a YouTube channel with my daily videos and take my millions of dollars from my massive subscriber growth and buy a cabin up in the mountains and buy all the turtles from pet stores start training them to fight terrorism and then set them free all around the world.

    or

    I’d climb on top of my house with my $100 bill at midnight and yell out “I’m making it rain” and watch it float down from the second floor. After four glorious seconds of watching flutter in the air I’d climb back down and pick up my $100 bill from off the ground and go back in to the house and put it in my wallet and say to myself, “Tomorrow I’m going to the bank and getting 400 quarters to glue on the sidewalk.”

    Reply
    1. J. Money December 7, 2017 at 6:28 AM

      OMG haha…. BEST. ANSWER(S). EVER.

      Reply
  97. Adam November 27, 2017 at 10:53 AM

    It would go right to paying off the last $1,300 of debt!

    Reply
  98. Courtney November 27, 2017 at 10:54 AM

    Oh my gosh! I have an awesome standing desk at work no but I’d really like to upgrade my shoes. It takes good shoes to stand all day without pain! $100 investment in my lower back

    Reply
  99. Janet Mahoney November 27, 2017 at 10:54 AM

    Give it to my don to put towards his student loans.

    Reply
  100. Richard Ryan November 27, 2017 at 10:54 AM

    Very generous of you. I would donate it to a needy family in my community where it would be put to good use for Christmas.

    Reply
  101. Janet Mahoney November 27, 2017 at 10:55 AM

    Give it to my son, Brian, to put towards his student loans.

    Reply
  102. Wong November 27, 2017 at 10:55 AM

    I let my 3 boys purchase some gifts for Operation Shoebox, and purchase a few extra things for them :).

    Reply
  103. snowbodi November 27, 2017 at 10:55 AM

    1. New subscriber (about a month ago)

    2. I would buy some tools and lawn care items for my 21-year-old son – he recently bought a house. I’ve been very impressed and proud of how thoughtful and responsible he is being with his money, but he’s been borrowing basic tools from me and not returning them very promptly. :D

    Thank you!

    Reply
    1. J. Money December 7, 2017 at 6:30 AM

      Haha… sons are like that ;)

      Reply
  104. Ms. Raphael November 27, 2017 at 10:55 AM

    I would use it to pay down a credit card, Or maybe on myself lol

    Reply
  105. Troy November 27, 2017 at 10:56 AM

    Subscribed and would place the 100 in my emergency fund!

    Reply
  106. Keya Bishop November 27, 2017 at 10:56 AM

    I would use it to pay off my credit card debt.

    Reply
  107. Chad November 27, 2017 at 10:56 AM

    I would fund next year’s Christmas gift account. (Already finished buying gifts for this year!) Never hurts to start early and with 1.25% at Ally, the $100 would be worth $101.25. ;)

    Reply
  108. Carol Lane November 27, 2017 at 10:57 AM

    I would put it towards paying off the last of my debt!

    Reply
  109. Jolene November 27, 2017 at 11:00 AM

    I’ve been subscribed and reading for a couple of years now!

    I would put it towards bills. Super fun. My sister was unemployed for like 3 months so I have been supporting her in addition to my 7 year old. We are just now moving on from that financial grossness and that $100 would help put us in a good spot to start 2018. By next December, I will have my car, two credit cards, two of my student loans, and my personal loan paid off. So one more year and I can breathe.

    Reply
    1. J. Money December 7, 2017 at 6:31 AM

      What a blessing to be able to help your sister like that!!

      Reply
  110. Kristy November 27, 2017 at 11:01 AM

    I would use it to hire a babysitter during the week between Christmas and New Years so my husband and I can go out to dinner. Yep, selfish I know! haha.

    Reply
  111. Rick November 27, 2017 at 11:01 AM

    Subscribed for some time. :)

    I would book a cabin with my girl to escape the commercial pressure that keeps it hard to stay on track towards FIRE. Latvia is not very expensive so I’d stock up on some mulled wine as well. Chin chin!

    Reply
  112. Melody November 27, 2017 at 11:01 AM

    I’d use it to buy a Kindle to use in a free KingSumo giveaway package for my blog followers!

    Reply
  113. Samantha November 27, 2017 at 11:02 AM

    I would drop that hundo onto our debt for sure! It would be such a good omen to receive it from J Money

    Reply
  114. Fritz @ TheRetirementManifesto November 27, 2017 at 11:02 AM

    It’s going to the dogs. Literally. My wife and I volunteer at a Dog Rescue, and they’re getting every cent. Woof woof.

    Reply
  115. Mike November 27, 2017 at 11:02 AM

    1. Been a subscriber for most of this year, loving it!
    2. My younger sibling is a December birthday, and is turning 18 this year, when I visit the family I’m planning on getting her started with TFSA/RRSP set up and start her off with her first $100 invested.

    Reply
  116. Mary November 27, 2017 at 11:02 AM

    I’d put it in my nieces college funds

    Reply
  117. Elise C November 27, 2017 at 11:03 AM

    1) Long time reader/subscriber! Woot!
    2) I would use it towards our travel fund! We recently made a list of all of our friends who live around the world and we are trying to go and visit everyone (slowly…very very slowly)…so $100 would get us about 50 miles closer! ha!

    Reply
  118. SimplyFinanciallyFree November 27, 2017 at 11:04 AM

    1. already subscribed
    2. make a donation to the organization where my husband’s autistic cousin lives.

    Reply
  119. Mike November 27, 2017 at 11:04 AM

    $75 to student loans, $25 towards a Xmas gift to myself.

    Reply
  120. Amanda November 27, 2017 at 11:04 AM

    Roth IRA! Thanks very much. I really enjoy your site!

    Reply
  121. Alexandra November 27, 2017 at 11:05 AM

    Well I just found out that I’ll need to replace both of my furnaces, so I’d probably use that $100 to help offset those costs.

    Reply
  122. Jennie November 27, 2017 at 11:05 AM

    Just subscribed but I have been reading for a few months. Love your stuff! I would use $100 towards paying off our student loan. Only have a little less than 3k left!!

    Reply
    1. J. Money December 7, 2017 at 6:33 AM

      Thank you so much! And congrats!

      Reply
  123. Michelle Alexander November 27, 2017 at 11:06 AM

    I would put it in my emergency stash which I save for the summer when I don’t get a paycheck. Teachers are paid 10 months in my county.

    Reply
  124. Matt November 27, 2017 at 11:06 AM

    Would use it to pay off debt $100 quicker!!! Been making good progress the past couple months :)

    Reply
  125. Cathryn Weaver November 27, 2017 at 11:06 AM

    We are going to Japan to go skiing in Feb for our honeymoon and I would use it towards lift tickets and a nice meal

    Reply
  126. Jonica November 27, 2017 at 11:07 AM

    I’m in the process of going debt free too, but I would not put this money towards that. I would put it on a Starbucks card and that would be my coffee budget for 2018. Every time I’d use it, I’d think of you and say a silent ‘thank you’.

    Reply
  127. Dani November 27, 2017 at 11:07 AM

    I would buy Christmas gifts…. obviously! :)

    Reply
  128. Michelle S November 27, 2017 at 11:07 AM

    I am already a subscriber. I would use the money toward our spring break trip in March to Phoenix. It’s our last year with our son home before he goes to college so it will be a bittersweet spring break for us.

    Reply
  129. Yolonda Lowery November 27, 2017 at 11:08 AM

    I would pay for myself a class. Teach that skill to my kids. Start a family business.

    Reply
  130. Maryann November 27, 2017 at 11:08 AM

    Subscriber here! I would use the money for a self-care day. I take care of everyone in my immediate family and my elderly mother, and I work full time. I usually spend all my money toward bills/debt/mortgage/food and it would be so very nice to finally treat myself.

    Reply
  131. Ashley November 27, 2017 at 11:08 AM

    I’m already a subscriber! I’d use the $100 to pay off a bill. :)

    Reply
  132. Kristen November 27, 2017 at 11:09 AM

    I’d use the $100 either to pick up more angel tree donations… or for my emergency fund.

    Reply
  133. Amy @ Life Zemplified November 27, 2017 at 11:09 AM

    1. Already a subscriber :)
    2. Donate to a local women and children’s shelter

    Reply
  134. Nikki November 27, 2017 at 11:10 AM

    I would use it to pay for my dog’s upcoming dental work. Poor guy needs a deep cleaning and maybe two teeth pulled. I will owe him so much steak to make up for the trauma.

    Reply
  135. Victoria November 27, 2017 at 11:10 AM

    Probably put $50 toward student loans, and spend $50 on myself :)

    Reply
  136. Diane November 27, 2017 at 11:10 AM

    We’ve been eating at home really simple, cheap meals to payoff debt… so the $100 would totally go to a splurge… mouth-watering steak dinner!!!

    Reply
  137. Mollie Jackson November 27, 2017 at 11:10 AM

    1. I’m already a subscriber.
    2. My husband has Multiple Sclerosis, and his mobility has deteriorated significantly in the last six months. Even though he continues to insist on walking mostly unaided, I’ve been secretly putting money aside to pay for a “mobility scooter” for him, so that when he is ready to accept assistance, we will have the money to buy it.

    Reply
    1. Bret November 27, 2017 at 11:17 AM

      That is super cool of you Mollie! Good luck!

      Reply
    2. J. Money December 7, 2017 at 6:35 AM

      I’m so sorry to hear :(

      Reply
  138. Angelee November 27, 2017 at 11:11 AM

    I would put $100 toward my savings :) Every cent counts!

    Reply
  139. Nick November 27, 2017 at 11:11 AM

    1) I’ve been a subscriber for a few months now, I enjoy your work!
    2) It would most likely go straight into my savings (which will be drawn from in January for my Roth IRA contribution for 2018.

    Reply
  140. Heather November 27, 2017 at 11:11 AM

    I became a subscriber this year.

    I’d use $100 to purchase a bike for a little boy – there’s a giving tree at my local wellness center with tags listing gift wishes from local children in need. This particular tag has been languishing as it’s a request for a larger gift. I’ve purchased a few gifts to match other requests, and saw this tag when I delivered the gifts. It’s been weighing on me since – I’d hate for this little one to go without and will find a way to get a bike to him (and this would definitely help).

    Reply
  141. brian @ singledadmoney November 27, 2017 at 11:12 AM

    Man, I need a new axe handle and new sledge handle, so the 100 would go there. My axe handle has been on it’s way out for 2 months now, and finally became unusable (as in almost breaking in 2 pieces and flying through the air towards whatever was in its’ path) while chopping winter heat yesterday and I’ve sadly been using a 12lb sledge with about 12″ of handle left on it to drive my wood splitting wedges. My forearms feel it with every use.

    Reply
  142. Shay November 27, 2017 at 11:12 AM

    I needed to buy a new computer (thankfully I was able to take advantage of Black Friday week deals) but it crimps my Christmas budget, so I would put it towards Christmas gifts for family.

    Reply
  143. SeaSaver November 27, 2017 at 11:13 AM

    “New” reader since 2014 and always appreciate the new posts.

    $100, could go to little guy’s 529, or into a brokerage account… but in all honesty, it would accompany me on a work trip I have to take to Las Vegas late this year. Figure if I have to be away from the family during the holidays, might as well take a free Mr. Franklin with me!

    Reply
  144. Bridget November 27, 2017 at 11:13 AM

    I’m a subscriber :)
    I would use the $100 to buy our family’s Christmas Eve snacks and our Christmas Day dinner. Thank you for this chance :)

    Reply
  145. kirsten November 27, 2017 at 11:13 AM

    Currently a newsletter reader ;) I would use the $100 to buy a yearly membership to the local aquarium so I can take my 16 month old regularly in 2018.

    Reply
  146. Rose November 27, 2017 at 11:14 AM

    Put towards my greenhouse fund.. (getting close :) )

    Reply
  147. Deborah Paterson November 27, 2017 at 11:14 AM

    A gift for a new great grandbaby…a girl due in early March

    Reply
  148. Maddie November 27, 2017 at 11:14 AM

    Been subscribed for a few months! I’d use it to treat my parents and sister to a nice holiday meal :)

    Reply
  149. scottyd November 27, 2017 at 11:14 AM

    $100? thats easy, my sister had expensive medical complications this year. I’d give the money to my brother in law to handle the bills.

    Love the blog, keep it up

    Reply
    1. J. Money December 7, 2017 at 6:38 AM

      Thank you! And positive thoughts out to your sister!

      Reply
  150. Diana November 27, 2017 at 11:15 AM

    1. Already subscribed
    2. We fill backpacks each Friday with food to children in need at a local school. I would use the money to fIll Christmas boxes for the same children for the Christmas break.

    Reply
  151. Kate November 27, 2017 at 11:15 AM

    Hello!
    (Already a subscriber.)
    I would use it for transport on Christmas day.
    Where I live there is no public transport on the 25th so we need to pay for an Uber to visit anyone farther than walking distance! And I suspect the surge charging will be at maximum!
    Merry Christmas! xx

    Reply
  152. beth November 27, 2017 at 11:16 AM

    1. I’m subscribed. :)
    2. I would spend it on my house rebuild… hoping to be back in for Christmas this year!

    Reply
  153. The Judith November 27, 2017 at 11:16 AM

    Just started reading about a month ago – I would take it to Vegas when we go to celebrate the “boys” 21st birthday in December! It is always best to play in Vegas on other people’s money!

    Reply
  154. Brenna November 27, 2017 at 11:16 AM

    Subscribed. I would use $100 toward new bedding and decor for our bedroom. It’s currently outdated but utilitarian, so it would be nice to upgrade some items just for fun.

    Reply
  155. Laurie November 27, 2017 at 11:17 AM

    Have been reading and subscribing for over a year. I’d put it straight into savings for a long-awaited vacation next year!

    Reply
  156. DWR November 27, 2017 at 11:17 AM

    A bit of a nibble off the student loan.

    Reply
  157. Cody November 27, 2017 at 11:18 AM

    1. Already a subscriber
    2. I would put that money towards kids clothes. I have a 7 month old and at this point you buy new stuff every couple months. 0-12 months is expensive and i hear it doesnt get any cheaper lol.

    Reply
  158. Katie November 27, 2017 at 11:19 AM

    Hi! I’m not going to lie I’d probably blow the $100 on food and drink for Christmas day…….probably why I’m in debt and reading this blog….

    Reply
    1. J. Money December 7, 2017 at 6:39 AM

      (At least you’re being honest with yourself!! :))

      Reply
  159. Susan November 27, 2017 at 11:19 AM

    1-Subscribed
    2-I would use it toward next summer’s project- outdoor stairs.

    Reply
  160. Tara Sieberg November 27, 2017 at 11:19 AM

    I would just pay it on a credit card. Christmas was already bbudgeted for!

    Reply
  161. Louis A Duran November 27, 2017 at 11:19 AM

    I would donate the $100 to my friend Antonio’s nonprofit. It is building blocks to success in Portland, Oregon. He brings stem education to kids who aren’t getting enough of it in their Public School.

    Reply
  162. Stephen Nelson November 27, 2017 at 11:19 AM

    my wife and I are planning to take a two-night vacation and leave our two-year-old with the grandparents. We’re going to do it on the cheap. Currently we’ve budgeted $100 for the whole vacation. To make that happen, we’re going camping. If I got an extra $100, I’d use it to make our getaway more special. We’d still go camping, but I would get more creative with the location and the menu.

    Reply
  163. Sadie November 27, 2017 at 11:20 AM

    I’m already a subscriber too :). I was torn between using it to teach my son a lesson about money (he’s 5) and using it to help a family my women’s motorcycle club has “adopted” for the holidays that has just come out of a domestic violence shelter.

    So, now I’m thinking I’d tell my 5 year old he has $100 to spend on the family’s two kids for Christmas…and work through with him how best to spend it. So it’s a lesson and an opportunity to pass on blessings at the same time.

    Awesome idea! Love reading what everyone would do with $100.

    Reply
    1. J. Money December 7, 2017 at 6:41 AM

      Right?? Everyone’s so clever! Including yourself! :)

      Reply
  164. Jacob November 27, 2017 at 11:20 AM

    I’d use it to buy an extra gift for my parents and my two siblings. My budget for each of them is $100, so an extra $25 each would go a long way. Thanks for the chance to win!

    Reply
  165. Mel November 27, 2017 at 11:21 AM

    How would you use this $100 this holiday season?

    I would use this towards a yoga training to teach kids.

    Reply
  166. Trish November 27, 2017 at 11:22 AM

    I am already signed up :)
    I would use it to pay down the Tires Plus bill I currently have because of unexpected car issues my poor, one semester away from graduating, college son encountered. (The ole girl has served him well the past 5 years – we’re just squeezing the life out of her until he has a real job with his degree!!! :) )

    Reply
  167. Felicia November 27, 2017 at 11:22 AM

    In the past when we’ve had extra cash, we would anonomously buy a Christmas tree gift card for a family in need and include a box of ornaments and hot chocolate mix. That was fun and I’d love to do something like that again!

    Reply
  168. Katie November 27, 2017 at 11:22 AM

    I am subscribed!

    I would use the money to buy books. Real paper books, not one of those e-books. I love buying new books but usually my frugal self checks them out of the library!

    Reply
  169. Elizabeth Coe November 27, 2017 at 11:22 AM

    My husband and I have been paying off debt for over a year now, accumulated from building a house with a 203k loan that sucked! We can use every dollar we get.

    Reply
  170. Anne Schnedl November 27, 2017 at 11:24 AM

    Hi –

    I just subscribed to the newsletter (maybe I already was … not sure if this is different than being subscribed to the blog! I’ve been reading for several years)

    How would I use $100 … buy gifts for others/give it away. Or maybe use it to start a self-hosted blog to earn more **money** to pay down debt/give away/enjoy life!

    Reply
  171. Kayla Blades November 27, 2017 at 11:25 AM

    Long time subscriber! You helped me get through getting fired from a job in 2010, for what it is worth!
    I would use the can to buy my husband 10 movie tickets so he could get out of the house, take a break from the kids, and treat himself to a movie about once a month!

    Reply
    1. J. Money December 7, 2017 at 6:43 AM

      Awww such a great idea! And so glad you’re enjoying the blog – thanks for reading for so long, wow. 7 years!!

      Reply
  172. Maureen November 27, 2017 at 11:25 AM

    I would use $500 to pay for our daughters treatments for MS. We have been using our retirement money for the last year to provide treatment that is not covered by insurance. This would not cover the costs for a month but would be a help. Congrats to whoever wins this!

    Reply
    1. J. Money December 7, 2017 at 6:45 AM

      Ugh, I’m so sorry to hear :( I will keep your beautiful daughter in our thoughts and prayers. So sad that we have to deal with insane medical costs in this country on top of the pain and suffering of the medical problem itself!

      Reply
  173. Rudy November 27, 2017 at 11:26 AM

    Vegas, baby, Vegas!

    Reply
  174. Lily November 27, 2017 at 11:26 AM

    I would use $100 towards paying my spring 2018 tuition. It’s my final year of college, and I’m on my own for this one! It would be nice not to have to dip into savings too deeply.

    Reply
  175. Kea November 27, 2017 at 11:26 AM

    Hello J Money! Happy Holidays! I would put $50 towards bills and $50 towards a great night with my family.

    Reply
  176. Lincoln November 27, 2017 at 11:26 AM

    Hey J-$$$
    I’d spend it on gifts for my siblings and family – I like being generous but it’s difficult when you’ve budgeted x amount of money for gifts and it’s not enough to cover what’s on people’s lists.

    Reply
  177. Kim Trattner November 27, 2017 at 11:27 AM

    I’m a new subscriber this year and have been enjoying your blog. Extra money always going into liquid savings for me as that seems to be the hardest type of savings in my budget so that’s where the $100 would go.

    Reply
  178. Jody Miller November 27, 2017 at 11:28 AM

    If I had an extra $100 I’d give it as an extra gift to my mother-in-law who doesn’t have much.

    Reply
  179. Danielle November 27, 2017 at 11:29 AM

    I would put it toward the $1200 in car repairs I just discovered I need–gotta have a safe way to get to work and make $$ to pay the rest of the bills

    Reply
  180. Andrea Leggett November 27, 2017 at 11:29 AM

    I’ve been reading for a while but just signed up for the emails! I would put $100 back into savings. I had twins in the spring so we are doing a “world tour” of traveling for the holidays so all of the family members can get their lovin’ in. We budgeted well for it, but $100 into the savings account would be a real gem this time of year!

    Reply
    1. J. Money December 7, 2017 at 10:53 AM

      TWINS WOW! Double congrats! ;)

      Reply
  181. Chris Pahl November 27, 2017 at 11:30 AM

    A donation to Students Today Leaders Forever and the rest towards investing.

    Reply
  182. Tim B November 27, 2017 at 11:31 AM

    I’d buy an IKEA Poang chair for my sister. She has a back injury and yet she refuses to buy the one chair that doesn’t hurt her back…

    Reply
  183. Erik Wesslen November 27, 2017 at 11:32 AM

    I’d put it towards a vacation I’m taking next year to Greece, a special vacation at that!

    Reply
  184. Liv November 27, 2017 at 11:32 AM

    I’ve been enjoying my subscription for the past month or so.
    I’m pretty new to the idea of FI and would love to get started with some more aggressive investing. At the same time, I’d like for my kids to learn about investing and saving much earlier than I did, so I’d split the $100 between us (maybe $80 for my investment, $10 each for them to start learning about theirs).

    Reply
  185. Terry November 27, 2017 at 11:33 AM

    I’d take the family to the movies

    Reply
  186. Sara November 27, 2017 at 11:33 AM

    1) long time subscriber
    2) I would use the money to take the kids to buy one of those fancy Christmas trees you cut at the tree farm instead of one from Home Depot and put the money left in my spousal IRA that I’m trying to max out before the end of the year

    Reply
    1. J. Money December 7, 2017 at 11:01 AM

      Haha… i wanna do that one day with my kids too :) The fake trees are just SO convenient!

      Reply
  187. Cynthia Landers November 27, 2017 at 11:33 AM

    I’d definitely use the extra $100 to take on my Christmas trip to New York. BTW I love your blog which I have only been reading for a short while. Thanks for all the tips.

    Reply
    1. J. Money December 7, 2017 at 11:01 AM

      Rock on! Thank you for telling me!

      Reply
  188. Sherri November 27, 2017 at 11:34 AM

    I’d put it towards my daughter’s spring college tuition. The more I’m able to pay the less she has to borrow :)

    Reply
  189. Mr. T November 27, 2017 at 11:35 AM

    I’d add it to our 529 account.

    Reply
  190. Chris Whitley November 27, 2017 at 11:35 AM

    I would use it to donate to our local beagle rescue!

    Reply
  191. Deirdre November 27, 2017 at 11:36 AM

    Nothing too fun unfortunately I would put it on two big medical bills I just received. Drowning in debt is all I seem to do these days.

    Reply
  192. Miguel (The Rich Miser) November 27, 2017 at 11:36 AM

    I’d put it into a purely speculative cryptocurrency investment (Ethereum). Take a chance and see what happens!

    Reply
  193. Kirstin November 27, 2017 at 11:36 AM

    I’d either stick it in my Vanguard brokerage fund or blow it on a nice dinner with my family for Christmas!

    Reply
  194. Sara S November 27, 2017 at 11:37 AM

    Already a subscriber

    I’d put it towards paying off credit card debt which I am so close to being rid of.

    Reply
  195. Don in Tucson AZ November 27, 2017 at 11:38 AM

    I’d use the money to pay down some credit card debt.

    Reply
  196. Joe November 27, 2017 at 11:41 AM

    SWEET!
    1. already a subscriber
    2. I’d use it to pay for Christmas gifts for the kids. Getting expensive now with more little cousins.

    Reply
  197. Ebony Lovely November 27, 2017 at 11:41 AM

    I will put our $100 towards our debt snowball. We are on track to pay off $104,000 in 3 years.

    Reply
    1. J. Money December 7, 2017 at 11:03 AM

      Incredible! Where your $$$ blog so you can share all your secrets?? :)

      Reply
  198. Mr. Tako November 27, 2017 at 11:41 AM

    Honestly, I’d probably buy a christmas gift for my kids… One share of a good company (each) ought to do it.

    Reply
  199. Tech Tai November 27, 2017 at 11:42 AM

    Hey Budgetsaresexy folks,

    This is my first ever comment so I wanna say that it’s great to be amongst you all.

    1. I am already signed up for the newsletter which is why I’m participating lol.

    2. I am very tech focused so I would spend $100 like this:
    $50 in Bitcoin
    $30 in Ethereum
    $20 in Litecoin

    Happy holidays to you all and keep being financially responsible!!!!

    Reply
    1. J. Money December 7, 2017 at 11:03 AM

      Thanks for letting us know you exist :)

      Reply
  200. Carlos Gomez November 27, 2017 at 11:42 AM

    With the $100, I’d buy 49 copies of my book, Success: For Minority Teens (& Their Friends) at $4.99/copy, defraying the cost of taxes, and I’d give these to 49 of my most needy 8th grade students at school. So many need a book like mine but can’t afford to buy on Amazon.

    Reply
  201. Danielle November 27, 2017 at 11:43 AM

    This isn’t sexy or fun, but I’d add it to my monthly “pay off old credit card debt” budget. A couple years ago I was laid off for a year and a half and it’s been a slow climb back to where I was. The sooner I’m free, the better!

    Reply
  202. Tori Frezza November 27, 2017 at 11:44 AM

    How would you use this $100 this holiday season? Well J. Money let me tell you how I would spend that extra $100. I would use it to pay off the Christmas gifts I put on my credit card (which is thankfully pretty much paid off save for $321.33) I have a few side hustles, thanks to you, that will help, but your $100 would be an epic chunk of change to help toward that goal!!

    Reply
  203. Kimberly J. November 27, 2017 at 11:44 AM

    I am a subscriber. I would love to add $100 to my daughter’s college account. Thank you!

    Reply
  204. Jessica November 27, 2017 at 11:44 AM

    I would hang on to the $100 for a few weeks after the holidays to use on our honeymoon. We got married in August and decided to wait a few months to go on our honeymoon so we could A) Save up some money again B) Get out of Denver during the middle of the winter and C) Spread out some of the first year of marriage fun. $100 would cover our cost for Cave Tubing in Belize!

    Reply
    1. Jessica November 27, 2017 at 11:49 AM

      And I’ve been subscribed for about a year to the blog!

      Reply
  205. Peter November 27, 2017 at 11:46 AM

    I would give it as an additional donation to the ACLU to help them continue to stand up for our Constitution and Bill of Rights in these difficult times.

    Reply
  206. Susan November 27, 2017 at 11:46 AM

    I would use the $100 to pay down debt.

    Reply
  207. Margaux November 27, 2017 at 11:47 AM

    It would go to my savings account–I’m saving up to do a trek up Mt. Kilimanjaro next year!

    Reply
  208. Matt W November 27, 2017 at 11:47 AM

    Put it towards the kids college funds :) Turn the $100 into $120 after state tax credit!

    Reply
  209. Julie M November 27, 2017 at 11:47 AM

    One pair of maternity pants is no longer cutting it, so I’d get another pair (or two), and put the rest toward paying down debt!

    Reply
  210. Kelly S. November 27, 2017 at 11:47 AM

    I’d pack up my family and hit the road for a weekend camping trip (with plenty of firewood!).

    Reply
  211. LJ Lopez November 27, 2017 at 11:47 AM

    I would use the $100 to buy 5 gifts for the small children in my family since I’m temporarily unemployed.

    Reply
  212. Monica Contreras November 27, 2017 at 11:49 AM

    Your newsletters are probably my favorite weekly reads.
    I would use the money towards my grad school fund. Saving for grad school and investing at the same time gets tough. So any extra money towards it is always nice!

    Reply
  213. Denes November 27, 2017 at 11:50 AM

    I’d probably increase my Christmas spending a little bit. That, or do the financially savvy thing and just put it towards the mortgage. About to pass one of those ‘fun’ numbers with bunches of 0’s paying it down.

    Reply
  214. Dana November 27, 2017 at 11:51 AM

    Thank you! Such an exciting thread! With the 100$, I would honestly give a guided reading book set (Level A) to a low level reader I know, and the right finance book to a high school student from a low income background who, according to his parents, is very into money. Recommendations for the right book to give this kid are welcomed! The rest I will save towards further giving and donating as inspired. :-) Thank you!

    Reply
  215. Anne November 27, 2017 at 11:51 AM

    I would use an extra $100 to make some kid’s Christmas special, through Angel Tree or something like it.

    Reply
  216. Debbie November 27, 2017 at 11:51 AM

    Lucky us! We don’t need a thing! For us, the holidays are about giving. June & Dec. we donate to local charities so the $150 I’m donating in Dec., I would add $100 more to them if I won. The 3 charities we donate to are The Big Fix in Fayetteville, NC who helps pay for low cost altering of dogs/cats, FIX’Moore in Moore County, NC also low cost altering for colonies of neighborhood cats & Farley’s Foundation, a non profit animal rescue in Pinehurst, NC. Happy Holidays to everyone & thank you J$$ for a great blog!

    Reply
  217. Pam November 27, 2017 at 11:52 AM

    Long time reader/subscriber.

    I bought an instant pot so I could eat healthier. There are so many accessories that I want to use with it the entire $100 would go to Amazon.

    Reply
  218. Emily November 27, 2017 at 11:53 AM

    Already a subscriber! I just launched my own side hustle business- StylebyEmilyJ.com- so the $100 would go towards operating costs!

    Reply
  219. Martin Rodriguez November 27, 2017 at 11:53 AM

    Hello! Already a subscriber….I would use the $100 to buy a Christmas tree for the little one….and maybe some tamales and tequila for dad. :)

    Reply
  220. Suzanne November 27, 2017 at 11:56 AM

    Yesterday I explained the magic of compound interest to my 12-year-old daughter. Her response? “Cool!”. I would use the $100 to put in a savings or investment account for her, so she can see the magic herself.

    Reply
  221. Rachel November 27, 2017 at 11:56 AM

    I’d use it toward gifts for my family! Or even an experience for us all.

    Reply
  222. Kelly Sangree November 27, 2017 at 11:57 AM

    It might be not-so-sexy, but I’d put it toward refilling the emergency fund. The transmission in my mom-mobile minivan went out with a huge THUNK, and the best bid to fix it was $2500. We have it, but it’s going to wipe our emergency fund to $100. (Thankfully the Christmas fund is still there.) When we file our taxes the e-fund will get back to a beefier state, but I’m so nervous about being without a cash cushion. Meanwhile the kids and I bike everywhere until the repair is done! :)

    Reply
  223. Jodi Renaud November 27, 2017 at 11:58 AM

    Since I love food I was gonna say is take that crisp $100 bill to wholefoods. But since I just joined thrive market and placed a $380 order I would probably pay off that bill.

    Reply
  224. Autumn November 27, 2017 at 11:59 AM

    With $100, I would split it 3 ways with my teens and we would have to come up with 33 ways we could use the money to become more financially aware. Then, we would spend our money on each other or save.

    Reply
  225. Ashley S November 27, 2017 at 11:59 AM

    My husband and I just settled on our first house/investment property this month! I would put it towards our mortgage!

    Reply
  226. Elena November 27, 2017 at 12:00 PM

    I would buy Christmas gifts

    Reply
  227. Dustin Brown November 27, 2017 at 12:01 PM

    I’d use $100 to pay down a little more of our car loan.

    Reply
  228. Mason L. November 27, 2017 at 12:01 PM

    I’d take the family to the PX for hot coco then to the local Christmas market here in Germany for some fun family time!

    Reply
  229. Adrienne November 27, 2017 at 12:02 PM

    I’m so boring, I would put it straight in savings. Yawn.

    Reply
  230. Bret November 27, 2017 at 12:02 PM

    1. I’m subscribed. :)
    2. I would spend it on a family in need. I know a lot of people that need the help during these trying times. So, it would be awesome to get a bit of help to be able to further help the ones in need.

    Thanks for all you do!!

    Reply
  231. Kumi November 27, 2017 at 12:02 PM

    1. Subscribed!
    2. It would go to my saving account.

    Reply
  232. Wendy Streit November 27, 2017 at 12:03 PM

    1) I’m already subscribed! Woohoo!
    2) I would use $100 to put toward our wedding budget :)

    Reply
  233. Mason L. November 27, 2017 at 12:04 PM

    Save some, spend the rest at the Christmas market here in Germany.

    Reply
  234. Lynn November 27, 2017 at 12:07 PM

    I would add an extra payment on my personal loan at the credit union!!

    Reply
  235. Mike November 27, 2017 at 12:08 PM

    1. Already Subscriber
    2, Buy kids presents .

    Reply
  236. Manny November 27, 2017 at 12:09 PM

    Hey J. Money! First comment ever! been reading you for quite a while now :)
    I’d use this money for the new blog I’m starting next year! (Made up my mind on stop planning and start writing :P )

    Reply
  237. Andrea November 27, 2017 at 12:09 PM

    I would use it towards completing a course in legal transcription, which I’m having a hard time coming up with the money for right now. The sooner I complete it, the sooner I can start making more money.

    Reply
  238. Justin November 27, 2017 at 12:09 PM

    I’ve been a subscriber for awhile! I would use to towards Christmas presents for family. My wife and I both have big families, but we like to get everyone a small gift so $100 would go a long way!

    Reply
  239. Jeff November 27, 2017 at 12:09 PM

    Subscribed and I would use it on our December Disneyland trip.

    Reply
  240. B.C Kowalski November 27, 2017 at 12:12 PM

    What up J Money!? I realized I wasn’t signed up for the newsletter so I am now!

    I would probably use it to offset my Xmas spending, which will all be spent locally to support small businesses. Since long ago I lost my battle with my family over Xmas gifts, I decided instead to at least support local businesses.

    Reply
  241. Jess Green November 27, 2017 at 12:12 PM

    I’d definitely put it towards debt repayment!

    Reply
  242. Karin November 27, 2017 at 12:13 PM

    Hey J –
    I’m a subscriber. I would use half toward christmas gifts for my boys and half toward retirement fund! Thanks!

    Reply
  243. Kim November 27, 2017 at 12:13 PM

    1. Already a subscriber!
    2. I would use the $100 to buy a great gift for my dad, who is always working really hard and doesn’t treat himself enough!

    Reply
  244. Jenni November 27, 2017 at 12:13 PM

    I’ve been subscribed to the newsletter for a while now, but I had to figure out how to get to the actual blog post to comment (my brain is not fully functioning yet after 5 days off work for the holiday).
    We have had a few minor emergencies this year that have hit our stash of funds pretty hard. I would put the $100 back in the fund to wait for the next emergency. :-)

    Reply
  245. Jeanne Hartman November 27, 2017 at 12:14 PM

    Adopting a senior dog is a goal I have. The money would go towards any vet bills that occur.
    I just want the dog to be comfortable during those last years.

    Reply
  246. Lynda November 27, 2017 at 12:15 PM

    Already subscribed!
    $25 savings.
    $25 spending money in Reykjavik after Christmas.
    $50 to The Homeless Period.
    (“Periods are not a great time of the month for any woman, but lack of affordable sanitary items amongst homeless and disadvantaged women can make the burden of menstruation more like a nightmare.”)

    Reply
    1. Nikki Grimes November 27, 2017 at 12:18 PM

      Thanks for the heads up on this organization.

      Reply
  247. Nikki Grimes November 27, 2017 at 12:16 PM

    Put it in Emergency fund. Already budgeted for seasonal gifts but the ‘just in case’ funds could use a little bolstering.

    Reply
  248. AJ November 27, 2017 at 12:17 PM

    Babies are expensive! I would use the $100 for Christmas presents for my one-year-old. He’s going to be very excited to get diapers! (Actually he will be excited, he likes the wrapping paper the best!)

    Reply
  249. Jason M November 27, 2017 at 12:18 PM

    I read the blog every day so I had unsubscribed a while ago, but I’m back!

    I’d use the money to buy myself recovery gifts. I’ll be out of work for 8 weeks due to surgery and I’ll be super bored! Gonna load up on crossword puzzle books and other things to pass the time!

    Reply
    1. J. Money December 7, 2017 at 11:15 AM

      We missed you :)

      Reply
  250. ag November 27, 2017 at 12:19 PM

    I’ve been reading for years but you finally got me to comment and join in on your newsletter.

    If I had a 100.00 for the holiday i would put it into a college fund for my little girl. Long story short — in 2014 we were filing out adoption papers with the understanding that we may never be parents and if so it could take a long time. Then in four days-wham! we were instant parents with nothing (all the money for the adoption, no diapers, no crib -NADA). So here we are in 2017 happy little family trying to get our financial story back on track.

    Reply
    1. J. Money December 7, 2017 at 11:15 AM

      Wowwww!!! How beautiful though, congrats!!

      Reply
  251. klara November 27, 2017 at 12:19 PM

    I’d use $100 on the three new kiddos in my life I get to buy gifts for this year.

    Reply
  252. Christine November 27, 2017 at 12:20 PM

    1. Already subscribed
    2. I would put the $100 toward our savings for a much needed new bed.

    Reply
  253. Chuck November 27, 2017 at 12:21 PM

    Already a subscriber. Buy a tire for the van.

    Reply
  254. Shevonn November 27, 2017 at 12:22 PM

    I’d give it away. Last year I wanted to gift a friend $100 and kept waiting for the “right moment”. When I finally did, someone gave me $100 and then I gave that away too. From then on money just kept popping up! There’s so much going on around me right now and I feel that I’m in a good place financially, so I’d help someone else.

    Reply
  255. Amy November 27, 2017 at 12:24 PM

    With $100 this holiday season, I would put $10 toward giving, and the rest would be used to pay for a creative writing class that I have been eyeing that starts in January.

    Reply
  256. Megan Dooley November 27, 2017 at 12:25 PM

    I would put this $100 in my current “savings” account, a.k.a. the Vanguard S&P500 Index ETF. I like saving pieces here and there, and I could start the ETF with a small amount of money, unlike the Vanguard S&P500 mutual fund, that requires $3000 minimum to start. My total gains are ~$144 since June, and I haven’t quite gotten to that $3000 threshhold required for the mutual fund yet.

    Reply
  257. Tina Davis November 27, 2017 at 12:27 PM

    Open my first Roth IRA with it .. Retirement on my mind.
    Thank you for being so generous.

    Reply
  258. Matt November 27, 2017 at 12:27 PM

    I fully fund my r-IRA in December. It’s going to be tight (no emergencies, no emergencies…), but I think I’ll make it through the holiday season on my planned budget. An extra $100 would add a little extra margin of safety.

    Reply
  259. Brennan H November 27, 2017 at 12:28 PM

    I would use the $100 to enjoy a nice dinner this holiday season with my family. I will be heading home for the holidays and haven’t sat down with my Father, Mother, and brother in a long time. Would be nice to treat them all to a nice meal without the worry of dishes, menu, etc.

    Reply
  260. Debra in Oregon November 27, 2017 at 12:29 PM

    Hi JMoney! I would use the $100 for expenses on my coming road trip across the southern USA in my camper van!

    Reply
  261. JAEMI BEAN November 27, 2017 at 12:30 PM

    I have been doing the 2 job hustle for the last year and 1 is retail. I would take the 100 and break it up into Gift cards to go out to eat, to give this Mama some down time in the evenings after working all day. Kids Happy, Mama Happy with her feet up and the kitchen stays clean!!

    Merry Christmas to the Money Family
    Jaemi Bean

    Reply
  262. Michael (The Budget Boy) November 27, 2017 at 12:31 PM

    1. Already subscribed.
    2. I would put it towards my wife’s student loans. Still have 43K to go!

    Reply
  263. Luke November 27, 2017 at 12:32 PM

    I would add it to my new solo-401k account. Keep up the great work!

    Reply
  264. Rachel November 27, 2017 at 12:33 PM

    Our goal for the end of this year is to come up with some extra money to start 529 plans. We don’t have kids yet, but we want to grow it as long as possible.

    Reply
  265. Chad Carson November 27, 2017 at 12:33 PM

    Love the Christmas Stimulus!

    I would love to give the $100 to my spanish teacher Miguel here in Ecuador. His wife is sick and they’ve been going to the hospital, doing tests, and more. I pay him $10/hour, which is more than the going rate of $5-7/hour, and he makes $500/month at his regular elementary school teaching job. So, not a bunch of money floating around in his life.

    $100 would be a BIG deal for Miguel and his family. I’d love to help him out for Christmas, and I’ll add my own $100 on top if it to make it a $200 gift.

    Cheers!

    Reply
    1. J. Money December 7, 2017 at 11:17 AM

      I hope you do that whether you win or not – would be such a blessing :)

      Reply
  266. Wendy November 27, 2017 at 12:36 PM

    There’s a chance I’d spend it on extra Christmas gifts for the kids, but in reality I’d probably apply it to debt. Watching those numbers come down is more exciting than Christmas any day!

    Reply
  267. Kent November 27, 2017 at 12:36 PM

    My wife started a side business this year, would use to open her solo 401k. Thanks j

    Reply
  268. Jimmy G November 27, 2017 at 12:41 PM

    Free money I would actually blow it! Not just blow it on myself I would take my wife ice skating downtown and to a nice dinner. I guess you could say I would be investing it in my relationship with my wife.

    Jimmy G.

    Reply
  269. Heath Bullock November 27, 2017 at 12:41 PM

    I am a subscriber…

    I would throw a 100$ party. It would consist of me and my girlfriend maybe a brother or cousin in there randomly sitting on the couch at my place drinking crown royal (750ml) $22.97. I would eventually get off the couch, and cook up some ribs (3 racks $38) that had been marinating in the fridge over night (spices and various ingredients $10). After the food is consumed we would partake in a intense game of drunkin-go-kart on the Nintendo 64 (24 pack of Bud Light of Coors Light $20). With the remaining $9.03 we would donate it to a random homeless person.

    Reply
    1. J. Money December 7, 2017 at 11:18 AM

      Drunkin-go-kart, that was good, haha…

      Reply
  270. Amber November 27, 2017 at 12:43 PM

    Already a subscriber (get the emails) and we would send it to student loan debt payoff!

    Reply
  271. Karen November 27, 2017 at 12:43 PM

    I would put it towards holiday gift buying for sure.

    Reply
  272. Elizabeth November 27, 2017 at 12:44 PM

    Date night with my Husband. We have a toddler and with all the craziness, we need some time together.

    Reply
  273. James November 27, 2017 at 12:47 PM

    Been a reader & subscriber for a while now. I would use the money to help pay off some debt before our new baby arrives in April.

    Reply
  274. Oleg Lantsman November 27, 2017 at 12:50 PM

    I would rent my dad an accordion for his Birthday. He is in very poor health and this will definitely brighten his day. He used to play but he sold his accordion years ago and now regrets it.

    Thanks.

    Reply
  275. Ken Powers November 27, 2017 at 12:50 PM

    I will invest the money into my grandkids’ 529 college savings accounts. Thanks!

    Reply
  276. Marc November 27, 2017 at 12:50 PM

    Kia ora (hello) from New Zealand :) My wife and I are going camping this Christmas (it’s summer here) and we love the challenge of seeing how far we can stretch $100 when we budget and get outdoors!

    Reply
  277. Kim November 27, 2017 at 12:51 PM

    I would use it for Christmas presents. We’ve been throwing everything toward our loans for so long it would be fun to do some guilt-free present shopping! Love reading everyone else’s ideas too!

    Reply
  278. Ken Powers November 27, 2017 at 12:51 PM

    I would invest the money into my grandkids’ 529 college savings accounts. Thank-you!

    Reply
  279. Michelle Marcus November 27, 2017 at 12:52 PM

    Unfortunately, my sister was fired from her job end of October and here it is, another month has gone by. So all my extra cash is going towards her to pay for her. Every little bit helps.

    Reply
  280. Katisha November 27, 2017 at 12:53 PM

    I found you through Pinterest a few months ago, and your FIRE spreadsheet got me hooked! I always enjoy getting a new blog post in my email. I am working to have 3 months of emergency savings in the next 3 years, so the $100 would go towards that goal.

    Reply
    1. J. Money December 7, 2017 at 11:20 AM

      GOOD!!! Way to take action on it all! :)

      Reply
  281. Todd Powers November 27, 2017 at 12:53 PM

    Love reading your blog. I would use it to do something special with the family for Christmas.

    Reply
  282. Working Optional November 27, 2017 at 12:55 PM

    1 – Already signed up
    2 – Would donate it to the Rockstar Community Fund

    Reply
  283. Nikita November 27, 2017 at 12:58 PM

    Buy something from our family’s waiting list. Since we started heading towards FI, each thing that we want to buy goes to the waiting list first. And stays there, until we change our minds and delete it :). So it would be some kitchen stuff or a level for my DIY works.

    Reply
  284. Emily November 27, 2017 at 12:59 PM

    I’d like to think I’d use it all for altruistic, wonderful purposes – and I would definitely try to do good with it! We could send some to the child we sponsor in The Gambia, he would benefit from $20 more than we would, for sure. :) Some would have to go to my two teen boys’ Christmas lists, although nothing they “want” is under $100 each – but that would get some stocking stuffers. And then I’d get my long-suffering husband some more credit at the Chriropractor’s office. He said to his co-workers the other day that was his favorite gift from last year. Took me by surprise! I didn’t think it had made that much difference, but he felt so free, knowing he could go without worrying about the budget! :) Thank you, J$, for helping me get a handle on my finances this year. I’m still working on it, but progress is being made – slowly but surely!

    Reply
  285. Sven November 27, 2017 at 1:00 PM

    Would use part of the $100 to buy:

    The Modern Survival Manual: Surviving the Economic Collapse

    …because what point is there in working so hard to build a retirement portfolio, when it’s all going to get wiped out in an economic collapse? What happened in Argentina could happen here too.

    Description on amazon.com:
    “The Modern Survival Manual is based on first hand experience of the 2001 Economic Collapse in Argentina. In it you will find a variety of subjects that the author considers essential if a person wants to be prepared for tougher times: -How to prepare your family, yourself, your home and your vehicle -How to prepare your finances so that you don’t suffer what millions in my country went through -How to prepare your supplies for food shortages and power failures -How to correctly fight with a chair, gun, knife, pen or choke with your bare hands if required -Most important, how to reach a good awareness level so that you can avoid having to do all that These are just a few examples of what you will find in this book. It’s about Attitude, and being a more capable person and get the politically correct wimp out of your system completely.”

    Reply
  286. Mary November 27, 2017 at 1:00 PM

    Buy my hubby a Google home for Christmas (so that I can use it when I cook dinner at home)

    Reply
  287. Emily McGill November 27, 2017 at 1:00 PM

    I would take that $100 and turn around to donate it to my brother-in-law’s nonprofit, The I’ll Be There Project, whose mission is intentional acts of kindness. During the holidays and winter season, this often includes handing out warm things to people experiencing homelessness in New York City.

    http://illbethere.org/

    https://www.facebook.com/illbethereproject/

    Reply
  288. Jennifer B November 27, 2017 at 1:01 PM

    I would buy three pairs of shoes for work as I really go through them. The rest of on a relaodavle gas card that I use to budget my expenses for commuting. Very practical I know!

    Reply
    1. J. Money December 7, 2017 at 11:22 AM

      I guess people really like money :)

      Reply
  289. AngelaL November 27, 2017 at 1:05 PM

    I would put it toward my student loans. Not exciting, but I finally got my act together last year and decided to eradicate them. I’m nearly halfway toward paying them all off and finally got out of six-figure debt this past June. So I’m really pushing hard to continue knocking them out. Every little bit helps!

    Reply
  290. Bert November 27, 2017 at 1:06 PM

    I will use it for new pillows for the new bed we just bought.

    Reply
  291. Ryan November 27, 2017 at 1:10 PM

    Hey J$, long time reader here. I would use a bill to go snowboarding this winter!

    Reply
  292. Peter November 27, 2017 at 1:11 PM

    I would pay back those nasty student loans.

    Reply
  293. Rebecca November 27, 2017 at 1:11 PM

    I love reading the blog and you’ve inspired me to start a blog. I would use this to help with the start up costs for the new blog.

    Reply
  294. Erin November 27, 2017 at 1:11 PM

    I would send it directly to our car loan to get rid of that debt even faster!

    Thanks for offering this giveaway. :)

    Reply
  295. Rena November 27, 2017 at 1:13 PM

    1. Already subscribed and I’m a huge fan! :)
    2. I’m leaving for my honeymoon to Thailand and Philippines in 2 weeks and as part of our honeymoon, my husband and I want to give back so we are buying school supplies for kids in Philippines. I grew up there and education is expensive and there are tons of kids who can’t afford basic supplies. So this $100 can probably a crap load more pencils and notebooks!!!

    Reply
  296. Becky November 27, 2017 at 1:14 PM

    I would probably use it to buy Christmas presents or towards our bills…boring but probably what would end up happening.

    Reply
  297. Amy K November 27, 2017 at 1:19 PM

    1. Already signed up
    2. I would divide it up among my kids’ teachers so they have a little extra this holiday season. They do so much for their students and want them to know how appreciated they truly are!

    Reply
  298. Rob November 27, 2017 at 1:20 PM

    The easy/simple answer is to use it towards Christmas/paying down debt, but I will instead invest in myself and apply the $100 towards a class to further my career

    Reply
  299. Laura Z November 27, 2017 at 1:22 PM

    It would go toward my sabbatical fund so that my husband and I can live it up without working for a year.

    Reply
  300. Kevin B November 27, 2017 at 1:23 PM

    1. Signed up
    2. Buy baby gear for our March arrival

    Reply
  301. David November 27, 2017 at 1:23 PM

    I would use the $100 to help pay for Christmas presents for my family.

    Reply
  302. Mrs. Larson November 27, 2017 at 1:27 PM

    I’d buy a ring brand doorbell! It’ll stop waking the baby when a delivery comes!!

    Reply
  303. Michelle November 27, 2017 at 1:27 PM

    I’d use the money for books that I want to read. Then I’d donate the books to my local library so everyone else will have a chance to read them too.
    Not a big choice for money management, retirement, investment, or financial books available and I’d like to change that.

    Reply
  304. Tom November 27, 2017 at 1:31 PM

    I’d turn $100USD into $145 NZD ! Yess! – throw it into S&P500 index.

    Reply
  305. Jillian November 27, 2017 at 1:31 PM

    I have been reading your blog since 2009. I would use the $100 to pay off the last of my medical debt.

    Reply
    1. J. Money December 7, 2017 at 11:25 AM

      Oh $hit – 8 years now!! WOW!

      Reply
  306. Erin November 27, 2017 at 1:35 PM

    I would use it to pay off debt, of course!

    Reply
  307. James November 27, 2017 at 1:36 PM

    1. Just subscribed!
    2. Would spend $50 on Christmas gifts and invest the other $50!

    Reply
  308. Nate November 27, 2017 at 1:39 PM

    If I had an extra $100 dollars I would like to take someone who is down on their luck out to dinner. I would find someone in my community who could use a good hot meal. Any money left over from the meal I would give it to him or her. I think sometimes just letting some one know that you care about them goes a long way.
    Now that I’m typing this I am realizing I have the means do this right now and I shouldn’t wait to get $100 donation. Thanks J Money for helping me see that.

    Reply
    1. J. Money December 7, 2017 at 11:25 AM

      Indeed. We all do :)

      Reply
  309. Ruby November 27, 2017 at 1:39 PM

    Buy an anime bluray set! (Sailor moon or ranma 1/2)

    I’m in a mood where I love stuff from my childhood and do what I can to relive it.

    Reply
  310. Daniel Zehner November 27, 2017 at 1:42 PM

    I’d put it towards a family getaway to a snowy cabin in the woods for New Year’s. We’re starting a new tradition this year of playing in the snow, cozying up by the fire with good books, and generally getting away from the hustle and bustle over New Year’s to enjoy what we truly value in life: family.

    Reply
  311. Toni Kea November 27, 2017 at 1:48 PM

    I would use the $100 to buy Christmas gifts for a child in need. We have a Christmas Tree in our local mall with tags on them that list what a child in need would like for Christmas. I’ve never been able to do this and it would finally give me the chance to pay it forward.

    Reply
  312. Chris November 27, 2017 at 1:48 PM

    already a subscriber

    I would use it towards our emergency fund

    Thanks-PS-love the blog, keep up the great work

    Reply
  313. Ashley Shaw November 27, 2017 at 1:49 PM

    1. I am signed up.

    2. I would save $20 in my savings account, pay $50 towards my debt and purchase a toy to be donated to a child in need.

    Reply
  314. Robin November 27, 2017 at 1:49 PM

    Remodeling my kitchen, so any $ thrown my way helps!

    Reply
  315. Lena November 27, 2017 at 1:52 PM

    New reader of your blog over the past 4 months. I would put the $ towards car repairs.

    Reply
  316. Jhanai November 27, 2017 at 1:53 PM

    8 pints of Vodka and/or Rum in Jamaica this December. $12 a piece and I will spend the other $4 on water… Because I’m a responsible adult.

    Reply
  317. Melanie November 27, 2017 at 1:54 PM

    Hey J!

    I started following you in August 2015 when I emailed you looking for advice for saving money for a down payment and homeownership. You emailed me back REALLY good advice:

    •Make sure you really REALLY want to buy a home! (there’s nothing wrong with renting)
    •Make sure you’re going to live in it at least for 5-7 years
    •Don’t buy anywhere close to the amount you’re approved for (banks always want you to spend more and they don’t know your budget/lifestyle)
    •Be ready/okay with making repairs/upgrades
    •And realize a home isn’t an investment, but rather a place where you live.

    Fast Forward 2 years and 3 months:
    We are in the process of selling the home we bought! Today version of me wishes the me from 2015 had really read and understood your advice! Instead we got sucked into the idea that home ownership was the next right step for us and it would be a good investment in our future! We hated the extra responsibility, the extra work and have vowed to be Renters forever!

    If I won the $100:
    1 – I live in Canada so $100 US is like $1,000 CAD!
    2 – I would put the money towards continuing our journey to getting out of debt and right sizing out life!
    3 – I promise to ALWAYS listen to your AWESOME advice and not learn the hard way! :)

    Reply
    1. J. Money December 7, 2017 at 11:28 AM

      ACKK!!! haha… We all do things like this in our lives though, don’t beat yourself up too much over it :) Now you know (really know!) what you like and what you don’t, and most importantly you’re *making moves* to adapt again… Many would never admit they made a mistake and just keep going with their lives as if they were happy! So way to be honest with yourselves!

      Reply
  318. Kelly November 27, 2017 at 1:59 PM

    If I won, I would pay off a higher amount toward my student loan. :)

    Reply
  319. BLAINE November 27, 2017 at 2:00 PM

    Dinner date with my wife. With a two-year old and four-month old those are few and far between these days!

    Reply
  320. Candice November 27, 2017 at 2:03 PM

    I’ve been reading via the newsletter for a while now, so I’m subscribed!

    I don’t know for sure what I would use it on. There are so many options. I would take 10% off the top for sure. I think if it wasn’t Christmastime I would put the other $90 as an extra principal payment on our van (trying to get it paid off before hubby finally graduates next spring!)

    Since it’s Christmastime, I might use it for gifts for our four kids, though!

    Reply
  321. Cynthia November 27, 2017 at 2:10 PM

    I would buy something photography-related for my husband. He has taught school for 25 years to pay the bills, but is rekindling a lifelong interest in scenery photography as a possible side hustle and retirement gig. I would love to surprise him with some random piece of equipment or maybe the latest editing software.

    Reply
  322. Kate Thompson November 27, 2017 at 2:14 PM

    I’d love to say I’d spend it on Christmas cheer but no – I’d pay off debt!

    Reply
  323. David November 27, 2017 at 2:16 PM

    Already subscribed!

    I would deposit into the boring joint checking account and add $100 to the “Income” tab of my monstrous money-tracking spreadsheet. I’d probably group it into my credit card churning income (over $2000 this year!). So the $ would get absorbed into my cash flow, but it would eventually make its way to Vanguard!

    Reply
  324. Sara November 27, 2017 at 2:19 PM

    Love your site! We just bought a house and I would use it towards things that need to be fixed.

    Reply
  325. Rich November 27, 2017 at 2:23 PM

    I’d donate it all man, I’m walking past a lot of homeless people and I’m challenged daily by how lucky I am – even when I’m freaking out about our wedding in February and our first home we just purchased – those are good problems to have in the bigger context, often solvable by spending less on coffee and meals out.

    Reply
  326. Tiffany November 27, 2017 at 2:24 PM

    I’m a subscriber. If I won $100, I’d put it towards adopt-a-family gifts!

    Reply
  327. Lori November 27, 2017 at 2:26 PM

    I’d make a donation to the food bank or a pet shelter. I don’t need the money and since it is Christmas, I might as well do some good with it. (actually not trying to be noble here, just realistic).

    Reply
  328. Natalie Bachiri November 27, 2017 at 2:26 PM

    I will give the money to the refugees that I work with.

    Reply
  329. Leah November 27, 2017 at 2:26 PM

    1. Already a subscriber
    2. Buy new workout clothes for motivation to keep moving through the holidays

    Reply
  330. JayP November 27, 2017 at 2:30 PM

    Think if I win I’ll give it to a relative who is in need. Thanks!

    Reply
  331. Angel November 27, 2017 at 2:31 PM

    I love reading your emails! This was the cherry on top. This year we cut out Christmas expenses to pay down debt. With the $100 I would buy something small for my two daughters (1 and 4) and my husband. However, thanks for your generosity during the season!

    Reply
  332. Sarah November 27, 2017 at 2:31 PM

    Thanks for the giveaway, J. Money! If I won $100, I would use it for my husband’s upcoming 40th birthday trip. He wanted to rent a cabin by the Guadalupe Mountains so we could spend a couple of days living off grid, enjoying the solitude, stars, and sunsets. Our beagle is coming along for the ride too!

    Reply
  333. Paul November 27, 2017 at 2:36 PM

    Thanks! I’m trying to pay off a debt by the end of the calendar year. It was a real stretch goal, but I was able to pay off thousands. I’m down to my last $800 to pay, so this would allow me to enter the new year without this hanging around by neck.

    Reply
  334. Judy November 27, 2017 at 2:38 PM

    Awesome giveaway! I would use it as extra principal on our mortgage (boring I know!)

    Reply
  335. Aly L November 27, 2017 at 2:39 PM

    It would go straight into my “move out of this tiny apartment and buy a house” fund like every spare penny I can get. Lol. Not creative or festive but if you saw the potted shrub we use as a Christmas tree because of the lack of space it might make it more festive of an idea

    Reply
  336. Robin Jonsson November 27, 2017 at 2:46 PM

    I would buy H&M stocks here in Sweden for my 4-year old daughter.

    Reply
  337. Jewels November 27, 2017 at 2:47 PM

    I am already a subscriber! I would use the $100 to fund a one night getaway with my husband, so we can make another baby. Life is busy with two littles in the house, so going away, even locally, is a treat!

    Reply
  338. ZZ November 27, 2017 at 2:49 PM

    Put it towards my daughter’s future fund, of course!

    Reply
  339. JZ November 27, 2017 at 2:58 PM

    $100 would pay my fantasy football league entry fee after I went down in flames to Antonio Brown last night.

    Reply
  340. Kristen November 27, 2017 at 2:59 PM

    I’ve been subscribing through Feedly for about 6 months or so, but just subscribed to the newsletter! I would use the $100 either to pay down a bill, or to buy something extra nice for my husband – he works about 70+ hours/week right now to work toward paying down our debt, so he deserves a treat! :)

    Reply
  341. Randy November 27, 2017 at 3:01 PM

    Any extra $100 this month will help my fiance and I finish off our 6-month emergency fund!

    Reply
  342. DaveC November 27, 2017 at 3:02 PM

    I would use it for my quarterly business trip so I could get a nicer rental vehicle (not separately reimbursed for those).

    Reply
  343. Yaacov November 27, 2017 at 3:06 PM

    Donate it to the non-profit my dad has been volunteering at for the past 20 years which gives poor K-12 students hot meals for lunch so that they can focus on school.

    Reply
  344. Sally November 27, 2017 at 3:07 PM

    I’m subscribed. I would use the $100 for an after-Christmas massage.

    Reply
  345. Mike November 27, 2017 at 3:07 PM

    1. Been with you for about a year now
    2. Pay off the last bit of my credit card debt ($600 to go!)

    Reply
  346. Crystal November 27, 2017 at 3:10 PM

    $100? Fruit rollups and pickles. Lots of them. Yay pregnancy…

    Reply
  347. Darrel November 27, 2017 at 3:11 PM

    I would give $10 to my church, and the other $90 would go to my barber who recently had a house fire right before Thanksgiving and could use some financial assistance.

    Reply
  348. bmiles62 November 27, 2017 at 3:15 PM

    First I would ask to be paid in $2 bills! Then I would stack those Jefferson’s as high as they would go and just admire them a bit. Then I would hop on my electric bike and head downtown handing them out to anyone in need ending up at my favorite watering hole with just three of them left. I would then order my favorite IPA and drop my last three Jefferson’s on the unsuspecting waitress and call it a day!

    Reply
    1. J. Money December 7, 2017 at 11:34 AM

      Sounds about perfect to me :)

      Reply
  349. Megan November 27, 2017 at 3:22 PM

    I’ll admit. I’m tempted to sped it on my kids getting gifts for Christmas. luckily, they have family who will treat them nice, and even though i want to buy them nice presents, they feel loved all year and we do our best.

    However, I know them well, and they’d love to take a tag or two off of those Christmas trees non profits put up and buy another kid some stuff they need and would love.

    Reply
  350. Jonathan November 27, 2017 at 3:24 PM

    I’d use the $100 to buy some Litecoin.

    Reply
  351. Jonathan Jenkins November 27, 2017 at 3:29 PM

    I believe im already subscribed. I would use the $100 to help pay for gas to get me to and from school. Give 10% to my church offering.

    Reply
  352. Karina November 27, 2017 at 3:30 PM

    I would put it towards a medical bill I have had for almost 2 years. It is not a large amount but I do a “slow roll” payment plan as my personal protest to the insanity of our healthcare system. Any medical bills I incur, I wait until collections is threatened then I start paying the absolute minimum they will allow. I know its ridiculous but it makes me feel like I’m somehow “sticking it to them…”

    Reply
  353. Scott November 27, 2017 at 3:32 PM

    Half towards CC’s and Half towards Christmas.

    Reply
  354. NC Alex November 27, 2017 at 3:33 PM

    Thanks for the content I get great motivation.
    100 would go into our first 1000 into our IRA

    Reply
  355. Melissa November 27, 2017 at 3:34 PM

    I would use half to help my family to pay Christmas supper. We always celebrate at their house and this year was tight for everyone. And the other half towards debts.

    Happy Christmas time xo

    Reply
  356. Jodi November 27, 2017 at 3:38 PM

    I’d take my husband on a movie date and get the haircut and color I’ve been putting off!

    Reply
  357. Zynique November 27, 2017 at 3:43 PM

    I enjoy reading your blog. So happy that I came across it earlier this year. I would put half of it in Savings and the other half I would use it to perform Random Acts of Kindness. I think that could help bring a little joy around this time.

    Reply
  358. Melissa P November 27, 2017 at 3:44 PM

    My husband and I have been saving for a trip to Australia and New Zealand from December to January. I would use the money to go whitewater rafting in one of the towns we will be in .

    Melissa

    Reply
  359. Jennifer November 27, 2017 at 3:47 PM

    $100 is almost exactly what I’d need roundtrip for gas to visit family and friends back in my home state. I’d put the money towards a trip back home for the holidays. I moved away a little over 3 years ago and it gets lonely at this time of the year away from everyone.

    Reply
  360. Michelle November 27, 2017 at 3:48 PM

    I would use the $100 to buy an annual family membership to an organization called the Urban Farm. It’s a non-profit that provides exposure to and education about gardening, animal care, and practical work experience in a farm setting…even though it’s in the heart of the city! Plus, my kiddos would get a chance to be a part of the 4-h club they offer :)

    Reply
    1. J. Money December 7, 2017 at 11:37 AM

      Sounds magical :)

      Reply
  361. Susan November 27, 2017 at 3:53 PM

    I would definitely use it to buy Christmas gifts! Thanks for this fun contest!

    Reply
  362. Lilith November 27, 2017 at 3:55 PM

    With $100 I would buy kitchen gadgets to help make cooking at home a little easier- maybe an immersion blender and a dutch oven.

    Reply
  363. Jonathon Fessende November 27, 2017 at 3:56 PM

    I really want to sponser a child this year that is in need. I found a site that will sponser a child for 50.00 a month. https://mcfus.org/ This will be my gift to give back.

    Reply
  364. Jackie November 27, 2017 at 3:56 PM

    It would go straight towards my student loans. I want nothing more than to have my loans paid off so I can have more freedom and an extra $100 would be very helpful!

    Reply
  365. Danielle November 27, 2017 at 4:03 PM

    Already subscribed :-)

    I’d use half for RAOK(s) and the other half extra principal payment on van.

    Thanks!

    Reply
  366. Kevin Chiu November 27, 2017 at 4:11 PM

    Long-time subscriber, first-time commenter. ;)

    I’d convert the $100 all into pennies and leave noticeable and various pennies around the house to drive my brother crazy.

    Reply
    1. J. Money December 7, 2017 at 11:39 AM

      I would LOVE that if I were your brother!! I pick up free pennies all day long on my walks! :)

      Reply
  367. Jason Butler November 27, 2017 at 4:15 PM

    I’d use the $100 to buy a couple of gifts for my GF.

    Reply
  368. Sharon November 27, 2017 at 4:16 PM

    $100! WOOT!!!…………I’d probably pass it on to my son (10yrs) who is learning how to save/give & spend! Trying to instill that ALL $ passing thru his hands needs to be divided up!
    Relatives that send him gift cards as presents are really messing up that for me tho……lol….bless their generous hearts! :)
    –s

    Reply
  369. Amanda B. November 27, 2017 at 4:16 PM

    Thanks for the opportunity!

    I would use it towards a FitBit for my dad. He’s currently wearing my old one that is falling apart and uses it to monitor his heart rate and sleep. Given that he’s using it for health reasons and I want him to continue to do so, I am planning on getting him a new one soon for the holidays so that he’s not walking around with a busted up old one!

    Reply
  370. Josh November 27, 2017 at 4:23 PM

    Subscriber that would use the $100 on hookers and blow. Just kidding. Something boring like saving for my kids education.

    Reply
    1. J. Money December 7, 2017 at 11:40 AM

      Almost got me to spit out my coffee on that one ;)

      Reply
  371. Lisa B November 27, 2017 at 4:32 PM

    Pay down the credit card. Neither fun nor glamorous but we’re close and I’m excited. Thanks much for the generous giveaway!

    Reply
  372. George November 27, 2017 at 4:41 PM

    I would save it to buy a shotgun.

    Reply
  373. Corinne November 27, 2017 at 4:41 PM

    Holiday Presents or my hubs Roth.

    Reply
  374. Mike M November 27, 2017 at 4:49 PM

    I’d put it in my Daughter’s Roth IRA, but only if she put $100 of her own money!

    Reply
  375. Chris November 27, 2017 at 4:49 PM

    I would put $50 in each of my kid’s stock accounts.

    Reply
  376. Matt November 27, 2017 at 4:54 PM

    I would use it on my trip to Thailand in January!

    Reply
  377. Erin | Reaching for FI November 27, 2017 at 4:55 PM

    Huh, turns out maybe I wasn’t subscribed on my blog email? Must’ve been one of my personal emails I’m already subscribed on!

    I’m currently paying off credit card debt, so that $100 would go to that/help offset me buying gifts for my family!

    Reply
  378. Greg November 27, 2017 at 4:57 PM

    I would give $50 each in a stockpile gift cards to my Grandson & Granddaughter.

    Reply
  379. Mary Blue November 27, 2017 at 5:05 PM

    I’d give to the ASPCA. Those pics are always haunting me. So, for my adorable grandchildren, I’ve decided to give them a bank and a couple rolls of coins. Then, I’d give them the bigger gift of feeling the joy of giving. (These guys are the greatest, but they don’t need a thing, and I’m sure Santa will make sure they still get plenty of stuff.) A picture of a dog in a warm home and a personal letter from the shelter thanking them for the gift will be priceless.

    Reply
  380. lil November 27, 2017 at 5:29 PM

    going into the 401k!

    Reply
  381. Erin E November 27, 2017 at 5:29 PM

    Yay! I’ve been reading for a long time now! We would probably split it between our investment account and an extra holiday gift or two for our family! Happy Holidays!

    Reply
    1. J. Money December 7, 2017 at 11:41 AM

      Happy Holidays :)

      Reply
  382. Tyson Wirth November 27, 2017 at 5:36 PM

    With $100 bonus cash this holiday season, I would use $50 to donate to a family of 8 whose mother just died of cancer, without life insurance, to help them pay funeral expenses. The rest I would use to take a first date out for dinner, hopefully the future Mrs. Wirth! :D Happy holidays J Money.

    Reply
    1. J. Money December 7, 2017 at 11:41 AM

      Stop making me cry :(

      Reply
  383. Robert Finch November 27, 2017 at 5:43 PM

    1. all ready subscriber.
    2. Buy more shares of Aurora Co (marajuana) going up in Canada.

    Reply
  384. Danielle November 27, 2017 at 5:47 PM

    I’ve been reading for a couple of years, thanks for the chance to win some money!

    With $100, I’d pay off some fun medical bills from having my first born son :)

    Reply
  385. Allen November 27, 2017 at 5:50 PM

    With an extra $100, I’d add it to our emergency fund or perhaps one of our investment accounts that’s primarily invested in index funds. Simple and passive is all I have time for right now.

    Reply
  386. Mary Kantorowski November 27, 2017 at 6:02 PM

    I would spend $100 on CC debt!! Not so exciting but true lol

    Reply
  387. Carrie November 27, 2017 at 6:11 PM

    I’d either save it to use on my next splurge item (an item that is $100 or more) or use it on my trip to Mexico next year.

    Happy Holidays!

    Reply
  388. Maisie November 27, 2017 at 6:16 PM

    I would give $50 toward an Angel Tree Gift at church and save the other $50.

    Reply
  389. Joe Awesome November 27, 2017 at 6:17 PM

    I would give the money to my neighbor so they could get their sewer snaked out as they spent thanksgiving weekend with a basement full of unmentionable things.

    Reply
  390. Ana November 27, 2017 at 6:21 PM

    I would use it for gas to go visit my family in NorCal

    Reply
  391. Abails November 27, 2017 at 6:22 PM

    Hi J$! I am a new subscriber, about a year? We just moved to a new neighborhood so I would use $100 to buy some small gifts for our kids’ new friends and get some yummy home baked goodness into our neighbor’s tummies. No one can ever have enough cookies or candy during Christmas, right? I love your newsletters, they are the first I open on the days you send them!

    Reply
    1. J. Money December 7, 2017 at 11:44 AM

      I’m so glad you’re enjoying them!!

      Reply
  392. Jen November 27, 2017 at 6:25 PM

    I would definitely make an extra payment on my student loans. My mind is set on crushing my student loan debt and any extra payments I get goes towards that.

    Also, I’m a subscriber

    Reply
  393. Julie November 27, 2017 at 6:30 PM

    Swim with the manatees in Crystal River, Florida. Thank you!

    Reply
  394. Lynda November 27, 2017 at 6:32 PM

    I would probably just put it towards xmas gift shopping so that in a way it’s like i saved $100!

    Reply
  395. Indian Thoughts November 27, 2017 at 6:39 PM

    Reader from ages, will use it to save and meet my annual goal, I hate missing them and am short by couple of grands.

    Reply
  396. V November 27, 2017 at 6:40 PM

    I would give/start a savings account with my two grandchildren, making it a fun game to watch earn and learn early.

    Reply
  397. Deb November 27, 2017 at 6:44 PM

    How would I use $100? We bought our first house this summer after 10 years of renting apartments. This past weekend, all our neighbors started putting up their outdoor Christmas decorations, and I realized we don’t have any! So I’d use the $100 to ‘keep up with the Joneses’, and get some lights for outside!

    Reply
  398. Brit McGinnis November 27, 2017 at 6:51 PM

    I’d use it to apply for my LLC. Time to take the final step toward making my business real!

    Reply
  399. Imspld November 27, 2017 at 6:59 PM

    1. I am a subscriber.
    2. I would hold onto the money and use it to buy toys after Christmas, for next year’s Toy Run. We buy toys for next years toy run after Christmas every year, that way we can normal get twice as many for the same price and make sure that more kids have something under the tree.

    Reply
  400. kathy November 27, 2017 at 7:09 PM

    I would use the money for a future trip to CA to see my 3 precious little grandchildren. They are 2, 4, 6 and I miss them so very much! Traveling via plane to CA from the midwest is expensive, and takes a day to get there and a day to return home. You are so kind to do this!

    Reply
    1. J. Money December 7, 2017 at 11:46 AM

      And you are blessed! :)

      Reply
  401. Sarah | Smile & Conquer November 27, 2017 at 7:20 PM

    I’m going to go against the trend and say that I’d buy myself a Christmas present if I won the $100 (bad personal finance blogger that I am). I officially finished my Christmas shopping this past weekend so I would reward myself for finishing early ;)

    Reply
  402. Wendy Streit November 27, 2017 at 7:39 PM

    1) Already subbed- woohoo!
    2) I would prob baby either put it toward our wedding fund or pay for blog hosting :)

    Reply
    1. Wendy Streit November 27, 2017 at 7:42 PM

      I just realized I left this comment using one email address, but it wasn’t the one that’s subscribed, but this reply is from the subbed address:)

      Reply
  403. Bill November 27, 2017 at 7:57 PM

    I would donate it to my little niece Raquel in her new stockpile account that I p,an to open for her to teach her about investing. Thank you.

    Reply
  404. Vanna November 27, 2017 at 7:59 PM

    1. Subscribed
    2. I would use it to buy some Christmas presents this year for my family – I’m currently in college and have no extra money for Christmas gifts as of right now. Oooh and also some dog treats for the pups! :)

    Reply
  405. Rich November 27, 2017 at 8:00 PM

    I’d invest and be $100 closer to FIRE.

    Reply
  406. The chemist November 27, 2017 at 8:02 PM

    I’m already set for Christmas, since I keep my eye out for special things for friends and family through out the year and avoid the holiday craziness.

    I would probably use the $100 towards my new Challenge Everything! experiment which is currently housed in a TFSA (The Canadian equivalent of a Roth)

    Reply
    1. J. Money December 7, 2017 at 11:47 AM

      BOOM! Now we’re talking!

      Reply
  407. Dani Stone November 27, 2017 at 8:04 PM

    (1) Newsletter – Yep. Already in da’ club.
    (2) I’d give that sweet hundred to my mama to help her with Christmas bills and gifts for the grand babies.
    Thank you for your generosity.
    *chest pound*

    Reply
  408. Mr Mofi November 27, 2017 at 8:28 PM

    GENIUS! What a way to build an e-mail list, masterful :)
    Given such a great example, I’d immediately speculate on cryptos for sure hahah!
    Then, once the money doubles I’d give you your $100 back and then offer free money to people who signed up to my email list. How’s that for leverage?!?

    Reply
    1. J. Money December 7, 2017 at 11:48 AM

      Hah! That wasn’t the original intention, but I suck at self-promotion/business so figured might as well make it part of the entry and do myself a favor :)

      Reply
  409. Sara Hamm November 27, 2017 at 8:29 PM

    I am working on paying off debt. It would go to my credit card bill.

    Reply
  410. Pat November 27, 2017 at 8:31 PM

    I would put the $100 towards our second child’s college fund. Our first child will graduate in December. Our second and final child just started this fall. I have received the newsletter for the last few months. Thank you.

    Reply
  411. Salvatore Cucchiara November 27, 2017 at 8:33 PM

    I would put it towards a down payment on our 1st house.

    Reply
  412. Gregabby November 27, 2017 at 8:48 PM

    My wife/I love reading this cool blog. If we win the $100, we would match this “found money” and give $10 to each of 20 needy families at the local food bank! How could we gain more joy during the Christmas giving season!!

    Reply
  413. Kathryn November 27, 2017 at 9:00 PM

    1. Just subscribed
    2. We would get a blender! Need a way to sneak some more healthy veggies into my kids diets, via smoothies!!

    Reply
  414. Karen Kolb November 27, 2017 at 9:02 PM

    I would donate the money to our local animal shelter. They are a no-kill shelter and they are a wonderful asset to our community.

    Reply
  415. Arnav Raghavan November 27, 2017 at 9:09 PM

    I’d buy Bitcoin :P

    Reply
  416. Tonya November 27, 2017 at 9:15 PM

    I would have used it for holiday shopping/gift giving but I’m already finished with that. I would use all of it towards paying off debt. Currently working on a $1,600 credit card.

    Reply
  417. Justin November 27, 2017 at 9:26 PM

    I would add it to my brokerage account and invest it in company stock.

    Reply
  418. Barbara Chadwick November 27, 2017 at 9:29 PM

    1. I am subscribed
    2. I would pay down debt of Credit card or put towards school loans

    Reply
  419. Pat November 27, 2017 at 9:46 PM

    I already subscribe.

    I would give it to my son who had his hours cut at work.

    Reply
  420. Ashley November 27, 2017 at 9:48 PM

    I get ur newsletter.

    I have a student who lost her father this year, and is now being evicted from their home. Ive talked to the counselor about making a christmas donation to the family anonymously. A 100 bucks would let me double it.

    Reply
  421. Kim November 27, 2017 at 9:51 PM

    Already a subscriber. We are taking the boys to Europe next summer and they are well aware mom and da are frugal so don’t expect money for souvenirs. I’d give them each $50 and have zero say in what they bought for once. They’d be really surprised.

    Reply
  422. Pauline November 27, 2017 at 9:54 PM

    Honestly, to give my father pocket money when he goes back to his home country, the philippines, in January.

    Reply
  423. Jason Young November 27, 2017 at 9:54 PM

    Enjoy the blog, love the attitude.
    Looking forward to winning and putting my hundo towards tix for FinCon in 2018!

    Reply
    1. J. Money December 7, 2017 at 11:49 AM

      You better come regardless!

      Reply
  424. Kim November 27, 2017 at 9:58 PM

    Hey J$! I am in the middle of switching jobs and I’m having to go 2 weeks without pay while I transition. The $100 would help make Christmas a little more special for my 8 yr old and 2 yr old daughters. You are awesome for doing this and congratulations to whoever wins!! Happy Holidays!!

    Reply
  425. Ngneer November 27, 2017 at 9:59 PM

    Shoes…. I’d spend it on shoes.

    *bows head in shame*

    Reply
  426. Darla Mathews November 27, 2017 at 10:01 PM

    Already a subscriber and I would use an extra $100 to put towards my emergency fund. Merry Christmas!

    Reply
  427. Jamison November 27, 2017 at 10:08 PM

    Been a subscriber for less than 6 months. Great blog. Honestly, it would be a toss up between:
    1) Diapers/formula – Wife and I had our 2nd child in July and can never have enough of either
    2) Christmas fund – To make sure we have enough for presents
    3) Wife – She deserves the ultimate present for all she does. I would give her a spa day or part of one (Not really sure how much they cost!).

    Reply
  428. Phil November 27, 2017 at 10:09 PM

    1) Already a subscriber

    2) I would split the money. Half to our full emergency fund and the other half into bank account I started for my blog. I haven’t started yet but want some money in that account for start up costs, etc.

    Reply
  429. Aaron November 27, 2017 at 10:19 PM

    Put $50 in each of my kids’ savings accounts!

    Reply
  430. Eric A November 27, 2017 at 10:32 PM

    Id apply it to my emergency fund

    Reply
  431. Natale Q. November 27, 2017 at 10:33 PM

    I’d like to upgrade the Christmas gits this year for my family (usually I just give everybody 50 bucks and some stocking stuffers. Also, I want to give donations for St. Jude’s and Mercy For Animals. Makes me real sad that things like leukemia and animal abuse exist in this world.

    Reply
  432. Liz November 27, 2017 at 10:36 PM

    I’m already a subscriber. I would put it in my investment account!

    Reply
  433. Megan J November 27, 2017 at 10:48 PM

    Put it towards student loans! Finally under $50 (down from $150k+), the end is (kind of) in sight!

    Reply
  434. Leslie Boling November 27, 2017 at 11:09 PM

    Just subscribed. I’m saving to redo my kitchen cabinets so the $100 would go in my high interest savings acct.

    Reply
  435. Meghan November 27, 2017 at 11:13 PM

    I would buy gold. Then, I would ask my friends what they would do if they had $100 worth of gold. The best response gets the gold!

    Reply
  436. Dee November 27, 2017 at 11:19 PM

    I would give it to my sister who has always done everything she could to help others, and who now is in need. She asks for so little and deserves so much.

    Reply
  437. lisa November 27, 2017 at 11:23 PM

    Honestly, I’ve been reading so much on ETF’s, Index funds, Mutual funds, IRA’s 401k’s…….. I figure I better get moving on getting involved in something like that. So, I’d use the $100 to open up an account and choose a highly regarded index fund.

    Reply
  438. Victoria November 27, 2017 at 11:34 PM

    1. Already subscribed :)

    2. I would regift that money as one hundred dollars seed money to open up a Roth IRA for my little sister (who is about to turn 28 and really needs one!)

    Thanks J! I’m excited for the holiday$

    (p.s. wanna know the BEST Christmas game? My sister-in-law introduced us to this- every participant puts in twenty bucks cash. The wad of money is wrapped in paper, then more, then a box, then more paper, another box, etc. until you have a large box wrapped. You set a timer or play music and you have only so many seconds to unwrap. When the timer dings, you have to pass the wrapped wad of cash. Whoever touches the cash first wins it all!!! One year I used my teeth- she said it wasn’t allowed but I say house rules).

    Reply
    1. J. Money December 7, 2017 at 11:53 AM

      WOAHHH!!!! That DOES sound fun!!

      Reply
  439. Scott November 27, 2017 at 11:46 PM

    Hi J Money,
    I’ve been reading for years but just signed up. I still believe that your Baby Tracker effort was the funniest thing I ever saw on the internet (while simultaneously having the possibility of answering the “how much do kids cost” once and for all), but I can certainly understand why it had to end eventually. Anyway, to answer your question, there is a family in our little town that just adopted some little kids and shortly afterwards the dad was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and is not expected to live much longer. The word around town is that they are very financially strapped as a result of the cancer and their biggest need right now is for food. So, if I were to get a $100 I would match it and deliver that family a $200 gift card to our local grocery store.

    Reply
    1. J. Money December 7, 2017 at 11:54 AM

      Thanks for making me smile, and then making me sad haha….

      Reply
  440. Triin Mäesepp November 27, 2017 at 11:49 PM

    Hi’ya!

    I would probably forward this gift to my little sister who fell and broke her two front teeth, she’ll need it for the repairs.

    Reply
  441. Adrienne November 27, 2017 at 11:55 PM

    I would set aside $15 for a bottle of champagne fromTrader Joe’s, and put $85 towards the mortgage (which would feel like a splurge because I have a low interest rate and I know the math doesn’t make sense!).

    Reply
  442. M November 28, 2017 at 12:05 AM

    Subscribed! I would use it to open a savings account in the UK. I’m moving there from the US this week and it will be my first time as an expat. Financial history will start at 0 so I’m trying to build up accounts there and any extra would be helpful.

    Reply
  443. Lisa November 28, 2017 at 12:14 AM

    If I won the $100 I would use it to help me purchase a new laptop for school.

    Reply
  444. Kimberly November 28, 2017 at 12:27 AM

    Thank you for all you do…you are an inspiration.
    I’d give the $100 to a family this season that could use a little extra help.
    Happy Holidays!

    Reply
  445. Joyce November 28, 2017 at 12:41 AM

    I would use the $100 towards my daughter’s college fund!

    Reply
  446. lyndsey November 28, 2017 at 12:42 AM

    Toys for the kids!

    Reply
  447. Audrey November 28, 2017 at 12:46 AM

    $100 is a nice gift. I would feel every grateful to be able to make such a nice gift. So I would re-gift it, not because it has no value to me, but in the contrary because it has a lot. I think I would probably choose someone in my entourage that has been working hard on becoming self-relying by creating something for themselves and I would give them that little nudge of help on their journey.

    Reply
    1. J. Money December 7, 2017 at 11:55 AM

      Very thoughtful answer :)

      Reply
  448. Arnie November 28, 2017 at 1:04 AM

    Hey, already a subscriber.

    I would donate the $100 to Splash, a non-profit organization in Hong Kong that provides free swimming classes to Filipino and Indonesian domestic workers (there are about 300,000 in Hong Kong), refugees and under-privileged kids.

    Thanks!

    Reply
  449. SK Alexander November 28, 2017 at 1:05 AM

    I’d put it in my IRA… yawn…but I’m so sick of watching “kids” younger than I retire before me!

    But I’ve enjoyed reading other’s ideas–some really thoughtful and generous, some practical, some split to x% fun/x% practical, and lots more. Your blog is funny and inspiring and your readers are cool!

    Reply
    1. J. Money December 7, 2017 at 11:56 AM

      Thanks! We try! :)

      Reply
  450. Catseye November 28, 2017 at 1:21 AM

    I became a subscriber earlier this year. I’d probably put that $100 in savings because I want a $1000 balance by Jan. 1 and I won’t make it. Current balance – $825. I’m paying off a credit card with a deferred interest rate and will make the final payment in December, otherwise I’d hit the goal. Good thing I don’t have a lot of people to buy for this year!

    Reply
  451. Jamie Horne November 28, 2017 at 1:35 AM

    Well my goal is to become a millionaire by the time i hit 30 the value of the dollar is declining so im learnung through reading make my money work for me so a $100 would help in more investing for me honestly i want to be wealthy not cash rich if i dont get the money not the end of the world wats more valuable to me is information

    Reply
  452. Kelly November 28, 2017 at 1:56 AM

    I would buy $100 of TCEHY or maybe just one share and the rest in some other stocks on my wish list

    Reply
  453. Sal November 28, 2017 at 2:17 AM

    I just subscribed. I’m a long time reader I just never signed up for your newsletter until now. If I got $100 I would use this to open my newborn a college fund. I think something like this would motivate me to contribute every month.

    Reply
  454. MJ November 28, 2017 at 2:19 AM

    I would spend it in two possible ways, I would split it between charity, RA, and saving for a holiday as I do with all bonuses. or I would just blow it on books from amazon

    Reply
  455. fehmeen November 28, 2017 at 2:48 AM

    I would give half to charity – there’s a place nearby that gives free meals. The other half would go towards retirement planning.

    Reply
  456. Ryan November 28, 2017 at 3:12 AM

    I have been hearing a lot about the Instant Pot. I think I would treat myself to one!

    Reply
  457. Brad November 28, 2017 at 4:31 AM

    I’d spend it on our upcoming family trip!

    Reply
  458. Mr. JumpStart November 28, 2017 at 6:15 AM

    I’ll buy a bunch of tacos.

    Reply
    1. J. Money December 7, 2017 at 11:56 AM

      (Can never go wrong with tacos)

      Reply
  459. Anca November 28, 2017 at 6:37 AM

    New subscriber. I would buy a fraction of a bitcoin :D

    Reply
  460. Michelle S November 28, 2017 at 6:42 AM

    My favorite Christmas Charity is one for needy senior citizens locally. I budgeted and spent $200 on presents for the seniors. If I won your contest I could spend another $100 on the senior citizens for Christmas!

    Reply
  461. Hans November 28, 2017 at 6:51 AM

    Get a few copies of Jesse Mechams new book to gift away to the families I help in our local debt counseling project – and spend the few remaining bucks setting up my personal finance blog (that includes expenses for coffee in the early hours). :-)

    Reply
  462. Anthony November 28, 2017 at 7:29 AM

    I would use it for dinner with the wife. Just had our 4th kid so time out is at a premium.

    Reply
    1. J. Money December 7, 2017 at 11:57 AM

      Congrats! Full house!

      Reply
  463. Matt November 28, 2017 at 7:31 AM

    I would give it to my wife to assist with her ongoing efforts to increase the value of our Target and/or Amazon investments.

    Reply
  464. Kelly November 28, 2017 at 7:43 AM

    Just signed up for the newsletter! This year, I feel like it’s been difficult to donate as much as I want, while paying down my debt.

    SO, I’d like to give $100 to a local angel tree project run by one of my favorite high school teachers.

    Reply
  465. Barbara November 28, 2017 at 7:51 AM

    I’m obsessed with saving for early retirement so don’t really spend too much. This 100 I would blow on myself and whatever I want in that moment…it would be a kind of balance to my savings addiction!

    Reply
  466. Matt November 28, 2017 at 8:09 AM

    I would use it to help my kids’ school buy new lunch tables.

    Reply
  467. Nat November 28, 2017 at 8:20 AM

    I would put it towards a few final Christmas gifts :)

    Reply
  468. Lana November 28, 2017 at 8:50 AM

    I would put it straight onto my credit card.

    Reply
  469. Ashley Yeager November 28, 2017 at 8:52 AM

    I would put $100 towards gifts. We don’t spend a ton on gifts, but I love to be able to give back to my parents who gave & taught me so much!

    Reply
  470. Sally Scheuermann November 28, 2017 at 9:03 AM

    Already subscribed. I would use the money to buy a Christmas present for my boyfriend – we just moved in together. :)

    Reply
  471. Rosemary November 28, 2017 at 9:30 AM

    Already a subscriber!!
    I would add it to the money I’m saving for a trip I’m planning back home to Africa to visit my mom whom I haven’t seen in a couple of years.

    Reply
  472. Kelly W. November 28, 2017 at 9:35 AM

    If chosen, I would put my $100 towards FINALLY paying off our Chase credit card. Only $440 left (of the beginning several thousands of dollars), so that $100 would really help. Thanks!

    Reply
  473. Windy McGreal November 28, 2017 at 9:40 AM

    I would put it towards fixing my car.

    Reply
  474. Karen November 28, 2017 at 9:43 AM

    VTSAX, of course!

    Reply
  475. Lauren November 28, 2017 at 10:01 AM

    I would invest it! I am a dividend investor, with plans to have most or (hopefully) all of my cost of living covered by dividend payments by the time I’m 35. I just turned 30. :-D I feel like working isn’t so terrible if you’re working solely to fund fun endeavors, projects, experiments, etc.

    Reply
  476. Michelle G. November 28, 2017 at 10:01 AM

    I would take a parenting class!

    Reply
    1. J. Money December 7, 2017 at 11:59 AM

      That’s called life :)

      Reply
  477. Joe Folker November 28, 2017 at 10:07 AM

    I’d put it towards an electric scooter for my 91 year old mother to enable her to get around her retirement living housing facility.

    Reply
  478. L November 28, 2017 at 10:24 AM

    I’d use it to pay down some debt – just a few months of car payments left, and then never again!

    Reply
  479. Kaitlyn R. November 28, 2017 at 10:27 AM

    I’ve been making extra payments on my student loans (currently around $27,500 left), but since it’s the holiday season my extra payment funds are going towards gifts for my family, friends, boyfriend, and our two kitties. :) I’d use this $100 to keep up with my progress on my student loan debt!

    Reply
  480. Summer November 28, 2017 at 10:41 AM

    I would buy gas cards to have on hand for when we’re in tight spots (which lately is often), so there’s no worries about how we’re getting to work and back.

    Reply
  481. Mary Ann November 28, 2017 at 10:51 AM

    Well, every year at Christmas I donate toward our local Newspaper with a Heart fund for local families who need a little extra help in general. I would love to be able to be more generous this year!!

    Reply
  482. Elisabeth November 28, 2017 at 10:53 AM

    I would stash half in my emergency savings fund, use $25 for family gifts and send $25 to a local nonprofit.

    Reply
  483. MR @ millionairerenter.com November 28, 2017 at 11:09 AM

    If I win the $100, can I pay for 1 hour of your time to teach me how to get my blog to be popular?

    Reply
  484. ebene November 28, 2017 at 11:33 AM

    What’s up J. Money? I have been reading your blog for years, but I just signed up for the newsletter. I can’t wait to get that.
    How did I miss that?

    What a great contest and a fun way to spread some joy around.

    Here is what I would do with $100. I would fight my first thought to save it. That is what I do most of the time. We are so lucky and blessed that I really want to share the wealth to as many people in the world. But I would make the $100 live hopefully forever and make a difference in lots of people’s lives, while also teaching my 5 children about giving and making the world a better place.

    How you ask?

    Simple I would give each of my children $20 to loan out on Kiva.org . They would be in charge of who to pick for each loan. They would get to help people in need around the country and the world. They actually have a special right now that I could buy $50 worth of giftcards and get $25 free. So I would have another $50 to work with from the $100 you gave.
    What a great return. So then each child would get $30 to loan out to people. Every time they got the money paid back to them, they would loan it out to someone else. Hopefully in a few years your $100 would have made the difference to hundreds or even thousands of people.

    Have a wonderful holiday.

    Reply
    1. J. Money December 7, 2017 at 12:00 PM

      Hell yeah – Kiva is great

      Reply
  485. Zac November 28, 2017 at 11:56 AM

    I’d open up brokerage accounts for my 2 girls (6 and 9 y.o.), put $50 in each and teach them about the magic of investing, growth, and time in the market.

    Reply
    1. Mercedes November 29, 2017 at 12:05 PM

      Do Stockpile! I opened up accounts for my family and my kids are having a blast with it. They take it very seriously and are learning rapidly. Very cheap (made for real people) to use and start off. You can easily get $5 to start for free.

      Reply
      1. Zac November 30, 2017 at 4:23 PM

        I’ll check it out. Thanks!
        ……anybody have a bonus/affiliate link?

        Reply
  486. Emmie November 28, 2017 at 11:58 AM

    1) already a reader :)
    2) i should pay bills with it. BUT i would buy small christmas gifts for my family instead. We don’t do much for christmas, but its always nice to see someone smile as you hand them something that makes you think of them.

    Reply
  487. J. Adam Humphries November 28, 2017 at 12:03 PM

    Earlier this year, I bought and moved into a fixer-upper triplex with my girlfriend to supercharge our progress to FI. Two of the units were already rented out, with the third being somewhat uninhabitable(read: totally gutted). Nevertheless, we moved into that third unit and began the long process of fixing it up. Most of our stuff is still in boxes, we cook on a single burner hot plate, and we bathe in a 100 gallon livestock water trough that I rigged up (that was six months ago when I thought I’d have the bathroom done in a “few weeks”…). Our whole apartment is one giant construction zone (which makes me warm and fuzzy inside, her…not so much) and therefore has a very masculine feel to it. She’s been incredibly supportive throughout this whole process, but has remarked that all the manliness is hard on her sometimes. I know she misses feeling girly among all the sawdust and such. I would use the $100 to give her a spa day so that she can be pampered to her heart’s content. She deserves it :)

    Reply
    1. J. Money December 7, 2017 at 12:03 PM

      You had me at livestock water trough :)

      Reply
  488. Emily November 28, 2017 at 12:15 PM

    We just got engaged in October, and our planned wedding savings is feeling the holiday pinch – I’d use the $100 to top it up.

    Reply
  489. Dusty November 28, 2017 at 12:47 PM

    J Money, I’ve been reading your posts for about a year now and I am a subscriber. I also follow you on Twitter (do i get bonus points?) :)

    I have started a non-profit, youth baseball organization in Eastern KY. If I were chosen for the gift, I would give the money to the organization to help pay for uniforms for 2018. Merry Christmas

    DA

    Reply
    1. J. Money December 7, 2017 at 12:03 PM

      No, but I appreciate it :)

      Reply
  490. Bet November 28, 2017 at 12:51 PM

    Not previously a prescriber but have been reading for a few months. I would use the funds for Christmas presents for my nephews.

    Reply
  491. Katie November 28, 2017 at 1:11 PM

    I would use the $100 to surprise my husband with a nice dinner out. Our anniversary is in Dec and we usually play it low key with Christmas & everything. I would love to just catch him out of the blue with something nice & unexpected.

    Reply
  492. JFW November 28, 2017 at 2:19 PM

    Fun idea! I would use an extra $100 to off set our January bills as December’s credit card bill tends to be higher than the rest of the year! Thankfully I only do this much shopping once a year.

    Reply
  493. Jon November 28, 2017 at 3:02 PM

    I’ve been reading your stuff for about a year and I just subscribed. I would use an $100 to host my neighbors for a holiday dinner.

    Reply
  494. Lisa November 28, 2017 at 3:04 PM

    I would apply $100 to our mortgage as it is now our only debt.

    Reply
  495. Heather November 28, 2017 at 3:06 PM

    The $100 would go to payment of medical bills. At least now I have hit my deductible…

    Reply
  496. J November 28, 2017 at 3:07 PM

    Long time reader and subscriber here.

    I would put the $100 towards our family leave savings account. Partner and I are each taking unpaid time off for baby’s arrival in March and saving as many pennies as we can before then.

    Reply
  497. Lisa M November 28, 2017 at 3:08 PM

    I’m not sure how long I’ve been subscribed, but I’ve enjoyed every post and learned a ton of stuff! I would apply $100 to our mortgage or would send to friends in Kenya who help families in the Kibera slum.

    Reply
  498. Dino November 28, 2017 at 3:16 PM

    Date night…it’s been too long!

    Reply
  499. Nitin Malhotra November 28, 2017 at 3:28 PM

    1. Already a subscribed
    2. Put aside for buying lottery tickets in all of 2018, because someone once said “Is $1 a week worth a chance to win $100,000,000 or even $1,000,000,000? For me it is.”

    Reply
    1. J. Money December 7, 2017 at 12:05 PM

      I’m a lottery ticket enjoyer too :)

      Reply
  500. Jeff @ Maximum Cents November 28, 2017 at 3:54 PM

    I would use the $100 to buy some stocks in my brokerage account.

    Reply
  501. Deborah November 28, 2017 at 4:05 PM

    I would use it for Christmas gifts for our son

    Reply
  502. LiHo November 28, 2017 at 4:27 PM

    The husband’s birthday is coming up so $50 for a present and $50 towards dinner :)

    Reply
  503. Ayla November 28, 2017 at 4:28 PM

    I’d use $100 to buy food/decor for my husband’s retirement party. He’s retiring from the Air Force and I couldn’t be more excited!

    Reply
  504. Ashley Montgomery November 28, 2017 at 4:47 PM

    I would put it towards paying off my medical bills. I’ve had some unexpected issues this past year that have left me drowning in medical debt.

    Reply
  505. Camilo November 28, 2017 at 4:59 PM

    1.) Already a subscriber

    2.) Although putting the $100 dollar bill in the emergency fund would be the responsible thing to do, I’d definitely take a trip to Trader Joe’s and buy myself a bottle of champagne and flowers. Champagne would be a nice treat to celebrate the end of this year, in which I’ve learned a lot, and as far as the flowers, HEY! can’t a guy buy himself some flowers? :D

    Ps- I’ve been a reader for 5 years now. 4 of those, while I worked for a major bank. And while it was against bank’s policy, I always shared your money principles with my clients. Keep up the good work

    Reply
  506. Cody Finley November 28, 2017 at 5:05 PM

    We just finished consolidating the debt we had to reduce the interest and monthly payments, that way we can more effectively pay off principle and focus on eliminating it all together once and for all.

    I would use it as an extra payment towards that debt!

    Reply
  507. ClaireElaine November 28, 2017 at 5:11 PM

    We are closing on a house in mid-late December. We would use this to pay down some of our other debt which we’ve been stalling a bit so that we could save hard for the down payment.

    Reply
  508. Money Brewer November 28, 2017 at 5:20 PM

    I’ll invest in in P2P lending, obviously ;-)

    Reply
  509. Kelli November 28, 2017 at 5:34 PM

    I recently paid off the last of my CC debt, so I would probably use at least some of the money for a small treat/reward for myself, and I usually like to donate a little extra at the holidays to my favorite animal charity, so I would do that as well.

    Reply
  510. RolltideSS November 28, 2017 at 5:40 PM

    I’d use it to pay for an activity (snorkeling, luau, tour, etc) on my vacation to Hawaii next year booked using travel rewards

    Reply
  511. Brandon November 28, 2017 at 6:08 PM

    Subscribed – I would use half to add to my Robinhood account – and half to supplement Christmas spending ^_^

    Keep up the good posts! I love the savings chart you put up a few months ago “how to save an extra 1,000” I’ve given that chart to so many people, and they are beyond motivated!

    Reply
    1. J. Money December 7, 2017 at 12:07 PM

      Oh good! I agree it’s a great one!

      Reply
  512. Cindy November 28, 2017 at 6:33 PM

    Already a subscriber.

    I would use the money to do something fun in January or February with my family!

    Reply
  513. April November 28, 2017 at 6:40 PM

    I’ve been saving up for a foodsaver but since it’s a want not a need it’s slow going. It’d be nice to have enough to take advantage of a holiday price drop.

    Reply
  514. Kris November 28, 2017 at 7:11 PM

    I just signed up for the newsletter. I’ve been reading for less than year and love reading your blog J!
    With that $100 I would put it in our son’s college fund.

    Reply
  515. Jolene November 28, 2017 at 7:11 PM

    Honestly, we’d use it for our kiddos…we have six and its a tight Christmas this year….and we’re going through a really rough time right now…

    Reply
    1. J. Money December 7, 2017 at 12:07 PM

      I’m sorry to hear :(

      Reply
  516. Ellen Pittenger November 28, 2017 at 7:16 PM

    I’d put it towards the old IRA!

    Reply
  517. Dawn M November 28, 2017 at 7:34 PM

    Have loved your blog posts in my inbox for long time now, though I had to resubscribe when we bought our first house and moved!
    I am racking up the “kids must have for Christmas” bills so would use the $100 to pay towards that. Boring I know, but have be practical during the giving season so can keep giving!

    Reply
  518. jp November 28, 2017 at 8:32 PM

    1) Subscribed
    2) I will put in my 2-weeks notice at my job for early/mini-retirement on Friday! The $100 would go towards the angle tree at my husband’s work, so it doesn’t come out of the slush fund quite yet!

    Reply
    1. J. Money December 7, 2017 at 12:08 PM

      I hope the $100 isn’t the only thing coming in the way of that quitting! Haha…

      Reply
  519. EJL November 28, 2017 at 8:47 PM

    I would use the money towards a float in a sensory deprivation tank!

    Reply
  520. Mollie November 28, 2017 at 8:50 PM

    Date night with the hubby! We’ve been doing a lot of saving this year, so it would be a nice treat for us.

    Reply
  521. Claire November 28, 2017 at 9:20 PM

    I’d put 1/4 of it into savings and 3/4 to give my well-deserving mom a giftcard for a massage!

    Reply
  522. Anna November 28, 2017 at 9:48 PM

    1) I’ve been a loooooong time reader, and now, I’m also a subscriber!
    2) I would squirrel away the $100 into my Vanguard index fund.

    Reply
  523. Menard Solve November 28, 2017 at 10:12 PM

    I’ll buy 2 MyHeritage DNA kits at a discount. One for myself and another for Zac Efron. I wanna prove everyone wrong that he’s not my twin brother :)

    Reply
    1. J. Money December 7, 2017 at 12:12 PM

      Good problem to have, haha..

      Reply
  524. Jen Miller November 28, 2017 at 11:22 PM

    With a free $100…hmmm… I would probably throw it toward finishing off my Roth IRA for the year. I’m still about $700 short of the maximum. I hope I win!

    Reply
  525. Tonya November 28, 2017 at 11:46 PM

    Participate in a cryptocurrency ICO. Or use it to pay down cc debt.

    Reply
  526. Ebony November 29, 2017 at 12:10 AM

    I’m already a subscriber and I would put the $100 towards my emergency fund.

    Reply
  527. Lia November 29, 2017 at 12:35 AM

    1. I’m a subscriber!
    2. I’d put it towards my student loan.

    Reply
  528. Mindy November 29, 2017 at 12:37 AM

    I signed up for the newsletter. I would treat my husband and myself to a little bit of luxury and purchase some new perfume and cologne.

    Reply
  529. Lauren November 29, 2017 at 1:30 AM

    The reality is that more money wouldn’t adjust my spending.

    However, whether I win or not, I plan to spend some money signing up to do more escape rooms with my husband and friends. It costs usually $25 – $30 a person and I’ve been known to knock a few out in a good week.

    Reply
  530. Laura November 29, 2017 at 5:35 AM

    I’m already a subscriber.
    I’d use it towards gas for a road trip to the beach with my husband and doggy during the holidays.

    Reply
  531. Mark November 29, 2017 at 6:36 AM

    Already a subscriber. I’d save it for a rainy day (i.e.) for when needed.

    Reply
  532. Jacq November 29, 2017 at 7:04 AM

    I didn’t respond the other day because I am not sure, because I don’t need it for myself.
    I have a friend working on her car fund, knowing realistically it’s on a slow decline. I have another friend with some scheduled medical stuff next year who could use it. I have a group of friends considering buying a trailer rather than rent one for each of our events, and I considered chipping in for that vs getting a gift card for a gas station to help with getting it to the event.
    I’m sure you’ll have fun picking your winners.

    Reply
  533. Mayia November 29, 2017 at 7:41 AM

    I’v Been a follower on Facebook since mid 2016, but am now subscribed. You inspired me to start tracking my net worth. It’s a fun way to track my financial progress!

    I would put all $100 into my maternity leave fund. We just had our second baby (a little girl) and most my leave is unpaid.

    Reply
    1. J. Money December 7, 2017 at 1:24 PM

      Congrats!! Good job tracking all your $$ now! (And pretty name :))

      Reply
  534. Aimee Neumann November 29, 2017 at 8:32 AM

    I’m already a subscriber. Right now I’m in a push to max out my Roth IRA contributions for the year so I would put it towards that :)

    Reply
  535. Stephen November 29, 2017 at 9:14 AM

    I would break into two fifties and hand them out randomly while riding the light rail into work.

    Reply
  536. Mrs. MFB November 29, 2017 at 9:40 AM

    I have been a follower of your blog for about 2 years now. If I were to win $100 I would use it to pay for my mortgage. This is my only debt as of the moment and I want to break free from it.

    Reply
  537. Elizabeth Chan November 29, 2017 at 9:41 AM

    Just subscribed but been reading for awhile!

    I’ve gotten a little tired with typical charity. Even when you think you’re helping individual people in concrete ways, you’re still separated from the impact. So I’ve taken some money out of my charity account and decided to just give big tips on the spot to people doing a great job. That’s what’d I’d do with the $100. I’d give $20 tips (or gift cards) to 5 store clerks or library staffers, busboys or cashiers, Walmart greeters or toll operators, just to spread some more in-person joy. I live in DC so we could use it!

    Reply
    1. J. Money December 7, 2017 at 1:25 PM

      Yup yup, EXACTLY why I give one-to-one like that too – you can directly effect lives anytime right there on the spot!

      Reply
  538. Danny November 29, 2017 at 9:47 AM

    Since it’s free money and close to the holidays I would spend it in Florida when I go back home to visit. Probably on Christmas themed booze or taking my family out to a movie.

    Reply
  539. Noelle November 29, 2017 at 10:18 AM

    I would spend it on a special activity to do with my daughter before she loses her “only child” status!

    Reply
  540. Jody November 29, 2017 at 10:25 AM

    I would probably use it toward Christmas gifts. Another option would be to dump it in my vacation fund (Haven’t taken a week off work since November 2015!)

    Reply
  541. Jennifer Brown November 29, 2017 at 10:35 AM

    I’m already a subscriber. I would take half and go out with my hubby and the other half to buy food for our local food pantry.

    Reply
  542. ZJ Thorne November 29, 2017 at 10:36 AM

    I would use $100 towards paying off my invisalign. At over $600/m, it is definitely hurting my budget right now.

    Reply
  543. Brandon Willis November 29, 2017 at 10:42 AM

    I would give the money to the non-profit who’s board I am on. Every bit helps.

    Reply
  544. Jessica November 29, 2017 at 10:48 AM

    I’m already a subscriber!

    I would buy my husband a Christmas present. We bought windows for the house this year, and are foregoing presents because of it.

    Reply
  545. Amanda November 29, 2017 at 11:08 AM

    1. Already subscribed (and love the #DailyScratch btw)
    2. Put it toward my upcoming tuition! After being in the real world for a while, I’m heading back to school in January so I can launch a new career.

    Reply
  546. Lee November 29, 2017 at 11:19 AM

    My wife has a friend that her and her husband adopted a 6 year old a couple of years ago and are having a hard year this year. Her husband is fighting cancer and they are stretched thin. We are planning to give them a couple hundred dollars to help with Christmas for them and their child and I’d add another hundred to the stack.

    Reply
  547. Joy November 29, 2017 at 11:26 AM

    I am a subscriber but I haven’t received the last two blog notifications. :( I’d use an extra $100 by giving it to my sister. She’s a single mom who just had her third child a couple of weeks ago.

    Reply
    1. Joy November 29, 2017 at 11:29 AM

      Signed up again just in case I got deleted some how.

      Reply
      1. J. Money December 7, 2017 at 1:28 PM

        Weird. Maybe it’s going into your spam folder? That happens sometimes with “sexy” in the title :) I did double check and I do see you in there though, so that clears that question!

        Reply
  548. Heidi November 29, 2017 at 11:26 AM

    This holiday season, we are doing a bit of a bike tour around part of New Zealand’s South Island. I think it would be fitting to spend the money a proper feast and pint of brew after a hard day in the saddle! Thanks for the blog!

    Reply
  549. Jasmine November 29, 2017 at 11:45 AM

    I’d split $100 between Planned Parenthood, The Alzheimer’s Association, and The ALS Association in memory of loved ones not here anymore.

    Reply
  550. Kristi Romspert November 29, 2017 at 11:53 AM

    Been subscribed for a while. Loved while you were on the MONEY podcast. If I had $100, I would use it toward Christmas. Anything left would go to pay off debt. I would love to be debt free next year.

    Reply
    1. J. Money December 7, 2017 at 1:28 PM

      Oh hey – thanks! Was a fun show for a little there :)

      Reply
  551. Mercedes November 29, 2017 at 11:55 AM

    I would donate it to the Monks of Norcia (rebuilding after Italian earthquake). I’m still trying to be better about donating more to charities, and free money would be guilt-free to donate since it doesn’t come out of the family budget.

    Reply
  552. Gladys Hartey November 29, 2017 at 12:02 PM

    I would buy a pretty dress from Boden.com. I have been coveting them since August 2016 but I won’t spend the money on myself.

    Reply
  553. O November 29, 2017 at 12:03 PM

    I would use it to support a charity – Preemptive Love Coalition – and consider using some of it to buy family members gifts handmade by refugees in Syria. Support for tiny businesses of struggling individuals, and spreading love! :)

    Reply
  554. Angela November 29, 2017 at 12:05 PM

    $100.00 extra would be the push I needed the dive trip in Bonaire I’ve been saving for

    Reply
  555. Emily Armstrong November 29, 2017 at 12:09 PM

    1. I’m already a subscriber AND a big fan
    2. I’d buy five bottles of red wine (or 4 bottles of wine and a six-pack of one of BC’s yummy microbrewery beers, or 3 wines and 2 cases of beer, etc etc..), and I’d gather family and friends to toast another year and to be thankful for our time together. Knowing the crowd, we’d have more than enough wine and beer to go around!

    Reply
  556. Melinda Bentley November 29, 2017 at 12:15 PM

    An extra $100? I would credit it towards our YNAB budget account for our son’s college expenses – graduating June 2018 – eek!!!

    Reply
  557. Anne C. November 29, 2017 at 12:16 PM

    We need to replace our ancient and unreliable refrigerator! I’ve been shopping and researching like crazy and am just waiting for the end-of-year super deals.

    Reply
  558. Mike B. November 29, 2017 at 12:16 PM

    Would just toss into my savings account. Nice and boring! Thx!

    Reply
  559. Melissa Oakley November 29, 2017 at 12:20 PM

    I would take the $100 and my kids an extra gift this year.

    Reply
  560. Tyler November 29, 2017 at 12:25 PM

    I would the $100 to help pay for a New Year’s Eve weekend getaway with my long-distance girlfriend! We only see each other about once a month (if we’re lucky) and I want to do something special for her for New Year’s this year. The money would help me pay for the trip without taking on any debt to pay for it (I’ve got enough debt through student loans as it is)!

    Reply
  561. Catherine B November 29, 2017 at 12:30 PM

    I started subscribing this year and I’m a big fan! I’d give the $100 to an elderly friend, a lovely former colleague who has fallen on hard times and would squeeze that Benjamin ’til he cried out for mercy!

    Reply
    1. J. Money December 7, 2017 at 1:30 PM

      Haha… love the tenacity there :)

      Reply
  562. Norah November 29, 2017 at 12:38 PM

    Already a subscriber! new to financial ‘wellness’ in part to tips from your site.
    I WANT to say I would put it in a Roth, but honestly, I would probably save it towards a new bathroom, my newest financial goal.

    Reply
  563. Chris November 29, 2017 at 12:40 PM

    I’d likely save the money in my HSA account.

    Reply
  564. Lisa November 29, 2017 at 12:45 PM

    Love your blog, great info and fun presentation.

    That $100 would go to debt repayment, stat!

    Thanks!

    Reply
  565. russ November 29, 2017 at 12:50 PM

    I always like free money. But as a windfall at this time I would re-gift the cash to my local veterans group, they need it more than me right now.

    Reply
  566. Mitchell Walker November 29, 2017 at 12:56 PM

    Already a subscriber. $25.00 to savings, $25.00 to Hurricane help in TX, $25.00 to a new bench clamp for my workshop and $25.00 for dark beer! Life is better in balance!

    Reply
  567. Quincy O November 29, 2017 at 12:58 PM

    I would buy a keyboard stand and seat and enroll in some Italian language courses in advance of my trip to Italy next year.

    Reply
  568. LizWithLime November 29, 2017 at 1:07 PM

    Invest in VTSAX! (Or get a VTSAX tatoo ;) ) #tossup

    Reply
  569. Judy November 29, 2017 at 1:08 PM

    I already subscribe :)

    I would use it for Christmas this year. My husband had been out of work for 4.5 months waiting for his paperwork to go through…… I guess someone wasn’t in a hurry to get things pushed through :( So it would be GREAT to have an extra hundy for my kiddos :)

    Thanks for all your sharing over the years!

    Reply
  570. Jenn Dabal November 29, 2017 at 1:09 PM

    I just lost my job so that $100 would go towards bills …

    Reply
  571. Melanie B November 29, 2017 at 1:10 PM

    I’m a subscriber! I have most of my gifts already, so I would add it to my “fun fund” for my NYE trip with my bf. He’s in the Navy and we’re taking a quick trip to San Diego :)

    Reply
  572. Kevin November 29, 2017 at 1:13 PM

    I would use the $100 to help buy last minute christmas gifts!

    Reply
  573. Lynn S November 29, 2017 at 1:15 PM

    I just moved, so it would help with some moving expenses!!

    Reply
  574. Sarah November 29, 2017 at 1:16 PM

    Newish reader – subscribed a few months ago. With $100 I’d buy my artist-husband a drawing tablet. And some steaks. :)

    Reply
  575. Petia November 29, 2017 at 1:22 PM

    I love art and i always invest in experiences whenever possible. What will i do with $100? I would buy a ticket to see Kusama’ Infinity Mirrors Exhibition at The Broad ($30) and i would visit the Museum of Ice Cream ($29). Also i would love to hike to the Hollywood Sign again. I did it for my Birthday this year and it was one of the best days of my life. Nature is beautiful and it cost nothing to go out and explore it. I will probably buy a bottle of Evian water – my favorite drink ($1) and go up there and enjoy the beauty from the top of Mount Lee. With the rest of the money ($40) i will open a Roth IRA account (i still don’t have one) and will start saving. Thank you! I enjoy reading you! Warm regards and best wishes, P.

    Reply
  576. Cody November 29, 2017 at 1:24 PM

    Love the idea! Our Christmas fund is fully-funded, so I would throw that extra $100 at our plan of paying off our last bit of remaining consumer debt by the end of the year.

    Reply
  577. Katrina November 29, 2017 at 1:29 PM

    Been a subscriber for a while. I’d use it towards a debt payment.

    Reply
  578. Caroline November 29, 2017 at 1:30 PM

    Just subscribed after reading for a few years. I would save half and put the rest toward holiday bills.

    Reply
  579. Carmela Congdon November 29, 2017 at 1:35 PM

    Already subscribed.

    I would donate the $100 as microloans through Kiva.org – helping women in developing countries buy supplies for their businesses.

    Reply
  580. Rachel November 29, 2017 at 1:37 PM

    I found your blog a few years ago and have been a subscriber since!
    $100 – definitely dinner out with my hubby before the craziness of Christmas!

    Reply
  581. savvyfox November 29, 2017 at 1:42 PM

    I’m saving for a new front door. This would put me $100 closer!

    Reply
    1. J. Money December 7, 2017 at 1:31 PM

      That’s pretty specific, haha…

      Reply
  582. Marcy November 29, 2017 at 1:44 PM

    Hi J Money.

    I personally would use it to help my daughter open a Roth IRA (or other account that will accept a $100 opening deposit) to get her saving for her future. What a great thing your’e doing!
    Thank you! :)

    Reply
  583. JANET M Serrano November 29, 2017 at 1:44 PM

    These days I putting more $$ towards college savings as I have a freshman in college and I decided to avoid the PLUS loans. I will take the $100 and pay the college bill or put in the 529 account.

    Reply
  584. Christine November 29, 2017 at 1:48 PM

    Your newsletter is part of my top 3 favorite email subscriptions! I would take that $100 and put all of it toward the last of my debt. I’ve got about $1800 left to go and I’ve been working aggressively on my debt-free agenda for about two years now. Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! :)

    Reply
  585. Mr. FWP November 29, 2017 at 1:50 PM

    So I’ll throw in for my 1/1,000 chance here. I would give away some – at least $20 – especially since it’s Christmas. And then put the rest into savings.

    Reply
  586. Lauren Muck November 29, 2017 at 1:51 PM

    Already a subscriber! :)

    I’d funnel it into my travel savings account, which was recently depleted. :)

    Reply
  587. Diana November 29, 2017 at 1:53 PM

    Already a subscriber.
    Would save it. Not very sexy but want to have a more secure nest egg and every little bit helps.

    Reply
  588. Chad P. November 29, 2017 at 2:08 PM

    My wife and I would use it to continue working towards our goal of paying off our debt! This $100 would be used to help pay off a credit card we let get out of control during our move into our new home. Thanks J Money!

    Reply
  589. Katie November 29, 2017 at 2:20 PM

    Already a subscriber :)

    I’d donate $20 to spread some good will and put the rest into my new Roth IRA!

    Reply
  590. Shannon November 29, 2017 at 2:31 PM

    I would add the $100 to my charity budget. I currently am going to spend $550.00 next month on a child from the Angel tree and a local ministries that does a wonderful Holiday tent where needy families get to shop for their dinner and gifts for the kids. It has stocked shelves and the whole nines. Plus I volunteer my time there so I get to see the impact first hand. Thanks for all you do! Love the blog.

    Reply
  591. Emily November 29, 2017 at 2:35 PM

    I’m already a subscriber, J money! I would use it to pay off $100 of debt on my kohls charge card!

    Reply
  592. Christina G. November 29, 2017 at 2:47 PM

    I would put $100 towards my smallest cc debt in my snowball!

    Reply
  593. Megan November 29, 2017 at 2:55 PM

    I would put it towards my savings for a house!

    Reply
  594. Puck November 29, 2017 at 3:11 PM

    I would put that $100 to paying down my credit card! I owe money (interest-free for now, thank goodness) from a root canal and I’m paying that off bit by bit but the faster it happens the better, as far as I’m concerned.

    Reply
  595. Bela November 29, 2017 at 3:14 PM

    I would love to win and do my favorite shopping – groceries!

    Reply
  596. Elizabeth November 29, 2017 at 3:16 PM

    I would save it for a big trip I’m planning next year to South Korea!

    Reply
  597. Marisa November 29, 2017 at 3:17 PM

    If I was to win $100,I would spend it on MYSELF!! LOL-I know how selfish that sounds but the first thought that popped into my head as a mom of 4 was to spend it on my kids. After I thought about it a second, I already saved to budget $300 on their Xmas gifts,so I would buy that INSTAPOT I have been wanting but always feel too guilty to buy,wrap it up and stick it under the tree “TO ME FROM SANTA”!!! I mean,technically my kids would benefit from the meals made with it as well -right! :)
    *P.S. Im super excited to put the weekly money saving chart in full effect starting January 2018!

    Reply
    1. J. Money December 7, 2017 at 1:33 PM

      FUN!!! I hope you pull it off! :)

      Reply
  598. Richard November 29, 2017 at 3:21 PM

    Got a new grand daughter. I would match the $100 with $100 and open a Vanguard account for her. Then as she grows up we could add to it and watch it grow. I would encourage her to get FIREd up before she finishes school so she can always pursue her dreams.

    Reply
  599. Rose November 29, 2017 at 3:23 PM

    I would get 50 1.00 bills and hide them around the Dollar Tree with my grand daughter. Then take her to lunch and leave the rest for a tip. What a fun day!

    Reply
  600. Pilar S November 29, 2017 at 3:31 PM

    i would use it to pay my college loan…

    Reply
  601. Todd November 29, 2017 at 3:35 PM

    I just got hooked on your blog this year, great stuff! My wife and I are avid savers, have kept out of debt (aside from our home mortgage which we very recently paid off), and like to give away a good portion of our earnings to charities, including our church. With our two children nearing college age, I would give $10 to a worthy cause in our community and then invest $90 toward their education. Thanks, and keep up the good writing!

    Reply
  602. Donna L Korzun November 29, 2017 at 3:39 PM

    I would put $25 in savings first. I would then use $50 to buy extras for the 2 children we picked from the giving tree at my husband’s employer. The final $25 would be for using in fast food drive thru’s. During the Christmas season we buy for ourselves and the car behind us. We have been doing this for 10 years. It is just a great way of spreading Christmas cheer.

    Reply
  603. Morgan November 29, 2017 at 4:12 PM

    I guess I am a n00b as I just joined your newsletter list in May!

    I would add that $100 to my emergency fund! (I had a pretty hefty vet bill after one of my cats almost died and that fund is looking a little sad right now.)

    Reply
  604. Lauren November 29, 2017 at 4:16 PM

    I would spend it spoiling my new puppy!

    Reply
  605. the Budget Epicurean November 29, 2017 at 4:16 PM

    Wasn’t gonna comment but then figured, hey, someone has to win!

    1. Am a subscriber
    2. Would have a tough choice between extra mortgage principle payment, add to Vanguard acct, or blow it on groceries… probably the mortgage principle. Right now it’s like 3% of the monthly payments, the rest is tax/interest/escrow >.<

    PS how do you keep track of EVERYONE that comments?? Wow.

    Reply
    1. J. Money December 7, 2017 at 1:35 PM

      I’ve been at it for hours so far, haha…

      Reply
  606. Kathy J November 29, 2017 at 4:21 PM

    I’ve been a subscriber for many years! Still loving the blog!

    With $100 I would give half to my mom and splurge on something with the rest.

    Reply
  607. Rachel November 29, 2017 at 4:26 PM

    I’ve been a reader/subscriber since Spring and I would use the $100 towards $600 worth of car repairs I needed last week.

    Reply
  608. serenity he November 29, 2017 at 4:29 PM

    I’ll use it to help pay for the disney annual pass I’ve been wanting to get. My daughter loves disney characters.

    Reply
  609. Chris November 29, 2017 at 4:47 PM

    I would put it in my “Visit Norway” fund. This is an expensive country to visit.

    Reply
    1. Chris November 29, 2017 at 4:47 PM

      (after I pay tithe)

      Reply
  610. ps November 29, 2017 at 5:11 PM

    Kid in college ongoing funding.

    Reply
  611. Courtney November 29, 2017 at 5:41 PM

    Oh, I’d love to win $100! I have a MONDO savings goal for 2018 and this would be a bonus kick start!

    Reply
  612. Clare Butler November 29, 2017 at 6:42 PM

    Hey J Money! I am a subscriber in Australia! Not sure if I can stilll play? But if so, I would use that $100 to put in my acorns (robo investor) account. I have just started investing after living pay check to pay check and I’ve already got $5 ROI

    Reply
    1. J. Money December 7, 2017 at 1:36 PM

      I’m an equal opportunity spender! If you win we’ll just have to convert it to Aussie money for you! :)

      Reply
  613. Melissa Yuan Innes November 29, 2017 at 7:17 PM

    1. New subscriber. You’re a funny guy. I like that.

    2. I’m torn between investing, doing something for my writing, or buying a treat for my kids. Maybe $33.33 for each? I’m Canadian, so $100 American goes 20-30 percent further for me. Thanks for doing this, and congrats on your growing family!

    Reply
  614. Natalie Loftin November 29, 2017 at 7:35 PM

    I have a college student coming home for break and I’m sure the money will go towards food!

    Reply
  615. Lauren November 29, 2017 at 7:48 PM

    I would put it in my special savings account which hopefully will go towards our new house (if our current one sells!)

    Reply
  616. Tracy Rudi November 29, 2017 at 8:31 PM

    1. Just subscribed and LOVE what I’m reading thus far!
    2. I’d use the money for my student loan payment this month to keep the interest down.

    Reply
    1. J. Money December 7, 2017 at 1:38 PM

      Are you just saying that because I’m giving away lots of money? :)

      Reply
  617. Jenny November 29, 2017 at 9:07 PM

    1. I’m signed up.
    2. I would break it up into small bills and distribute to the various homeless people I pass on my way to work and home each day. I know people often say if you do so then you are encouraging them but I don’t know what you are encouraging them to do. Be homeless? And if they use it for alcohol, can I really blame them? At least they will know that someone saw them today and acknowledged their humanity. BTW I do give from my own money sometime but my budget is pretty lean right now while I am getting out of debt.

    Reply
    1. Monique December 3, 2017 at 11:40 PM

      So sweet of you Jenny!

      Reply
    2. J. Money December 7, 2017 at 1:38 PM

      Yup – I do the same! Regardless of what they do with the money they are obviously in need of it wayyyy more than any of us, so they can do what they please with it!

      Reply
  618. Rebirth November 29, 2017 at 9:18 PM

    Money is tight this year. I would use the money to buy a few Christimas gifts for the adults in life. I always spend at least $25 on each kid. Just with my sisters and in laws I’ll spend over $300 at just $25 each. I know the money you will give me isn’t enough but at least I could do something for some of my family members.

    Reply
  619. Mike November 29, 2017 at 9:20 PM

    It probably depends on the day but today I’d use the $100 toward surprising my wife and daughter with a weekend getaway to either a cabin, nearby city, or indoor waterpark. If it only covers a portion of the trip, that’s no problem. The memories made and time shared will more than make up the difference.
    -Mike

    Reply
  620. Queenie November 29, 2017 at 9:25 PM

    I would add the $100.00 to the StockPile account that I opened for my granddaughter for her last birthday. From now on all birthday and Christmas gifts will be additions to this account holding VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF.

    Reply
  621. resie November 29, 2017 at 9:51 PM

    Every time I see photos of bony children…people dying of hunger…, I’d only wish I’m not broke so I could help. If I am to win 100$, I want to invest it…. where I could gain. If gains would come, I’d love to share it with others. Thanks!

    I enjoy reading from this blog! More power to rock!

    Reply
  622. Kristen November 29, 2017 at 10:01 PM

    Already subscribe! I would spend it on my trip to Nashville. Visiting my daughter for the holidays and love finding great “local” spots to enjoy great music!

    Reply
  623. Karin November 29, 2017 at 10:57 PM

    I have just proposed to my boss that I drop to 3/4 time through June. That will leave finances a bit tight, so I would use the $100 to help keep me financially afloat while I take care of myself.

    Reply
  624. Tiffany Nadeau November 30, 2017 at 12:56 AM

    I would give it all to my mom who has had a bit of financial hardship this year.

    Reply
  625. Elina November 30, 2017 at 4:24 AM

    I would use $ 100 free money in this way:
    1 for yourself a Christmas gift – $34
    2 for the elder daughter a gift for Christmas – $33
    3 for the youngest daughter a Christmas present – $33
    Thus, our long-standing dream to meet at Christmas – will be like reality. We have not seen each other for so long, because we live in different countries and we really miss each other …

    Reply
  626. Taro November 30, 2017 at 4:44 AM

    Thanks for the incentive to finally subscribe to your newsletter!
    I would use the money to pay half of my girlfriends accounting exam fee.

    Reply
  627. Wendy November 30, 2017 at 5:48 AM

    It would go straight onto the mortgage. Goal for next year (and a few beyond that) is to put everything extra on the mortgage.

    Reply
  628. Pearl November 30, 2017 at 7:18 AM

    Thanks for the giveaway. I would use the money for holiday shopping.

    Reply
  629. Sam November 30, 2017 at 8:08 AM

    I’d put $50 toward a nice dinner for my boyfriend and I (he’s always treating me since I am a recent college grad, and he makes quite a bit more than I do… it would be nice to treat him for once!) I’d put the other $50 into my emergency fund, which I am working on building. I have about 2 months expenses saved up so far!

    Reply
  630. Matt November 30, 2017 at 8:08 AM

    I’ve been subscribed for a few months now. Love the content! I would put the whole $100 towards my credit card debt. Boring, but it would be an inch closer to being debt free!

    Reply
  631. Shaniah November 30, 2017 at 8:48 AM

    I would save half, and the rest would go to skin care and a charity.

    Reply
  632. Mrs. Groovy November 30, 2017 at 10:11 AM

    We’d pledge it back to the RockStar Community Fund and ask you to pick someone from the community who would be uplifted by a good deed.

    Reply
  633. Liz November 30, 2017 at 10:31 AM

    Been reading for quite some time. To be honest I don’t know what I would do with the $100 but it would be nice to win something on the Internet. Keep up the good work and stay cool.

    Reply
  634. Kim November 30, 2017 at 11:50 AM

    I will exchange them into 100 $1 bills and treat my 10 friends with a box of Kleenex each for Christmas. And after the first couple of Kleenex, there will be surprises waiting…..

    Reply
    1. J. Money December 7, 2017 at 1:40 PM

      Haha… was wondering where you were going with that one ;)

      Reply
  635. Reba Carmack November 30, 2017 at 11:54 AM

    I would probably spend on Christmas Eve dinner

    Reply
  636. Chris November 30, 2017 at 12:05 PM

    1. I’d spend $50 donating it to a brain cancer association to help fund research in better cures. This is important to me since my sister passed away due to a brain tumor.
    2. Spend the remainder on stretching $50 to buy 3-5 people meaningful gifts :)

    Reply
  637. Kyle November 30, 2017 at 12:33 PM

    I’d take my girlfriend for a night out, we’re really happy that we stick to our plan and are crushing our debt (and we’re almost debt free after 6 years) but, we don’t really ever allow ourselves to go out so it would be dinner and a movie for us!

    Reply
  638. Laura November 30, 2017 at 2:10 PM

    I’d use it as pocket money for my trip to South Korea next year :)

    Reply
  639. Spence November 30, 2017 at 2:23 PM

    I would get up the courage to take my first road trip alone as a recently divorced woman.

    Reply
  640. Brad I November 30, 2017 at 3:21 PM

    Use? Try to save, but current expenses likely.

    Reply
  641. Danielle November 30, 2017 at 3:33 PM

    1. Subscribed – I love reading your blog and Rockstar Finance!
    2. I would use $75 for an extra student loan payment – every bit helps! Then I’d give the remaining $25 to my grandparents since they pick me up from the bus station (and feed me!) so we can spend the holidays together!

    Reply
  642. Nicole November 30, 2017 at 3:35 PM

    I would pad my savings with extra 100–it’s been a rough year with moving expenses and everything goes back to the savings account now.

    Reply
  643. Austin Krause November 30, 2017 at 3:56 PM

    I would use it to help pay off debt! Tired of paying for past purchases!

    Reply
  644. Mike November 30, 2017 at 3:57 PM

    I would put it towards our family trip to Maine.

    Reply
  645. Jackie Merrick November 30, 2017 at 4:02 PM

    Planning for a frugal, points driven trip to Europe with my mom!

    Reply
  646. LLouC November 30, 2017 at 5:37 PM

    I would put the $100 towards my new Tuft and Needle mattress.
    L

    Reply
  647. Chris November 30, 2017 at 6:22 PM

    I would put the $100 towards my grandson’s college fund.

    Reply
  648. Krista November 30, 2017 at 7:41 PM

    I would put the $100 in our wedding fund for next year!

    Reply
  649. kado96 November 30, 2017 at 7:50 PM

    i would use half for my wedding next year, and other half in my retirement because every penny counts. :)

    Reply
  650. kristin November 30, 2017 at 8:31 PM

    I’ve been a subscriber for a few years now. I’d use half on a gift for my husband for xmas and half to pay part of our utility bill.

    Reply
  651. Kenny November 30, 2017 at 8:59 PM

    I would put it into savings temporarily. I’m considering finding a new job and the extra savings will be useful for moving expenses if it happens.

    Reply
  652. Joanne M November 30, 2017 at 10:08 PM

    All of it would go into my “New To Me–Used Vehicle Fund”!

    Reply
  653. Corina November 30, 2017 at 11:23 PM

    I’d put it into our little girl’s savings acct– Not too soon to start, right? (She’s 3 months old)

    Reply
  654. CD December 1, 2017 at 12:27 AM

    Been a reader for a little while but just subscribed! I’d put aside:

    $18 to my emergency fund
    $10 to a charitable cause (this time of year, my local food bank)
    $4 to investing
    $18 to a family gifts fund for holidays and birthdays
    $50 toward living – either food, transportation, or utilities

    Pretty dang specific, haha, but that would be my plan :)

    Reply
  655. Sandy December 1, 2017 at 5:21 AM

    Pay my medical bills!

    Reply
  656. Lauren Maher December 1, 2017 at 9:03 AM

    I have been reading this blog for the past two years and this is my first comment. First I would like to thank the entire FI community for sharing inspiring stories as well as amazing and practical financial information that has helped our family pay off all consumer debt. We are also cash flowing my later in life masters degree (just turned 40) as I pursue a new career. The only debt we have is our mortgage. If I were to receive the $100 , I would save $50 in our emergency fund and use the remaining funds to treat our family to something special for Christmas. Most likely creature comforts such as yummy food and libations. I am all about balance when it comes to personal finance. Thanks again for all of your advice, guidance, and support.

    Reply
    1. J. Money December 7, 2017 at 1:44 PM

      So glad you’re finding our community helpful! I agree we’ve got a great, and dare I say it, FUN group here :)

      Reply
  657. Amy December 1, 2017 at 9:36 AM

    I would use it for my local taxes….because unfortunately they come due at the worst possible time of the year.

    Reply
  658. Annie December 1, 2017 at 11:36 AM

    $100 –> straight to helping pay for the flight to Virginia to see my fiance’s family over Christmas. Why is it more expensive to fly to the east coast than to Thailand??????

    Reply
  659. JeanG December 1, 2017 at 1:04 PM

    1. Subscribed
    2.Christmas Gifts!

    Reply
  660. Teresa December 1, 2017 at 2:14 PM

    I would save it for a new used car!

    Reply
  661. Amelia Dodson December 1, 2017 at 3:21 PM

    I’d get a much needed massage with $100!

    Reply
  662. Carlo December 1, 2017 at 6:58 PM

    1. Just subscribed
    2. medical bills!

    Reply
  663. Marna December 1, 2017 at 7:03 PM

    I’d divide it between our local food cupboard, our local Honor Flight for Veterans and K9’s for Warriors.

    Reply
  664. leanne December 1, 2017 at 9:59 PM

    My mum is in hospital; and I am spending heaps more on fares going into see her. My Christmas budget is getting smaller each day. Would be nice to win so maybe I could take her in some magazines, drinks and flowers. As mum is 88 I would rather spend my money on seeing her than buying gifts.

    Reply
  665. Mrs. Money December 1, 2017 at 10:42 PM

    Would use it to buy Christmas gifts for my girls :)

    Reply
  666. Ryan Gaines December 2, 2017 at 2:13 AM

    If I had an extra $100 this holiday season, I would buy food & presents for a family that can’t afford a nice holiday

    Reply
  667. Maria December 2, 2017 at 3:18 AM

    I would donate the $100 to my cousin Flor in Puerto Rico, who lost everything thanks to Hurricane Maria. I sent her already $100 of our own in October, but her needs are great. Thanks!

    Reply
    1. J. Money December 7, 2017 at 1:44 PM

      Ugh, still so much hardship down there :(

      Reply
  668. Paul n December 2, 2017 at 9:36 AM

    Thanks jmoney I love the idea.
    I’d split it 50/50. But 50 of baseball cards and put 50 towards credit cards.

    Reply
    1. J. Money December 7, 2017 at 1:45 PM

      Baseball cards – hah! Haven’t thought about those in years…

      Reply
  669. Petra December 2, 2017 at 11:35 AM

    There’s a local charity that is supporting young families who’ve run into financial difficulties. The money would go there and help buy a second hand washing machine or two, for example.

    Reply
  670. margaret petros December 2, 2017 at 11:37 AM

    I would probably do something for my Mom who is 89 years old. She has not had an easy life. And the past few years have only been worse in terms of her medical issues. Most recently just fell and fractured C2 cervical spine. She was looking forward to making Christmas cookies for her church’s bake sale and now she is stuck wearing an. Aspen collar and is in a fair amount of pain.

    Reply
  671. Brian December 2, 2017 at 12:08 PM

    My wife and I have four sons and one daughter. We are teaching them about managing finances among other lessons of life and faith. I would take the $100 and give each of my five children a twenty dollar bill with a discussion of how they plan to invest / spend / donate with it. Talk about multiplication!

    Reply
  672. Ashley December 2, 2017 at 12:09 PM

    Subscribed! I’d use the $100 to offset some major medical costs I have coming up at the end of the month.

    Reply
  673. Tammy Garrett December 2, 2017 at 12:19 PM

    I would use it to buy my 13 year old Great Dane some Metacam for his arthritis.

    Reply
  674. csrice December 2, 2017 at 1:50 PM

    The Golden Ticket found in the rain gutter worth $100 would go to the stockpiling of home goods: the cleaning products, spices, and the other goods that make life flow a little smoother but sure do take time to go and get when you run out….

    Reply
  675. A Journey to FI December 2, 2017 at 3:25 PM

    Subscribed for quite a while. I’d get several copies of JL Collin’s “The Simple Path to Wealth” and give it as a Xmas gift to relatives and friends that will benefit from its content.

    Reply
  676. Alaska49 December 2, 2017 at 5:05 PM

    By 12 shares of AMZA and then reinvest the dividend of $24 each year till I am King of the World.

    Reply
  677. Rhiannon December 2, 2017 at 5:39 PM

    I’d use it to close the gap in our savings challenge for the year! Looking like we will end about $900 short or so. Not to shabby with a full 12 months of budgeting and guessing on discretionary vs income. Saving for a down payment. :)

    Reply
  678. Chris December 2, 2017 at 8:30 PM

    I would use the $100 to buy a new computer monitor, or, I would just plug it into savings cause my current monitor is just fine…

    Reply
  679. faithless December 3, 2017 at 5:04 AM

    I’d put it in our 2018 travel fund – Rome here we come!

    Reply
  680. missey d December 3, 2017 at 7:45 AM

    already subscribed. I would set it aside for a rainy day.

    Reply
  681. Sherry December 3, 2017 at 8:54 AM

    I found you through Kalen Bruce at moneyminiblog about a year ago. We are Hurricane Harvey Survivors, “homeless” living with family, and my husband is receiving chemo. The gift of an extra $100 could help offset a tank of gas and hospital parking expenses. Great writing and reading. Thanks!

    Reply
    1. J. Money December 7, 2017 at 1:46 PM

      Dang, I’m so sorry to hear! Getting hit all over the place over there! :(

      Reply
  682. Alicia December 3, 2017 at 9:22 AM

    I am a new subscriber (pinterest led me here) and I would use that extra $100 to buy my 5 & 9 year old more gifts.

    Reply
  683. Caroline December 3, 2017 at 10:38 AM

    If I won $100, I’d up the contribution to my 401k by $125 the next pay period and use the $100 for my expenses, effectively pretending like I had received $100 in after tax income and could “undo” the tax. I started a new job in September so I’ve only had a few months to funnel as much as I can in there and I’m no where near the max.

    Reply
  684. Courtney Palmer December 3, 2017 at 12:20 PM

    Hello, I’d put an extra $100 towards my husband’s new to us (used) car fund.

    Reply
  685. Graham December 3, 2017 at 3:48 PM

    Put it into my budget and break it down into categories like normal!

    Reply
  686. jennifer gray December 3, 2017 at 7:01 PM

    I would use it to take my husband and kids to dinner and a movie.

    Reply
  687. Matt December 3, 2017 at 7:57 PM

    I think I have read an article or two of yours in the past, but today I read your article on If I lost my job tomorrow, how long could I survive? It was a great read and makes you think, I was 7.6 years. I like this calculation, because it’s a ratio of assets to expenses. I spend a lot of time analyzing, reading and researching retirement strategies and stories. I just subscribed to your newsletter and look forward to reading more of your articles. With the $100 I would tithe $10 and put the remaining $90 in my family’s 2018 summer vacation budget since we have already funded our 2017 Christmas budget.

    Reply
    1. J. Money December 7, 2017 at 1:47 PM

      Oh nice! We try to change it up a lot here and offer different ways to think about stuff so I’m glad that one spoke to you as it did :)

      Reply
  688. Andrew December 3, 2017 at 8:15 PM

    I would use it as part of opening my new Vanguard account.

    Reply
  689. Katie December 3, 2017 at 8:43 PM

    We are building our $1000 starter emergency fund so it would go toward that!

    Reply
  690. Fiona Talbot-Strong December 3, 2017 at 8:56 PM

    Just subscribed! If I had $100 – I would buy a new pair of running shoes. :)

    Reply
  691. Guy December 3, 2017 at 10:20 PM

    We’re saving for some house repairs. Every dollar helps!

    Reply
  692. Deven Gates December 3, 2017 at 11:32 PM

    I have a 15 son who landed his first paying job at a local farm last year at the age of 14. This got us to thinking, why cant he have a Roth IRA? Turns out, he can! I opened an account for him with me as the custodian, deposited his farm earnings, money he earned doing yard work and odd jobs around the neighborhood, as well as work he did for us at home (it has to be above and beyond; payment for completing daily chores comes in the form of dinner). All-in-all he deposited $3,500, and is currently up over $800 in unrealized gains in just 12 months. Any extra money that comes my way I use to employ him, which he then saves and eventually deposits into his Roth IRA with Vanguard; and this is how I would use an extra $100!

    Reply
    1. J. Money December 7, 2017 at 1:48 PM

      BOOM! He’s got smart parents!

      Reply
  693. Monique December 3, 2017 at 11:38 PM

    Hey, I absolutely love reading your post! If I were to win the give away I would put the winnings towards paying off debt OF COURSE! LOL, I have one hospital bill in particular which I would love to PAY OFF this month, I have only $271 left.

    Reply
  694. Nick R December 5, 2017 at 10:08 AM

    Take my parents and grandparents out to eat for the christmas holiday. Hopefully someday I can treat them rather than them treating me all the time during the holidays.

    Reply
  695. OMGG December 6, 2017 at 1:09 PM

    I would give $10 to my church and use the rest to get me through my three week trip home to NY. I’ll likely eat most of it since that’s what I do with my friends the most.

    Reply
  696. Meagan December 7, 2017 at 6:43 PM

    New subscriber! I have an idea for a product and am working out how to get started. I would put that money toward an initial run with a manufacturer or getting an online store set up.

    Reply
  697. C F December 11, 2017 at 2:32 AM

    Put it toward paying bills.

    Reply

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