Giving Away $100 Every Month Here on The Blog :)

Howdy ho, neighbors!

In an effort to have more fun here, give back more, and of course drum up some good buzz for the blog (how can you beat giving away cash money to your readers???) we’re going to be handing out a crisp $100 bill to one lucky reader every month until we either run out or change our minds :)

The only rules?

  1. You must be signed up to our blog newsletter to be entered (sign up here if you’re not already)
  2. You must tell us how you’ll spend it if you win :)

Out of curiosity I asked people on twitter what they would do if I gave them all an extra $100, and their answers were as varied as they were smart. I forget we’re all nerds about this stuff, haha…

Here’s what they said:

  • “Stash it and get back to work” – @Jovermyer1
  • “Send extra student loan payment.” – @SaveSplurgeDD
  • “Donate it to the ACLU.” – @clareyfrey
  • “Get a massage!!” – @taymilam and @caitflanders
  • “Pay for a class I want to take” – @aseriallife
  • “Put it all in my Roth IRA” – @howwedomoney
  • “Spend $20, invest $80” – @centsandthec1ty
  • “Buy a stock with strong growth potential and a stronger dividend.” – @mpomposello
  • “VTSAX! :-)” – @30ASeawitch and @NWOutlier  and @patelmanhar870m (VTSAX is Vanguard’s Total Stock Market Index Fund (Admiral Shares). A popular investment choice amongst us)
  • “Give $20, create a memory with my family with the remaining $80.” – @MyBreadMoney
  • “Buy that comfortable pair of slippers I’ve been dreaming of and put the rest in savings!”
    @WoodsyErin
  • “Throw it towards the emergency fund” – @quicklikedeer
  • “Pay off credit card debt” – @SamRoberge08

How about you? What would you do with a free $100?

Make sure you’re getting our newsletter and you might just find out! First drawing happens tomorrow – good luck, budgeters. (And if you’re already signed up, you’re automatically entered too!!)

“I don’t always read personal finance blogs, but when I do, I prefer Budgets Are Sexy.” – The Most Interesting Man in The World

UPDATE: Congrats to Rachel from AdultingByDesign.com for winning this month’s $100! We’ll do it all again in a few weeks :)

******
Giveaway open to anyone in the world where I can send money too. Drawings will be held on the 1st of the month and be randomly drawn from those signed up to our newsletter.

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223 Comments

  1. Kristen March 31, 2017 at 5:41 AM

    I signed up! What a cool giveaway! I’d send it right to the retirement fund. I’m boring (and save-y) like that, :)

    Reply
    1. J. Money March 31, 2017 at 5:51 AM

      Welcome aboard! You won’t hear any disagreements on that from me :)

      Reply
  2. Laura March 31, 2017 at 6:15 AM

    How fun! I’d throw it in the ol’ vacation fund :) (which is severely depleted recently after attending a bunch of out-of-state weddings!)

    Reply
    1. J. Money March 31, 2017 at 6:56 AM

      Where you headed? (and can I join? :))

      Reply
  3. Telyn March 31, 2017 at 7:05 AM

    I’ve signed up! I’d give myself permission to spend an extra $100 that month. Maybe I’d eat out more or make more Amazon purchases. I guess that’s my idea of splurging, haha.

    Reply
    1. Kris March 31, 2017 at 10:53 AM

      Yeah, that’s me too. I’ve got a list of “medium-ticket” items on Amazon that I order as finances permit (generally once a pay period). Though I find that if I put them aside, then come back to them, I tend to re-evaluate how badly I actually want/need them!

      Reply
  4. Band of Savers March 31, 2017 at 7:23 AM

    I would use it the same as I do any other extra cash that I come across. Out current financial plan already has dictated what we will do with additional money sot hat I don’t have to think about it when it happen to come. 10% is given to tithing to our church, 45% goes to the principle on our mortgage, and the remaining 45% goes to Vanguard (probably VTSAX).

    Having a plan worked out well ahead of plan is so helpful in situations line this.

    Reply
    1. J. Money April 1, 2017 at 3:52 PM

      A guy who can’t get tempted out of his game plan – impressive :)

      Reply
  5. Anthony March 31, 2017 at 7:38 AM

    Vanguard Healthcare Index. This has been a pillar of my Roth IRA for years. No matter what happens in Congress, we are getting older and will all need more healthcare. Plus, the
    Population is growing and babies have to be delivered. Prenatal care. Well Baby Checkups. Pediatrician care. At all parts of the age spectrum, the healthcare industry makes money.

    Reply
    1. Band of Savers March 31, 2017 at 10:16 AM

      I also use this healthcare fund as a way to hedge the overall market movements, it’s one of only 4 funds that I hold. The last year it was a little rocky but I’m glad to see that it’s starting to come back up. I also invested in it with the belief that, no matter what else happens, we all know that medical costs aren’t going down. glad to see I’m not alone in my thought processes.

      Reply
  6. Julie March 31, 2017 at 7:43 AM

    Found money always goes right into my TFSA! (Canada)

    Reply
  7. SL March 31, 2017 at 7:51 AM

    Non-budgeted income tends to go into my mortgage account for principal. I would put half in there, and buy a video game with the other half. I don’t tend to buy those very often (my newest is PS3 Skyrim with all DLC) and it would be an unusual item. Eating out and buying books and other readable materials is in my budget so they are not “special things”. Buying something I ordinarily would not is.

    Reply
  8. Krystal Shannon March 31, 2017 at 7:56 AM

    I would put half of it towards paying off our house and half of it towards my fundraising goal for Girls on the Run.

    Reply
  9. OFG March 31, 2017 at 7:57 AM

    I’d use it to pay for my son’s tuition next year. We’ve decided to send him to private school, but my husband’s income dropped dramatically since we made that decision. And every little bit of money helps.

    Reply
  10. Brian March 31, 2017 at 8:08 AM

    I’d pay it forward if I won. Always nice to perform a random act of kindness or help someone in need.

    Reply
    1. J. Money April 1, 2017 at 3:54 PM

      And I love that you do this with your OWN MONEY already! Your support of our Community Fund has been great over the months – really appreciate it man :)

      Reply
  11. Becky March 31, 2017 at 8:11 AM

    I would put it towards paying off our car payment.

    Reply
  12. Brad March 31, 2017 at 8:15 AM

    Baby boy due in 6 weeks so it would probably go in the diaper fund! :)

    Reply
    1. J. Money April 2, 2017 at 3:39 PM

      Congrats in advance!!

      Reply
  13. T$ March 31, 2017 at 8:17 AM

    T$ would put this nugget towards paying off my truck. I have been hustling at $1000 a month to get this paid off. It is planned to September or sooner payoff date. Once that is done, I plan of “snowballing” the truck payment to my student loan, 4 years payoff on that. Then I will be debt free except the house. *Full Disclosure* after truck is paid off, I will be investing $250/mth into good ole vanguard indexes to help get to my happy place sooner.

    Reply
  14. Em March 31, 2017 at 8:22 AM

    Thanks for the sweet giveaway. I would put it with my other money that is allocated towards helping me form a passive income stream.

    Reply
  15. Kelly March 31, 2017 at 8:27 AM

    Actually splurge on a special gift for myself since I am the one that budgets…doles out the weekly stipend to family… takes care of all things finically I think I should spurge on..nothing..can’t do it..I’ll most likely end up adding it to savings account
    Hey! It’s a $100 more I had t counted on!

    Reply
    1. J. Money April 2, 2017 at 3:41 PM

      YES!! Treating yourself is important!!

      Reply
  16. Paul March 31, 2017 at 8:28 AM

    I would combine it with the $140 I have set aside. Then I would buy $240 worth of pudding. Awwwe Yeeah…

    I’d have the $240 and I’d have to have the pudding. You know, the kind of pudding only $240 could buy.

    Reply
  17. BrandNewPapa March 31, 2017 at 8:43 AM

    I’d probably just save it all, I’ve been hemorrhaging money for the last few months and my savings is depleted! Either that or I’d buy a boatload of baby food – that stuff ain’t cheap!

    Reply
  18. Lisa O March 31, 2017 at 8:45 AM

    I signed up for the new letter today after reading your blog for about 3 years! Win or loose I will keep reading….love your blog.

    I would throw that $100 into my Roth! Any found money is always going towards retirement now :)

    Reply
    1. J. Money April 2, 2017 at 3:40 PM

      That’s awesome you’ve been reading for so long – THANK YOU!!

      Reply
  19. Brian March 31, 2017 at 8:49 AM

    It would go right in the savings account and take me $100 ($90 after tithe) closer to FI!

    Reply
  20. geckovision March 31, 2017 at 8:53 AM

    i’d use it to fund this lil side project i’m hoping to get started in the next few weeks

    Reply
    1. J. Money April 2, 2017 at 3:44 PM

      WHAT LITTLE PROJECT?? I WANT TO KNOW!

      Reply
  21. Tonya@Budget and the Beach March 31, 2017 at 9:09 AM

    Right now I’d say massage or just healthy food. Trying to take good care of myself since I’m kind of going through a stressful time!

    Reply
  22. Rachel March 31, 2017 at 9:14 AM

    I’d put that bad boy straight towards debt!

    Reply
  23. Mrs. Groovy March 31, 2017 at 9:14 AM

    Thanks for the fun giveaway! I’d donate it to a new nonprofit I heard of in our area that provides beds for children that don’t have one.

    Reply
  24. JB March 31, 2017 at 9:17 AM

    I would split it between my kids college funds. I have been tracking them similar to your updates.

    Reply
  25. Adrienne March 31, 2017 at 9:18 AM

    We went over budget by about 100 bucks in our restaurant category this month after my sister in law came to visit my husband and me (yes, I’m totally blaming her ;). So I would use that money to go out to eat again. I kid, I kid. I would put that money straight into savings to help me feel better about blowing that budget category!

    Reply
  26. RMF325 March 31, 2017 at 9:19 AM

    Thank you for the giveaway! I would use it as part of my monthly expenses; probably at Costco. I spend less than $200 a month to feed myself, so an extra $100 would be wonderful.

    Reply
  27. Nick March 31, 2017 at 9:20 AM

    $20 goes toward new headphones, and the rest goes to my trip to Europe this summer!

    Reply
  28. Michelle Marcus March 31, 2017 at 9:21 AM

    I gotta be honest… we’re going out to dinner!

    Reply
  29. Danielle T March 31, 2017 at 9:23 AM

    As much as I would like to say that I would do something just for me (which I very rarely get to with a family of 8 plus pets), I would put it in the savings account (the one at a separate bank where it is out of sight out of mind).

    Reply
    1. J. Money April 2, 2017 at 4:00 PM

      You do need to do something for yourself!! :)

      Reply
  30. Laurie Pysczynski March 31, 2017 at 9:25 AM

    I would have to put it in the college account…we have 3 to get through college starting in 2018 and God willing the last one graduating in 2026!

    Reply
  31. Chris M. March 31, 2017 at 9:26 AM

    I’d drop the $100 right into my daughter’s college fund…

    Reply
  32. Mrs. Picky Pincher March 31, 2017 at 9:32 AM

    Look at you spreading kindness, J$!

    Hmm, if I had $100. Gosh, this is like the #GivingCard conundrum all over again. I would definitely do something charitable with it. We have a large population of mentally ill and homeless people in our city. I’ve always wanted to make “blessing bags” and hand them out. Instead of giving people money, you fill bags with toiletries, snacks, water, and a resource guide for local shelters and government programs. With $100 I could make quite a few bags. :)

    Reply
    1. J. Money April 2, 2017 at 4:08 PM

      Yeah you could! In fact, I challenge you to do that this month regardless of winning the money or not :) Try it out for $50 and see how it goes!!

      Reply
  33. OFG March 31, 2017 at 9:33 AM

    I’d use it to help with my son’s private school tuition.

    Reply
  34. Jamie March 31, 2017 at 9:33 AM

    I would put it towards my mortgage – my 6 month goal is to put an additional $1,000 in principal by June and I’m up to $588.60

    Reply
  35. Tammy Jarocki March 31, 2017 at 9:35 AM

    Thank you! I would get a can of paint for the living room and use the rest to pay toward bills.

    Reply
  36. JayP March 31, 2017 at 9:35 AM

    I would help a niece with financial problems. Love the contest!

    Reply
  37. Joe March 31, 2017 at 9:37 AM

    I’d donate it to the food bank. Great giveaway!

    Reply
  38. Amber Parisi March 31, 2017 at 9:41 AM

    I would use it to pay down credit card debt!

    Reply
  39. Phindile Mazibuko March 31, 2017 at 9:41 AM

    Hi J I am unemployed currently and I would invest in a forex trading account, this could change my life and others around me forever as I want to share my knowledge of forex trading with other under privileged youth help them turn their lives around.

    Reply
    1. J. Money April 3, 2017 at 7:26 AM

      You’re braver than I! Forex stuff is too risky for my blood….

      Reply
  40. Alex March 31, 2017 at 9:41 AM

    My wife is pregnant with twins, i’d probably spend it on a prenatal massage or a mani-pedi for her or something like that. We save a lot but like to use ‘bonus money’ for our fun things.

    Cool contest either way.

    Reply
    1. J. Money April 3, 2017 at 7:27 AM

      Beautiful!! Hope they come out safe and healthy and cute as ever!!

      Reply
  41. Dani March 31, 2017 at 9:42 AM

    How generous of you! We’re more than a bit behind on retirement, so I would sock it into the Roth. Every extra dollar is going to fund this right now because for us, time is getting short for that compounding magic to happen.

    Reply
  42. Brian March 31, 2017 at 9:42 AM

    I will tear up the Aldi!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Reply
    1. J. Money April 3, 2017 at 7:27 AM

      Hahaha…. they need you as their official mascot ;)

      Reply
  43. Kirti March 31, 2017 at 9:43 AM

    $20 – local food bank; $20 – local classical radio station; $20 – local animal shelter; $20 – for myself; and $20 – do a “chance to win $20 in my office – tell me what will do with it”

    Reply
    1. J. Money April 3, 2017 at 7:28 AM

      Love it!! And then that person would give out $5 to food bank, $5 to radio, $5 to shelter, an then ask their people “tell me what you’d do with $5?” and on into eternity! :)

      Reply
  44. Melissa March 31, 2017 at 9:45 AM

    Add it to my “newer to me” vehicle fund.

    Reply
  45. Melanie March 31, 2017 at 9:48 AM

    What an awesome idea and how cool are you to do this! :)

    We close on our first home in six weeks so I would put it towards appliances! :) Plus since it is USD and I am in Canada that is as good as GOLD! :)

    Reply
  46. Michael March 31, 2017 at 9:52 AM

    I would give it to a local food bank.

    Reply
  47. lauren March 31, 2017 at 9:57 AM

    I’m already signed up :)

    I would add it to my BRAND NEW acorns account, where all my free $ will go from here on out!

    Reply
  48. Mary March 31, 2017 at 9:57 AM

    I’d put it toward my credit card debt. Gotta get rid of that mess!

    Reply
  49. Troy Campbell March 31, 2017 at 9:58 AM

    I would add the $ to my Lamborghini payment ;) Actually our next vehicle purchase will be as expensive as a Lamborghini but it will also be our home.

    Reply
  50. Jodi March 31, 2017 at 10:00 AM

    I’d use $40 for extra groceries for the pantry and freezer (we like to keep stocked in case of a fiscal emergency) and the other $60 to take my husband out on a special date!

    Reply
  51. Kelly Sangree March 31, 2017 at 10:01 AM

    I’d either save it for a special investment purchase I have in mind, or if my favorite charity has located a building they want to buy, I’ll plunk it in their capital campaign. (Recycle Bicycle Harrisburg – they provide free bikes and repairs to the community, register serial numbers so cops can retrieve stolen bikes, and teach everyone how to do their own basic repairs. It’s the best possible bang for a transportation buck for those without a car, and no bike leaves without working brakes.)

    Reply
    1. J. Money April 3, 2017 at 7:29 AM

      Nice added value to society!

      Reply
  52. PW March 31, 2017 at 10:01 AM

    Stash it in my emergency fund as I lost my job Dec. 30, 2016

    Reply
  53. Jax March 31, 2017 at 10:02 AM

    This month I’d use it to offset the $350 vet bill for my cat. Any other month…treat my partner to a night on the town (guilt free restaurant and bar eating!)

    Reply
  54. Yvonne March 31, 2017 at 10:03 AM

    This may not seem glamorous but I would pay bills :)

    Reply
  55. Mike B. March 31, 2017 at 10:07 AM

    Emergency fund….great idea!

    Reply
  56. Maria Trepanier March 31, 2017 at 10:07 AM

    I would give $10 to our church, $50 to Roth IRA, $25 to my one credit card and $15 to my Starbucks addiction!!!

    Reply
  57. Cindy March 31, 2017 at 10:22 AM

    We recently did a bathroom remodel that went over budget, so any “found” money goes to the home improvement fund for a while!

    Reply
  58. Melissa V. March 31, 2017 at 10:25 AM

    I would pay off my credit car a little bit more.

    Reply
  59. A A Rod March 31, 2017 at 10:29 AM

    My 40th B-day is in April so. I’d use the $100 to buy some more dividend paying stocks so I can retire by 50. Every penny, or $100s, counts!

    Reply
  60. Addie March 31, 2017 at 10:32 AM

    Right to the good ol’ credit card debt!! Almost halfway through.

    Reply
  61. Adrian March 31, 2017 at 10:36 AM

    Adding it to my vacation stash and I will have 3 big ones coming up in the next 12 months.

    Reply
  62. Carl March 31, 2017 at 10:41 AM

    I would go out with my coworkers for lunch and then save any that was leftover.

    Reply
  63. Tommy March 31, 2017 at 10:42 AM

    Buy a new colony of Honeybees for the garden.

    Reply
    1. J. Money April 3, 2017 at 7:31 AM

      Oooooooh that’s kinda interesting!

      Reply
  64. Karen March 31, 2017 at 10:43 AM

    Help pay for a 20th anniversary trip!

    Reply
  65. Lynn March 31, 2017 at 10:52 AM

    Love your blog. I’d spent the extra money on a botanical drawing and watercolor class at the nearby conservatory.

    Reply
  66. Des Williams March 31, 2017 at 10:55 AM

    Pay down debt. I would be $100 closer toward a positive net worth.

    Reply
  67. Brad March 31, 2017 at 10:56 AM

    I would use the money to help my sister set up an emergency fund.

    Reply
  68. daniel ellis March 31, 2017 at 11:01 AM

    I’m very impressed with your generosity. Dan

    Reply
  69. Jules March 31, 2017 at 11:09 AM

    Hi all,
    I would put the $100 towards my “minimalism project”. I’m getting rid of all the extra stuff and expenses! I plan to move from a $1400/month apartment to a studio around $800, so I’m saving up for the app fees, deposit, moving help (aka pizza for friends)…etc. The car is going for sale and selling/donating all the things I don’t need/use regularly. I’m finally ready to start my journey to being financially independent and stop having to work so much just to get by and pay for things that don’t serve me or my future. Thanks J.Money!

    Reply
    1. J. Money April 3, 2017 at 7:31 AM

      YESSS!!! DO IT!!!! Best thing I’ve read all morning! :)

      Reply
  70. kristy March 31, 2017 at 11:13 AM

    Let’s be honest. I’ll spend it on 25 cappuccinos. (Not all at once!)

    Reply
    1. J. Money April 3, 2017 at 7:33 AM

      You know, that def. puts things in perspective with how much $100 can buy. I never think it’s worth as much anymore, but 25 coffees is a lot!! :)

      Reply
  71. Richard March 31, 2017 at 11:32 AM

    I’d remind myself that Uncle Sam gets a portion. The rest would be split between the allowance funds I have set up for the wife and I. We use those to get anything we want that doesn’t fall into a defined category on the budget. That would almost double the monthly amount.

    Reply
  72. Dave March 31, 2017 at 11:34 AM

    I would take my wife out to dinner, it has been awhile…

    Reply
  73. Sarah March 31, 2017 at 11:35 AM

    I’d definitely throw it at my credit card debt.

    Reply
  74. Pat March 31, 2017 at 11:43 AM

    That’s so nice of you! With $100 extra dollars I would gift myself a massage. I haven’t had one in several years and plan to one day be able to gift this to myself weekly. :)

    Reply
  75. Laira March 31, 2017 at 11:44 AM

    Ohh!! I’d use 70% towards my student loans (less than 2 years until I’m free of debt with my accelerated repayment plan!) and 30% towards my Roth IRA.

    Reply
  76. Mikael Lindvall March 31, 2017 at 11:46 AM

    I’d get my wife and myself a massage visit. Time to rekindle, connect, bond, and reset.

    Reply
  77. Nicole Southern March 31, 2017 at 11:49 AM

    I’d either throw it towards my student loan or use it to help pay my daughter’s club soccer fees!

    Reply
  78. Tricia March 31, 2017 at 12:01 PM

    I’d finally open an IRA.

    Reply
  79. Olivia March 31, 2017 at 12:01 PM

    I’d split $100 50/50 between a student loan payment and the wedding fund.

    Reply
  80. Vana March 31, 2017 at 12:01 PM

    I signed up! Been working on paying off my debt (car and student loan) I would put it toward a future car loan payment! That would be very helpful. Also I am loving the quote at the bottom of the post, this is really the only financial budgeting blog I regularly check and take advice from! Thanks J Money for all that you do

    Reply
    1. J. Money April 3, 2017 at 7:34 AM

      Haha, thanks Vana. So glad you’re enjoying it :)

      Reply
  81. Erin March 31, 2017 at 12:02 PM

    I’d put it towards the mortgage.

    Reply
  82. Jamie Jeffers March 31, 2017 at 12:02 PM

    I’d throw it towards debt. The calculator says I’ll get the cards paid off in a year, but I feel the same way about that as I do about the time on the GPS. Gotta beat it!

    Reply
    1. J. Money April 3, 2017 at 7:35 AM

      HAH! Maybe you need to make a “how to pay off $1,000 debt challenge” using that same print-out you made ;)

      Reply
  83. Angie March 31, 2017 at 12:11 PM

    I’d put it towards our mortgage! Working hard to get that paid off within the next year or so. I have some medical issues (chronic and expensive $$$) so it’s become very important to us to lower our expenses and be able to live off one income in case it’s needed. Then we can put everything towards savings/giving/fun :) And medical/health of course.

    Reply
    1. J. Money April 3, 2017 at 7:36 AM

      ugh, medical stuff sucks. so sorry to hear :(

      Reply
  84. Sheila Smith March 31, 2017 at 12:20 PM

    I’d throw it in the oldest son’s Kumon tutoring fund.

    Reply
  85. Andrew March 31, 2017 at 12:23 PM

    My travel fund!!!
    =)

    Reply
  86. fbgcai March 31, 2017 at 12:26 PM

    have followed your blog for a while – always a fun read – keep up the good work!
    I’d split the Benjamin 50/50 – my favourite charity and the rest into the nice dinner out fund.

    Reply
  87. Omar March 31, 2017 at 12:30 PM

    I would spend it trying to hire someone to improve my resume and portfolio. I was laid off this month and $100 would sound like treasure to me right now.

    Reply
    1. Jacq March 31, 2017 at 10:03 PM

      My county has free resume help services. It was offered when I lived in a different state too.
      Consider checking that out, and put the $100 to other use. :)

      Reply
      1. J. Money April 3, 2017 at 7:37 AM

        Great tip!!

        Wishing you positive vibes, Omar!

        Reply
  88. Tabitha March 31, 2017 at 12:42 PM

    Straight into savings!

    Reply
  89. Bela March 31, 2017 at 12:53 PM

    That $100 would go toward groceries.

    Reply
  90. Allison March 31, 2017 at 1:06 PM

    I would put it in our emergency fund. Damn, that’s sexy. :)

    Reply
  91. Mark Maher March 31, 2017 at 1:17 PM

    I would spend with my Kids, to do something fun and different!

    Reply
  92. DaveC March 31, 2017 at 1:24 PM

    I started doing more travel for business and I’d use it for costs (fuel/meals) so I could keep more of my payment for debt reduction. Thanks for the contest!

    Reply
  93. Rick M March 31, 2017 at 1:27 PM

    I would pay down some credit card debt and save a portion towards my wife’s birthday present.

    Reply
  94. Teri March 31, 2017 at 1:32 PM

    I would use the money for my physiotherapist visits to help recover from being hit by a car.

    Reply
  95. AAngelee March 31, 2017 at 1:56 PM

    $100 would go toward my student loans.

    Reply
  96. James March 31, 2017 at 2:12 PM

    I was really confused since I only get my fix from the newsletter. I’m not original, I’d just invest the whole thing in my mutual fund REDWX.

    Reply
    1. J. Money April 3, 2017 at 7:39 AM

      sorry for the confusion! you’re entered :)

      Reply
  97. Kiel March 31, 2017 at 2:17 PM

    Paying off those student loans!!!

    Reply
  98. Veronique March 31, 2017 at 2:17 PM

    That’s so nice of you!
    I think I’d use that to fund a visit to my sister in Canada this summer, I haven’t seen her in 6 months and I miss her :)
    Have a great weekend J.Money!

    Reply
    1. J. Money April 3, 2017 at 7:39 AM

      Beautiful way to use the money – your sister would love it :)

      Reply
  99. Dana March 31, 2017 at 2:19 PM

    We have been paying cash for my daughter’s tuition so that she won’t have student loans when she gets out. Therefore, this would go straight to tuition, just like every other dime we can get our hands on right now!

    Reply
  100. Alba March 31, 2017 at 2:35 PM

    Great contest and I looooove reading all the comments! I would put that $100 into repairing our vintage van. We are living in it and having a blast traveling around California :)

    Reply
    1. J. Money April 3, 2017 at 7:40 AM

      Woahhhhh very cool!!! I want to learn more about this van adventure!!

      Reply
  101. Amber March 31, 2017 at 2:35 PM

    I would put it towards my $1,000 money savings chart challenge which I plan to use for Christmas!

    Reply
    1. J. Money April 3, 2017 at 7:41 AM

      hey look at that! taking action on our sexy ideas – love it!

      Reply
  102. Lance March 31, 2017 at 2:42 PM

    I would start my retirement fund and then at the age of 65 I would retire with $442 and then I’d go back to work two days later after my retirement was over and tell everyone of the adventures I had during my retirement; they’ll be so jelly.

    Or I’d buy $100 worth of Slim Jim’s and then sit on an overpass and watch cars go by and wish I had done something different with my $100, like $100 worth of ice cream and beer.

    Actually I’d probably buy 20 Little Caesars pizzas just so the 17 year old at the counter can stare back at me and say, “I don’t know you, but as soon as you walked in the door I knew I hated you.” Then I would drive through the neighborhood and throw pizzas out the window of my car to the children of the world. I’d be Pizza Oprah.

    Or maybe I’d buy $100 worth of goldfish, I believe they go for .19 cents each so I’m looking at a little over 500 gold fish. I would go home and then tell my girlfriend that I bought her 500 gold fish and she would be super impressed. Man that would be the best Friday ever.

    Or instead of gold fish I’ll buy three turtles and then as soon as I get out of the pet store I’ll place them on the ground and tell them that they are free to return to the wild.

    Or I’d take my Ben Franklin to the bank and say, I need to exchange this for quarters. As soon as they are done counting my 400 quarters I’d say, “did I say quarters, I meant 20’s.”

    Thanks everyone I’ll show myself to the door; is it 5 pm yet?

    Reply
    1. J. Money April 3, 2017 at 9:54 AM

      Haha…. best comment of the day, hilarious!

      I hope you do each and every one of those and then report back in a form of a blog post for us :)

      Reply
  103. My Sons Father March 31, 2017 at 2:43 PM

    Sign me up, literally. I’m signing up now! $100 divided 2 ways equals $50 to start a college savings account for me kids.

    Reply
  104. Elena March 31, 2017 at 2:54 PM

    I would buy groceries

    Reply
  105. Sally March 31, 2017 at 3:00 PM

    Give to a fund for for a friend of my grandaughter’s who is going through cancer treatment and as lost her job for too many absences. Do not have enough money myself to donate.

    Reply
  106. Laiwanna T. March 31, 2017 at 3:31 PM

    I would invest it!

    Reply
  107. Tam March 31, 2017 at 3:44 PM

    I would buy something pretty for myself … perhaps some new perfume for the spring/summer season. something light and sweet — that I could wear often and feel and also smell like a billion bucks even though I only $100.00. :)

    Reply
  108. Kirsten March 31, 2017 at 3:55 PM

    I’d hire a babysitter and have a nice dinner out with my hubs

    Reply
  109. Scott March 31, 2017 at 3:58 PM

    *Plink* right into the early retirement fund.

    Reply
  110. mary March 31, 2017 at 4:35 PM

    This is a fun giveaway idea! If I win, I’ll use part of the money for a Half Marathon race entry. My husband was laid off from his job six months ago, and hasn’t been able to find another yet. We’re so glad we had built a strong emergency fund for just such a time as this! Even so, we’re still living lean, which means no extra stuff -like race entries- for awhile.

    Reply
    1. J. Money April 3, 2017 at 9:56 AM

      Ack! Hope he can find a good one soon! And one 17x more exciting than the last one, whatever that job was :)

      Reply
  111. Jason Butler March 31, 2017 at 4:39 PM

    I’d make an extra payment on my student loans.

    Reply
  112. Margaret March 31, 2017 at 4:52 PM

    I’d use the money to add to my emergency fund.

    Reply
  113. Susana March 31, 2017 at 5:09 PM

    I would save the $100 or apply them to my student loans. I’m still a full time student going for my doctorate’s.

    Reply
  114. Paul @ ABL March 31, 2017 at 5:23 PM

    I would take it to the bank and get all sorts of denominations and do an expanded “How Far Would You Go For a Dollar?” experiment. But it’d be, like, real scientific.

    Reply
  115. Amy B March 31, 2017 at 5:38 PM

    Pay my entry fee to the 2017 MN Crossword Tournament and invest the rest in my Vanguard brokerage account!

    Reply
    1. J. Money April 3, 2017 at 9:56 AM

      They have tournaments for that?? Awesome!

      Reply
  116. Betty Lynn March 31, 2017 at 5:44 PM

    Officially signed up! Would tuck it away into a savings fund with a big smile! :)

    Reply
  117. Jim Fachini March 31, 2017 at 6:25 PM

    I would donate it to Planned Parenthood in Mike Pence’s name, because it’s a great organization and screw that guy.

    Reply
    1. J. Money April 3, 2017 at 9:57 AM

      I’ll say this much, it would be a perfect time to start up a political blog! Traffic would go gangbusters sharing opinions left and right!

      Reply
  118. Mia March 31, 2017 at 8:14 PM

    Buy a wig for my sister who was just diagnosed with cancer. Wigs are REALLY expensive!

    Reply
    1. $kh April 15, 2017 at 8:00 AM

      Best wishes I am in the same boat. Can’t afford the cost of treatment.

      Reply
  119. Rusty March 31, 2017 at 9:18 PM

    I’d buy me a pair of Cowboy boots. Nuff said….

    Reply
  120. Yvonne M March 31, 2017 at 9:23 PM

    I live in Australia but would love you to donate the $100 if I won to KIVA. You would get to choose 4 x $25 gifts to someone in need and then could reinvest it back to someone else when they repaid the loan. Win/ Win all round. Yvonne

    Reply
    1. J. Money April 3, 2017 at 9:59 AM

      Kiva is great – used to have like $500 in there for yearrrrs until i finally pulled it out to re-invest in my own projects. They totally changed the game with entrepreneurship & charity though – love it.

      Reply
  121. Jacq March 31, 2017 at 10:00 PM

    I got a gift card at work, from a manager in a different department as an unexpected thank you for being very helpful and am not sure what to spend it on. I earmarked money from my bonus for shoes (1.5-2 years of wear, it’s time), so it could go towards that, or maybe a nice dinner?

    Since I already have trouble deciding what to do with ‘my’ money, if you gave me $100, I’d donate it to an animal shelter to cover adoption, or spay/neuter fees.

    Reply
    1. J. Money April 3, 2017 at 9:59 AM

      Well that was awfully kind of that manager! You must have really impressed ’em!

      Reply
  122. spiffikins April 1, 2017 at 12:30 AM

    I signed up for the newsletter!

    If I had an extra $100 in April, I would throw it in my vacation fund. Any other month and it would go toward my mortgage – but this month my tax refund is going there, so I’d divert bonus money to the vacation fund – destination TBD!

    Reply
  123. Suzy Sholly April 1, 2017 at 12:45 AM

    Random act of kindness. Give 1/2 to the brown paper bag movement NYC !

    Reply
  124. Lynda April 1, 2017 at 1:11 AM

    Buy my son a next-level carseat (he’s outgrowing tbe baby one)

    Reply
  125. Lily April 1, 2017 at 1:49 AM

    I’d throw half into my emergency fund, and enjoy the other half by taking a couple extra dance classes this month.

    Reply
  126. Petra April 1, 2017 at 2:10 AM

    I signed up, and I’ll use the $100 to add to my stash so I never ever have to work anymore on April 1st when some people are pulling tricks on ya.

    Reply
    1. J. Money April 3, 2017 at 10:00 AM

      Ugh, I’m’ SOOOOO glad it fell on the weekend so I could ignore the internet – I fall for them every year!

      Reply
  127. G April 1, 2017 at 3:01 AM

    At the moment, gift to MSF. 100 in south Sudan helps a lot of people.

    Reply
  128. Harriet April 1, 2017 at 4:53 AM

    I’d use the $100 to pay for an annual subscription for my students on Mathster.com.

    Reply
  129. Mr. Tako April 1, 2017 at 6:27 AM

    Your generosity knows no bounds! I’ll be watching this experiment with great interest J$!

    Reply
    1. J. Money April 3, 2017 at 10:01 AM

      Thanks Mr. T. Oddly enough it’s more fun to give money away than it is to earn it?

      Reply
  130. Christian April 1, 2017 at 6:56 AM

    Signed up a long time ago. Thanks for all the awesome content, sharing it with family and friends. You helped my brother and me get a better understanding of finances and money. Along with Affordanything.com :)
    I would spend 100$ this way: set up a landing page for a consulting gig. Spend 100$ on Google adds to get business. When successful, quit job, and become self-employed!

    Reply
    1. J. Money April 3, 2017 at 10:02 AM

      Rock on!! So glad to hear man!

      Reply
  131. Ronda April 1, 2017 at 11:55 AM

    Not sure what I’d do with it. Seems like most unexpected monies simply go into the checking account and disappear into the normal workings of our home, but maybe we would use it for a night out. Our anniversary happened during a really busy time and we haven’t actually celebrated yet. :)

    Reply
  132. Paula April 1, 2017 at 12:14 PM

    I would put it toward the principal of my student loans! I’m in super payoff mode and every dollar gets me closer to being student loan debt free!!

    Reply
  133. Rachel April 1, 2017 at 1:05 PM

    I’d save it to use on my next vacation. It would cover something I’d probably otherwise turn down, such as a tour or going to a pricier restaurant.

    Reply
  134. Saga April 1, 2017 at 2:03 PM

    I would save it for my next trip across the border.

    Reply
  135. Fruclassity (Ruth) April 1, 2017 at 7:58 PM

    I would put it towards my discretionary account debt (which I am mortified to have! I want that thing paid off!)

    Reply
  136. Brandon April 1, 2017 at 8:35 PM

    Avid reader and supporter.. Through your blog I have branched out into almost all of the available side hustles in my area.. Kudos!

    I’ll admit getting into mystery shopping has been a little of a challenge compared to most, however I’ve found as I get involved with each individual company, I’ve found a new company to sign up with.. Overall I think I’ve increased my total income (26,000) almost 5% through mystery shopping alone!

    So on to what I would do.. As I’ve read and learned and read more and no surprise, learned more I think I would take the $100 and invest it into RobinHood. It’s something I’ve always wanted to dabble into but I’ve never had the extra money to dedicate this to.. And don’t get me wrong I’m all too aware that $100 isn’t going to go miles.. but over the last year I’ve been watching stocks I’ve noticed a few that have done nothing but climbed.. So after being so good with budgeting, why not reward myself in doing something adventurous!?

    $100 or not.. Thank you for all you continue to contribute to your readers.. I can say without a doubt you’ve changed my life for the better.. Keep it sexy J. Money!

    Reply
    1. J. Money April 3, 2017 at 10:05 AM

      Love to hear that man :) A great time to thank YOURSELF too as all the info and tips don’t mean squat unless you ACT on them. So well done acting and improving that $$$! Keep going!

      Reply
  137. Henry April 1, 2017 at 9:09 PM

    J Money, thank you for your articles and insipration. I have always lived from paycheck to paycheck until sometime in 2015 (yes that is how late I was to the ‘savers cult), I came across an article on Forbes about a blogger who socked away 400k in 7 years. I brushed it aside at first and told myself, ‘I’m not making much a year so I cant save’, I was born in a poor family so I will never be rich, blah blah, excuse after excuse. Didn’t save the whole of 2005. In January 2016 I looked at y account and I had -$20 in my checking and $200 in my savings, I then became serious and religiously read your articles. I was making 34k at the time. I signed up for my work 401k and IRA. Started working hard, got a raise and now I’m making 37 k a year before taxes (which is not a lot of money in Chicago). Last year I saved $10k. This year I’m targeting $20k in savings. I started side hustles and right now I also work as a dishwasher on weekends (I use the dishwashing money for utilities, transport and food). For my rent I use money from 9-5 job. I have 18k in savings in 15 months. Long story short, that $100 will go in my emergency fund! Hope I make sense, English is my second language.

    Reply
    1. J. Money April 3, 2017 at 10:07 AM

      Woahhh – talk about a comeback, man! I love this on so many levels! Much more impressive than my financial rise. You keep this up and you’ll pass me in no time :) Really enjoyed reading this – thank you.

      Reply
  138. B April 1, 2017 at 9:55 PM

    $100
    Two and one half tanks of gas
    One week’s worth of grocery staples
    Two pairs of shoes for my teenage Boys (most likely my choice)
    Payoff amount of smallest student loan balance
    Stick it in each kids’ savings accounts (second choice)
    What wouldn’t I spend it on?
    Two restaurant dinners
    Two concert tickets
    93 items at the dollar store
    Lottery tickets (never!)

    Reply
    1. J. Money April 3, 2017 at 10:08 AM

      You’ll need lots of hundreds for all that :)

      Reply
  139. Catseye April 2, 2017 at 1:18 AM

    I’d use the money to pay down my credit card debt. Thanks for the opportunity to win!

    Reply
  140. gfaseed April 2, 2017 at 5:51 AM

    To invest in a better, faster host for my blog!
    :))
    Great initiative!

    Reply
  141. Rick April 2, 2017 at 6:15 AM

    Signed up! Finishing residency…. Moving and Relocating expenses or student loan is how is spend it….$100 may cover 1/2 day off interest. Thanks!

    Reply
  142. Tessa April 2, 2017 at 12:27 PM

    So many options. I travel often and love enriching my 3 year olds life. I’d split it in half. Save $50 find and adventure for $50. Final answer

    Reply
  143. Salina April 2, 2017 at 3:50 PM

    I would use it towards the down payment of my first house =)

    Reply
  144. Kevin April 2, 2017 at 6:45 PM

    I’d just put it right into my savings.

    Reply
  145. Angie Haar April 2, 2017 at 10:32 PM

    I would put $50 in each daughters savings acct.

    Reply
  146. Lindsey Bronner April 3, 2017 at 11:33 AM

    As with all “extra money” that we get, I’d put half towards our credit card and save half towards our vacation savings so we can take the kids to Mexico this year! Thanks to the opportunity to win! Looking forward to the emails, too! :)

    Reply
  147. Jenna April 3, 2017 at 1:28 PM

    Extra for Mortgage. Chipping away.

    Reply
  148. Kelli April 3, 2017 at 2:27 PM

    I would put half toward debt and the other half into savings.

    Reply
  149. Tonya April 3, 2017 at 6:08 PM

    I would put all of it toward paying off my last credit card still carrying a balance.

    Reply
  150. cass April 3, 2017 at 7:01 PM

    I would put it in my savings account.

    Reply
  151. JC April 4, 2017 at 2:14 AM

    I would put it towards doing something nice for my gf

    Reply
  152. Brian April 4, 2017 at 12:22 PM

    I’d put the entire $100 into my ROTH account at Charles Schwab. I’m a fan of the Total Stock Market Index Fund (SWTSX). Hook a brothah up in Nevada!

    Reply
  153. Adrienne April 4, 2017 at 5:01 PM

    I’d get a Starbucks gift card so that I could treat myself occasionally with no guilt!

    Reply
  154. stephanie t April 4, 2017 at 11:31 PM

    I signed up again – always kept reading but just couldn’t commit to the newsletter coming every darn day to remind me “get your sexy J $$$ dollars going”. But I’m back.
    I would give my $100 to my local Food Bank. Because there are so many in such great need! I can’t possibly reach them all – hell – I can’t even reach 1/bazillionith! By donating to a recognized charity my $100 will go much further than I could hope to make it go. It makes me very sad and ashamed that a country like ours can’t take care of people who most need our help. So I’d help quietly by making an anonymous donation, and match it with $100 of my own.

    Reply
    1. J. Money April 5, 2017 at 6:18 AM

      At least now the emails only come 3x a week instead of 5x when I used to blog every day :)

      Welcome back!

      Reply
  155. Judith April 5, 2017 at 12:49 AM

    I would treat myself to a massage.

    Reply
  156. Charlotte April 5, 2017 at 9:45 AM

    Hi! If I got $100, I would probably get a massage and save the rest, most likely in my emergency fund.

    Reply
  157. Janessa April 8, 2017 at 3:15 PM

    I would either add it to my son’s college account or put it toward my car. It’s going to be paid off by this fall!! Happy dance

    Reply
  158. Edwin Goitia April 8, 2017 at 4:25 PM

    I would invest it into my newly appointed SCHWAB SEP-IRA Account, thanks to your recommendation!

    Reply
  159. Michelle April 9, 2017 at 9:23 AM

    Since my family and I have been diligent about saving I would splurge on a day trip to the nearest Dunes or go exploring caves!

    Reply
  160. LT April 9, 2017 at 1:07 PM

    I will put it towards the deer fencing for our new veggie garden. Hoping to save $$ on produce this summer!

    Reply
  161. Devon April 9, 2017 at 9:44 PM

    I would use it to help with my next certification.

    Reply
  162. Donna Freedman April 9, 2017 at 10:36 PM

    I would use it to defray the cost of the trip I’m currently on: a visit to my dad in Florida. He’s 81 and I’d rather go for a visit than a funeral. Used frequent flier miles on the way down but didn’t have enough for a round-trip ticket — and any ticket from Alaska is gonna be a spendy one.

    Bonus: My sister arrives tomorrow and my brother the day after that. One-stop-shopping!

    Reply
    1. J. Money April 12, 2017 at 10:21 AM

      Hope you guys have a lot of fun!! Sounds like the perfect trip :)

      Reply
  163. John April 10, 2017 at 11:44 AM

    Loving this giveaway idea, and the blog in general. Lurked for a long time, but this was just too good not to subscribe to the newsletter.

    This $100 would definitely go towards the mortgage. My wife and I actively set aside lump sum payments towards the principal which. It feels good not only to see the principal drop drastically, but the impact it has on the principal:interest ratio is also encouraging to keep chipping away.

    Reply
    1. J. Money April 12, 2017 at 10:21 AM

      Glad we were able to woo you over to the email train :)

      Reply
  164. Belinda Richardson April 10, 2017 at 6:21 PM

    I would buy something we need. One family members needs a new pair of shoes. :)

    Reply
    1. Lisa May 1, 2017 at 10:31 PM

      I’d treat myself to a haircut because I am on a new direction in life, one decided by myself when I endured major surgery 2/28 and developed a complication that meant 4 extra weeks off work, 10 instead of expected 6 wks. I haven’t had a haircut, not even a from in 14 months. I deserve it don’t I? It would mean so much. This surgery was hard on me. I was scared. My boyfriend of 11 years lives 1 mie from hospital but didn’t come visit me. I was heartbroken. I need a change and a haircut is the best way to show an outward sign of the inner me that overcame the operation.

      Reply
  165. Daniel April 11, 2017 at 11:02 PM

    I’d add the $100 to my brokerage account at betterment.com on top of my monthly deposits and watch that number grow!

    Reply
  166. $kh April 15, 2017 at 7:46 AM

    I’d buy food for my family

    Reply
  167. Matashia Campbell April 17, 2017 at 11:39 PM

    I would put it toward my daughter’s education.

    Reply

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