I am thrilled to announce this morning that for Chanukah Giveaway #4, I am giving away $250 in hard cold cash, courtesy of my favorite cash-back program, Ebates.
Yes, indeed.
The winner will receive their prize check within two to three weeks of the end of this giveaway. Talk about a great way to start 2012!
Use your winnings to pay off debt, pad your emergency fund, take a romantic get-away with your spouse, buy your kid that iPod he’s been begging for… or whatever your heart desires.
I’m once again using the Rafflecopter widget because it makes things so nice and easy for me – and hopefully quick for all of you, too.
Today there are 7 possible entries per person. The first entry is MANDATORY: Please leave a comment on this post telling me what you usually do with “windfall” money – whether it’s $20 your grandmother gave you for your birthday or a cash-back check from Ebates. Do you splurge? Save? Use it toward everyday expenses?
The second entry is not mandatory to enter, but it is mandatory to collect your winnings in the event that you win – and that’s to sign up for an Ebates account if you don’t already have one. If you win and are not a member of Ebates, you will be disqualified and a new winner must be chosen. That would be very sad.
The rest of the entries are all optional, but remember, the more ways you enter, the better your chances are of winning!
A note about Rafflecopter – the widget now requires you to sign in. You only need to do this one and then you’re all set. You can sign in via your Facebook account, but you don’t have to. You can also use your name & email (see the little link below the Facebook box). Please let me know if you have any questions.
This giveaway will be open for four days – until Monday, December 19. The winner will be selected and notified on Tuesday, December 20 – just in time for the first candle!
Happy Chanukah my dear readers! Good luck to you.
Disclosure: Ebates will provide one winning KOAB reader with the cash prize and requires that the winner be a registered member of Ebates to claim their prize. I was not compensated by Ebates to run this giveaway, nor to share my positive opinions of their cash-back site. I am, however, an affiliate of Ebates. For more information, please see my disclosure policy.
Thanks for this opportunity! We try to save “windfall” $….
Depends how much cash I have in my pocket 😉 Right now would love a night out with my husband!
I’m seriously thinking of blogging for a living – inspired by you!
Thank you for being on top of things.
Chag Sameach
never really had windfall money – would love to win some.
I usually put it in the bank but I would love to buy myself something special if I win!
buy things I really want or sort of need, but can’t allow from regular budget
It really depends! Sometimes we put it towards the extras that we might not otherwise have cash for (for instance – our trip to Disney World this January!), sometimes for fun cloth diaper stuff for my little girl.
I will pay bills, since we’ll be without an income for a few months
I try to save it unless it’s something we really need.
try to use some of it for something special for me (yarn for crocheting or knitting, etc.) but usually it mostly goes to everyday expenses
Windfall money will go to medical bills or food 🙂
I go on a shopping spree! I wish I could put the money away for bills, but when I have some fun extra money to spend, I buy clothes!
If it’s a big windfall we’ll usually split it. Half goes to savings and half to a splurge!
I usually allocate 90% of it to savings and 10% of it to spending on something we want/need but were holding back on buying. (Though, in this case, I might spend the entire $250. 😉 )
I usually save if I get a windfall.
Everyday expenses…ugh 🙁
Definitely save
I use windfall $ for everyday items, but allow myself a treat.
Depends but I usually load my Starbucks gold card or pay bills.
Everyday expenses
the $ goes right into our bank account!
I usually split windfall money between spending and savings but really depends on the circumstances….
It usually ends up in the bank account for everyday expenses though if I put it separately, I might use it to buy something special!
Some and some – bills and things we wouldn’t buy otherwise.
Usually use it to go out for a dinner with the family
everyday expenses…or save.
splurge:)
Windfall money usually goes towards a special date night out my husband. He works 60+ hours a week so it’s rare when we get to. I like to make sure that there’s always money set aside so I can splurge a little and make him feel appreciated for all the hard work he puts in for our family. If I were to win the $250, I would definitely spoil him rotten for this coming Christmas – his birthday is January 11th, so perhaps maybe even for that too!
I will use it to pay back my “debt” to my clothing budget. I kind of blew it this year (*blush*)
I bank half of it, and then use the remainder for a personal care splurge such as a manicure, massage or facial.
I usually use extra money to pay bills, but I also love treating myself to a mani/pedi every so often.
Usually save or pay down debt. Occasionally spend.
Does arguing count? I always want to save it/spend it on paying down student loans. My husband argues that “free” money should be spent on fun stuff-mainly books, although board games are an option too.
Usually we spend it on a night out since those are few and far between. With this much though I would get something for the family to share.
I usually put extra money in savings do I have something to spend when a great deal comes up!
I want to buy something for my husband – maybe a kindle fire
My husband likes to use it for everyday expenses but I like using it to splurge 🙂
Generally save, but sometimes splurge on something special.
Um, given the extra expenses we’ve had lately, I’d use for groceries :o( In the old days, I’d likely have splurged on a Coach bag.
Splurge on dinner or spa outing
Large amounts of windfall usually go towards prepaying tuition, into savings for day camp, or into my major household repairs/maintenance account. Smaller amounts of windfall just join our regular operating funds.
Depends on how much. We like to splurg a little and save/pay extra on student/car loan
We use it for bills.
I have learned to splurge and spend it on myself for once.
I usually save my windfalls or use them on groceries, tuition, all the other expenses. We never use them on special treats.
We are in the process of buying a house. Our 6 year old DS needs a bedroom set, or at least a bed. This would help.
We are in the process of buying a house. Our 6 year old DS needs a bedroom set, or at least a bed.
we usually put extra money in the bank… sometimes I’ll splurge and buy something small ($5) for myself and then put the rest in the bank.
have splurge, have save.
Either save it or use for new baby expenses
SPEND!! With Filene’s Basement and SYMS going out of business, I like to snatch up good buys. New baby clothes for my niece, a nice scarf, a new shabbos hat. etc.
i go shopping what else??
I find that most of my purchases are for my kids…be it clothes, shoes, accessories or just a little something extra to make their day brighter….having said all that, I would like to use my windfall to spend on myself…maybe a spa day…maybe some new makeup…. 🙂
I use all “windfall” money to pay expenses.
Put it in the bat-mizvah-in-Israel fund – August 2013!!
Thanks so much for this chance to win some free $$$ -you are so amazing with everything you do, and now this!??!!! We rarely have extra money but if we do, I try to put it away for a time when we can’t pay bills….
I use it to pay off medical bills, we seem to always have those. I sometimes will take a little bit off to buy something for my kids 🙂
we try to save it but sometimes use for bills
If I don’t need it for expenses, I transfer it to savings.
Put it in a fund for a rainy day
I usually do something responsible, like put towards bills. But lately I’ve been feeling like I need a splurge. I’d love to buy some theater tickets for my husband and I.
Use it to pay for cleaning help
I would like to say it will be for date night for my husband and I, but it will probably go to paying bills.
I usually save it until I find something I really “need” – jewelry or yarn.
often splurge
It usually gets swallowed by every day expenses, but if I win this I will save it for our upcoming trip overseas to visit family.
I cash my ebates checks and other windfalls and save the $ to buy “untraceable” gifts for my husband.
I try to keep a travel fund going–for big trips or mini ones. I love seeing new places!
Depends on the amount, but we are always saving for something with the kids. Right now, it’s a nice set of bunk beds for my oldest two–this would go a long way toward them.
If it’s less than $50, it goes to regular expenses. $50 or more goes to the bank!
We save it!! Thanks for the chance to win.
I usually use windfall money for everyday expenses. Which in turn means, the money that is budgeted for everyday expenses goes to help payoff the credit card.
Save it!
What to do with the money? That is hard. Probably splurge some and save some for regular expenses….
When I get an extra windfall of cash, I use it to pay off bills.
When I have extra money, I usually pay off bills. If I did not have bills I would go buy clothes and shoes!!
usually save it to use for things I want, rather than need.
maybe i’ll save it for a disney vacation…
save up for vacation!
I love to enjoy a nice dinner with “windfall” money, and this would go to making a special someone’s birthday dinner even more delicious!
I usually save my windfall money.
I don’t usually have “Windfall” $, but if I did, I’d buy myself a new Coach bag for the first time in 10 years!
Depend on what is going on at the time…this win will go for car maintenance…it ‘s time for a check-up! Not fun–but I gotta do it.
Windfall money goes right to my dentist!
It’s a combination of saving and spending on everyday stuff.
Save for a Rainy Day. Thanks for the Giveaway.
Windfall cash needs to go to pay off debt!
Pay bills & use some on myself
Save it for a family vacation
Usually I would pay bills, but this time, just this once, I might splurge on my 3 year old!
Save. Always save.
I use windfall money for gas or food
With a windfall I’d probably take a day trip to a fun local spot!
Usually put toward gas and other expenses!
We usually split it four ways. 1/4 toward debt. 1/4 toward charity. 1/4 toward savings. 1/4 to splurge. Thanks for the giveaway. I love Ebates!
I like to give it away!
In general, I’d save. This year, though, I’m using birthday money towards a ticket for a women’s performance.
We are boring – we save any extra money we get.
I would probably use it to pay more toward paying ahead on our mortgage or put it in our investment account to save toward a larger home.
We are using all of our “windfall” money to save for a trip to Israel!
I buy toys and all kinds of stuff for my baby.
I would put it in savings!
I usually save it!
Date night with my husband!!
most likely save.
20% to tzedaka and the other half split between spending and saving
rebudget for something interesting.
I’d save it for something special.
Winter break!
save
and buying i r buy normally ever buy
splurge 🙁
we use it for regular expenses. blah~
it will help pay for my sons medical expences .
Give it to my older daughter to help with her expenses
I use it for all the above
I put windfall money into a savings account for my baby daughter.
I just put it in our account and use it for every day stuff and sometimes a treat for my boys
use it to fund our already planned vacation in mid-january !
spluge on something nice for the family
Windfall: depends on where we’re standing financially- at this time it will go toward bills
Windfall: depends on where we’re standing financially- at this time it will go toward bills.
Into the bank!
I usually put it in my money market account.
Would love to win that money and put it towards a gift for my boyfriend:-)
i signed up, and i would use some cash to go out with friends and have a great time after a hard school semester and the rest put away for the future… whatever the amount is some always gets put away, also i would give a % to charity as a token of good fortune for getting the money
Spend it on my kids!
i put the cash in an envelope to save for something special (if I leave it in the bank account it somehow gets lost….)
I would love to splurge, but hubby usually convinces me to save.
Splurge! Thailand here I come!
Windfall money that isn’t immediately needed goes to pay down debt. I’m thinking of starting a maintenance fund like the one you mentioned on your blog, though. That’s such a great idea.
A small gift for my wife and the rest goes to bills.
I’m saving so I can go on an overseas trip with my daughter as part of her school in a few years.
Winter break
Depends on the amount, but we try to save part and spend part.
Windfall $ usually goes into the kids’ account and save for future simchas.
Usually it gets split up between everyday expenses, savings, and getting something we’ve been wanting.
I love to use windfalls towards things I am saving for.
We put it in our checking account/savings and sooner or later it gets spent.
SAVE SHOP TZEDAKA!
Save it for tuition for next year
We’re still paying off debt, so that’s were all the windfall money goes.
Usually goes towards paying bills but after reading about the people helping others pay off their layaways some of it would go towards that. I was so moved by that.
BTW – Did you get the iPad2?
Bummer – doesn’t look like it’s gonna happen. I’m 1/4 of the way there and the contest ends at noon tomorrow! Thanks for asking 🙂 (And yes, that story was heart-warming!)
We usually try to save it, unless there is something on sale we could use.
I would probably buy my kids something.
I’ve never had windfall money. I would first give tzedakah, then probably treat myself to a massage and use the rest for a delicious steak dinner out, and then use the rest to send to pay off credit cards.
I usually save but I feel like right now if that money came to me I would spend some of it!
I am in Israel right now so I will split it between giving to Ohr Meir U Bracha and other chesed organizations I work with and then spend some to help the Israeli economy (!)
Always use windfall money on everyday expenses. Usually don’t get any though! With a big amount, I would probably treat myself to some new clothes!
Give some to the kids’ funds.
Sadly, any and all is mostly used for day-to-day expenses..c’est la vie.. (minus some to tzadakah first).
I usually use windfall money toward ordinary expenses, boring, I know. But recently my husband and I got to have a free anniversary dinner out courtesy of some windfall money, which was fantastic. 🙂
Depending on the amount it will either go toward everyday expenses or debt. I can’t wait to be debt free.
Hi-We have used windfall money to pay off debt, we have also used it to go out for a nice dinner if it has come around a birthday or anniversary.
I put 1/2 into my ‘rainy day fund’ & 1/2 into my ‘trip to israel fund’
I would use the money to buy a trundle bed for my guest room. Thank G-d we’re making good head-way on our debt, but not a lot left over for niceties to spruce up our house.
I put it into my bank account unless I know I want something specifically.
I usually buy something that I thought I ‘needed’ but didn’t really need til I got the money for it.
I’d put it toward our long overdue family vacation.
Goes in the bank.
i have to confess, i usually use “windfall” money for every day expenses. i tend to be a practical, planned type of person. . .not very “romantic”, but that’s the way i am. maybe that is why i subscribe to “kosher on a budget”. . .i have been planning a weekly menu since i got married 38 years ago and i am always looking for “the most for my money”.
windfall money is almost always reserved for “treats”: dinner out, chol hamoed trips, etc.
It depends on when I get a ‘windfall’. If I need it for something specific, I use it for that. Otherwise it could be for a special treat.
I’d spend some on myself, some on the kids and 10% to tzadakah.
I’d definitely use it for everyday things…Love Ebates!
I would love to put the money towards my girls education, we ask from our families for the holidays checks for the girls college funds.
Hello! I usually save windfall money and pay off our mounting debt. Not too exciting, but it gives me some peace of mind.
to pay off any outstanding bills- try not to have any but if we splurged on something for example bought some clothes as syms going out of business – not really budgeted for that new unaccounted for bill must be paid off. that sort of thing. if there were no surprise bills the money would go into the savings envelope to be used on some unplanned emergency- there is always one of those around the corner!
We usually use it towards expenses or save it when we can.
Probably save half and spend half – we like to host people a lot, but it gets expensive.
I’d pay a few bills and be very thankful
Thanks! This is awesome, we could definitely use it 🙂
save
Pay for the expensive month we’ve had!
I would pay down my lone credit card!
We hardly ever have a windfall anything – I think last time was $50 from a raffle. We went out to dinner…
I do little splurges…a magazine here, a Starbucks there, a pedicure there. It’s the little things that are enjoyable!
I would spend half on gas and food and the other half something nice for myself, I really need a new bag!
Something for myself. I never really spend money on me.
Put it into savings for a “rainy day.”
SPLURGE!!!
I usually save it up for a bigger purchase that is a splurge. I’m currently saving up for a Big Berkey.
Pay off debt!
We usually use extra unexpected money to balance our budget, unless of course it is a gift 🙂
Unfortunately, we usually use “windfall” money to pay medical bills, but at least it helps.
Pay bills . . .
Unfortunately, I usually just add it to the “pot” where it gets used for bills.
Sadly, it all goes into the regular bank account and gets used for regular expenses. But I keep it in the back of my mind to justify a “regular expense” that is perhaps not so necessary.
I save half and spend half on something fun!
I usually save it for a rainy day..
Take my wife out
buy toys for my kiddos!
I put it in the bank!
i usually end up using it for everyday expenses…
I try to set part of windfall money aside to use as a “fun fund” for my husband and me. The rest usually goes to regular living expenses.
I usually put windfall money in our savings fund, because there is usually a need!
I’m so boring because I usually apply windfall money to household expenses….sigh 🙂
Splurge and go on disney cruises!
My windfall money? Paying for the bills I racked up after my divorce and moving west to Denver … le sigh.
It will be spent on my kids, most likely!
Windfall money ends up being spent on everyday expenses. Wish I was morecareful with where money goes. This is a good place for inspiration 🙂
Pay off debt. 🙂
Truthfully, I end up using “windfall” money on everyday expenses.
Always goes in the savings account!
In a savings account for special purchases, i.e. birthday presents or furniture
I feel guilty if I simply indulge myself. So I usually share windfalls; for example, by taking my husband to dinner or getting something we both want.
Usually windfall money just goes towards regular expenses. But if its a gift and the send requests the money to go towards something specific, then I oblige!
usually any windfall money that comes in goes towards everyday expenses, unless it is specifically needed in a different area.
We usually split it. Save some, spend some and splurge some.
I will use it on bills right now. would love to use it for clothes for the kids but not possible right now.
I usually pay a bill, buy a gift for my son, and save a little. Thanks
If I won I would pay off a bill and treat myself to something!
Carolyn
Can’t say I’ve had any windfall money, but paying off some debt would be good even if it’s boring.
goes for living expenses food cloths or shoes for any or some of the ten people living at our house.( yup large family 🙂 B”h.
I will buy new clothes to celebrate loosing 15lbs!
We’re putting current windfalls toward paying off debt. We’re getting closer and closer to ONLY having student loan debt.
My gut reaction is SPLURGE….but somehow it always goes to the emergency of the moment – although I have been saving for something fun to do with hubby!
I usually splurge with gift money. Most often on a new cookbook. 🙂
We are grad students – windfall $$ is used for regular expenses or to pay off debt.
put most away in savings and put the rest in the “black hole” (checking account!)
I use windfall $ for everyday items, but allow myself a treat.
Save It 🙂
Windfall money goes to pay towards lowering my debts!
Usually I put it towards a project for the house or the car that we have been waiting on…boring, but important!
We would use the windfall money to do something extra special with the kids – we love creating family memories. 🙂 Of course, 10% would go to charity.
I would use it to buy something for my children!
Thank you for the opportunity. I would love to be able to say that I would rush out and buy something really exciting with my windfall, however, I would probably either spend it on bills or maybe do something nice for my family. My husbands birthday is December 24th. Add that to shopping for Hanukah gifts for my twins, a little extra cash would be fantastic.
bills unfortunately….
Usually “windfall” money goes towards paying off debts or paying bills.
Eating out!
windfall money? whats that? 😉
Braces (not for me, my daughter. First appt. Tomorrow.)
I definitely put extra money away for a rainy day.
i would love to buy myself a nice pocketbook or something extra i dont usually splurge on!
Pay for a flight to Chicago to see family.
Disney World!!!
We would pay living expenses, we just had an expensive water leak we are paying off and would like to take our children to some place fun. They would love that! 🙂
we try to give a good portion of windfall money to Tzedakah although we do keep some for ourselves and so something special
any “found” money just goes right into the bank…to pay whatever bill is coming up next :p
I would eather pay bills or redo a room in my house. Buy curtins and paint just change it up alittle.
I can really use $250 for chanukah presents. And I love your blog
I didnt see the question about windfall money. I spend windfall money the same way I spend any other money I have. That’s what happens when we don’t have a steady income.
I’d spend the $ on ME! every extra $ is spent on my fantastic kids, so if theres any winnings – I’d love to spend some ME MONEY!
Right now I’d use the money to replenish our emergency fund since we just had to pay $2,000 in car repairs!!!! AHH!
pick me! pick me!
Since we are tight on funds now, we usually try to use it for something special that we wouldn’t otherwise be able to get!
First I buy shoes. Then it goes to expenses.
Pick me!!! Action Nutrition
Hello! I would put the money towards home repairs/updates.
Sadly, pay bills! But i really need new shoes for work, so maybe i will treat myself
Pay my bills!
It is usually to used to pay off debt, but as of November we are offically DEBT FREE!!!! So I guess it will now be going to savings!
Chanabirthary! Splurge!
There are so many people in my life that I would love to give that little something to before the holidays to make them feel appreciated… This may just be a win-win situation… You give I get; I get I give… And this just may continue a cycle of random kindness!
I give 10% to charity and save the rest for a worthwhile purchase
Right now I use it to “get through” tough times by trying to pay off many bills and expenses as possible…but I look forward to a good splurge in the near future when our current situation changes.
B”H
I tend to use it for every day expenses- unless it’s a giftcard- then I’ll treat myself to something
I give some to tzedakah and then put the rest in savings!
i go to cvs and buy makeup and nail polish, things i don’t let myself buy with “real” money 🙂
we will use it to pay for daycare
I’d use windfall money to pay bills. If bills are covered for that month I’d spend on something fun for my kids such as a new game or book.
I usually use it toward everyday expenses or savings (if my everydays are already taken care of) but if there is something on my wishlist that I want hard enough, I’ll splurge. Not out of my ordinary spending much, but in the vein of, say, spending more on something I needed anyway (like, I have been needing to replace my camera for a while. Now that I got a chanukah gift, I’ll replace it now – but still with the amount I would have spent anyway)
I would use it to help pay for a family trip to Disney. We are hoping to take our girls for the first time next summer.