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AUTHOR: R Quinn on 5/14/2026
Every evening my wife and I watch a few game shows, old ones. Sometime during the show the host asks the player “what will you do with the money if you win.” Sometimes there is group of players.
Invariably the answer is something like…I always wanted to go bird watching in the Amazon, I’m buying a new motorcycle. Taking the entire family to Europe is high on the list as is buying a dream car. I’m saving for a new tattoo. A world cruise was mentioned once. Then there is the opposite, one person winning a few thousand planned to buy his mother a house, a nice sentiment, but he may be disappointed. 😢
The problem is often that the money that could be won is not aligned with the dreams. $5,000 is not getting the family to Europe – barely Disneyworld for that matter. One show gives away a car-for four players to share. 😱
I wonder if these folks are just dreamers or they actually don’t realize how much stuff costs. I fear they often forget what they win is taxable. That’s a particular stumbling block if you win a prize like a car. Because of this, some prizes are never claimed although no data exists. Supposedly some shows allow a trade for cash.
I won a car once, a Volvo S-80. I had to pay sales tax before I could pick it up and the dealer gave me a 1099, thankfully for the dealer price, not the sticker price.
After all the screaming and hopping up and down, reality sets in. I live in an apartment, what am I going to do with a hot tub or outdoor kitchen? 🥵
My hope is someday I hear…”I plan on paying off my credit card debt or student loan.””I’m adding to my IRA or I’m investing in a mutual fund.”
Nope, I have a very long wait I fear, producers don’t want sanity or frugality, they want excitement and fantasy. You can’t even make it on a show if you have a calm personality. 🤷🏻♂️
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