$25k On The Line 😬

Welcome Back, Fellow Parent

I’ve got an exciting (and adorable) update for you.

One of our own, little Ezekiel, is in the running for the Baby of the Year competition!

This isn’t just about cute photos (though, trust me, Ezekiel is beyond adorable). It’s also an incredible chance to win $25,000 — money that his parents plan to put towards his future education.

I’ve never heard of the Baby of the Year competition until Ezekiel's parent's reached out, but y'all know I’m all about finding creative ways to make and save money, and had to share with the group.

Competitions like these are a surprisingly effective route to earn a bit of cash on the side for your kid. If you're interested in similar opportunities, here are a few other competitions to check out:

• Gerber Photo Search: A popular contest for babies and toddlers that gives them a chance to win cash prizes and be featured in Gerber promotions. The key benefit here is that the winner receives not only significant cash but also valuable brand exposure, which can open doors to other opportunities like modeling or sponsorships.

• Kids' Talent Contests: Instead of aiming for large national competitions like America's Got Talent, consider smaller, more accessible regional events. State fair talent shows often have great prizes and are perfect for young performers. Local radio or TV station contests provide good local exposure and cash prizes without the high stakes of national contests. Community center talent shows are also low-pressure opportunities that can be easy to enter and often come with cash prizes or scholarships.

• Scholastic Art & Writing Awards: For school-age kids, this type of competition offers scholarships and cash prizes for creative writing and artwork. One standout example is the Google Doodle Contest. Maise, the 2024 winner, took home a $55k college scholarship and $50k technology package. Another option is the Young Inventors Challenge, offering cash prizes and opportunities for invention development for creative young minds.

These contests can help fund future education or other family goals while having fun.

Quick side note: Not to be "that guy," but just a reminder that Uncle Sam may want a cut of the action if your kid wins a competition. Consult a tax professional, but from my research, prize money is typically considered taxable income. 

Vote for Ezekiel!  

It's free and only takes a minute. If you'd like to help out, just click here and cast your vote.

If Ezekiel wins, he'll be featured in Good Housekeeping and will win $25k, which will be used to support his education fund. 

Outro

Imagine your child just won $25k today — how would you put it to work for their future? Would you invest it, save it for college, or something else?

Drop me a note - I’d love to hear more.

Thanks for reading!

See you next week,

The Dollar Dad

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