How to Be a (Prize) Winner

Could today be your lucky day?

Everyone likes to get something for nothing. Entering contests, sweepstakes, and prize drawings will give you opportunities to win big! Use these tips to increase your chances of winning money and free stuff!

Things You'll Need

• An internet connection.
• Enough patience to stand filling in your contact information over and over again.

Instructions

1. Look around for sweepstakes or giveaway websites. A quick Google search will return plenty of forums and independent sites offering listings of different offers you can enter drawings for, as well as a number of links to currently ongoing giveaways. Your favorite magazines, blogs you subscribe to, people or businesses you follow on Twitter and your local news stations' websites are also good places to enter giveaways. Last but not least, don't forget about entering prize drawings in person when you find them, such as the supermarket or your local mall.

2. Make sure to read the fine print. Note the terms, conditions and rules of the contests you are interested in entering to ensure you are eligible to win. Many contests are limited to citizens of a particular country, a certain age group or residents of only a few states. Also look out for details that could make the prize less attractive to you if you did win. For example, say you win a stay at a fancy New Orleans hotel but the prize includes no airfare or transportation and you live in California. If you can't afford to or aren't willing to pay any additional fees that might result from your winning a particular prize, don't enter.

3. Once you're sure you want to enter a contest, determine how you enter. Depending on the giveaway, you may be able to enter once per hour, day, week or even month. Some contests only allow you to enter once, while other still (such as the My Coke Rewards) require you to enter using UPC codes or proof of purchase. Make sure to also note when the contest is ending, so if you're allowed multiple entries you can do so based on their guidelines.

4. If you plan to enter a large number of contests that allow you to enter more than once, get organized! Set up a bookmark folder for prize websites or make a document on your computer to remind you when you can enter again. Some of the websites that list giveaways for you to enter include a feature that helps with this. If you prefer to work on paper, you can also easily print out a checklist for yourself. This will help you maximize your winning chances by giving you more entries.

5. If these steps help you win a prize, feel free to leave me a comment below. I'm always happy to hear I've helped someone win something fabulous. Good luck!

Tips & Warnings

• Consider using an auto-fill program to make entering your contact information quicker, but note that you are using these at your own risk.

• If your computer is private and you are the only user, your browser can save sensitive information like your address and passwords to enter contests easier too. An example of this is Mozilla Firefox's Password Manager and Form Manager.

• Only enter for prizes you want to win. Though by entering many contests you'll stand a better chance of winning something, don't tempt fate by being greedy. Pass on the things you don't want or need and save those wins for someone who would really enjoy them.

• Don't get your hopes up too high. Think of winning as a happy surprise, not a guarantee.

• Use common sense. Steer clear of scams by avoiding offers that promise you money or prizes in exchange for a trial of a product or service or a subscription to something. Chances are, if they ask you for money it's a scam.

• Remember that prize winnings count as a form of income, and are therefore eligible to be taxed. Especially if you win a large prize, make sure you read the fine print for the "total retail value" by which you'll be taxed.