THE CHALLENGE IS NOW CLOSED.
Winner Announcement on May 18, 2025!
Winners
In honor of financial literacy month
SCHOLARSHIP JUNKIE MEMBERSHIPS IS AWARDING THREE GRAND PRIZES TO THE BEST BUDGET BUILDERS!
What Is The Budget Builder Challenge?
The 2025 Budget Builder Challenge is designed for students and parents of students who want to turn their future career dreams into a solid financial reality. As an extension of our commitment to helping students win scholarships and manage money wisely, this challenge goes beyond just creating a budget—it’s about developing the financial confidence you need to thrive after graduation. Just like winning scholarships is about strategy, smart money management starts with a plan. Join us for Financial Literacy Month and build yours now!
How to Enter
Step 1: Join Any Scholarship Junkie Membership (See Options Here!)
Step 2: Create Your Future Budget (Click Here for Instructions!)
Step 3: Upload Future Budget To Membership Portal (Submit Now!)
The 2025 Prizes
Frequently asked questions
Q: Who can participate in the Budget Builder Challenge?
A: Active members of The Scholarship Essay Academy or Scholarships Near Me Plus who are at least 13 years old.
Q: Can I submit a Future Budget if I do not have a Scholarship Junkie Membership?
A: Unfortunately, the Budget Builder challenge is for new and existing members only. However, you can join a membership for as little as $5 using the link here.
Q: Can I participate in the challenge if I’m already a member of Scholarships Near Me Plus or The Scholarship Essay Academy?
A: Yes, so long as your membership is active, you can log into your account and submit your future budget! Here are the direct links to submit your future budget.
Q: When does the challenge start and end?
A: The challenge runs from April 1, 2025 (12:00 AM EST) to April 30, 2025 (11:59 PM EST).
Q: How do I submit my Future Budget?
A: Here are the direct links to submit your vision board.
Q: Can I submit multiple entries?
A: No, only one entry per participant is allowed.
Q: What do I need to include in my submission?
A: Your submission must include:
- Salary research documentation
- PayCheckCity calculation results
- Completed budget spreadsheet
- Written budget rationale (minimum 100 words)
Q: Which salary research websites can I use?
A: You must use one or more of these approved resources:
- CareerOneStop
- ZipRecruiter
- Indeed
A: No, you can either use the provided Budget Google Sheet template OR create your own Google Sheet Template following the guidelines.
Q: Where can I find the full terms and conditions?
A: You can find the full terms and conditions at https://go.scholarshipjunkie.com/terms-official-budget-builder-challenge/
Q: How will my submission be judged?
A: Submissions are scored on a 100-point scale:
- Budget Research & Accuracy (40 points)
- Budget Rationale & Planning (40 points)
- Submission Completeness (20 points)
Q: Does the appearance of my spreadsheet matter?
A: No, aesthetic presentation does not impact scoring. Focus on accuracy and rationale.
Q: What are the prizes?
A: Prizes are:
- First Place: $250
- Second Place: $150
- Third Place: $100
Q: When will winners be announced?
A: Winners will be announced on or around May 15, 2025.
Q: How will I know if I’ve won?
A: Winners will be notified via their membership email and announced on social media and the Membership portal.
Q: Can I share or reuse the challenge materials?
Q: Can I update my submission after submitting it?
A: No, submissions are final once submitted. Make sure to review thoroughly before submitting.
Q: Do I need to sign a release if I win?
A: Yes, as stated in the full terms and conditions of the challenge, winners must sign a Publicity Release allowing us to use their name, likeness, and budget template for promotional purposes. Refusing to sign will result in forfeiting the prize.
Q: Who can I contact if I have questions?
A: For questions, reach out to us at membership@scholarshipjunkie.com. We’re happy to help!
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