Winning is everything, especially when it comes to sweepstakes.
The Internet is peppered with promises of lucrative cash giveaways, but it's often hard to figure out which offers give you the most bang for your buck. The last thing you want to do is waste your time -- and possibly your money -- believing in contests that will never come to fruition.
Unless you are a veteran "sweeper" -- one who actively participates in sweepstakes -- there's a good chance you may have a difficult time differentiating between legitimate contests and scams. Sandra Grauschopf is an expert when it comes to online contests. She encourages anyone who's never tried his or her luck at winning a sweepstakes to give it a shot. "Sweepstakes are popular to enter because they truly give us the chance to get something for (almost) nothing. Not only can we win prizes, but also we have a lot of fun doing it." A columnist for About.com, Grauschopf knows better than anyone that persistence pays off. She explains: "The most important piece of advice I have is to be patient and persistent. Try to enter some sweepstakes every day, and don't give up. Winning a big prize can take quite some time."
Now that you have Grasuchopf's top tips for identifying the best sweepstakes on the Web, why not check out these ten sweepstakes that could make your life richer? Let the winning begin...
1. $10,000 Grand Prize/Weekly Giveaways: It's game on with MyDailyMoment's mega giveaway. Winning couldn't be easier. Simply sign up for MyDailyMoment's FREE recipe newsletter. In addition to getting mouthwatering meal ideas, you'll also be registered for weekly prizes, as well as the grand prize of $10,000. What could be more enticing? Between the recipe newsletter and the cash prize, MyDailyMoment's sweepstakes truly is a win-win situation. Click to enter now!
2. $1,000 Gift Cards: From gas to home goods, these gift card offerings run the gamut. Big-Giveaways is proud to hand out gift cards for such major establishments as Shell Gas, Target and more. What makes this sweepstakes even more enticing is that you actually select which prize you want to win. Once you've picked your potential prize, provide your contact information through the registration form. Click to enter now!
3. HGTV's Smart Home 2013 Sweepstakes: The crowning jewel of sweepstakes, HGTV's booty includes a stunning home in Jacksonville, Fla., $100,000 cash, a 2013 GMC Terrain Denali and a year of home security system service. Simply fill out the form for your shot at winning a dream home. Anyone not in the market for a new residence can choose to swap out the home for a cash prize of $600,000.
5. Dunham's Pick Your Own Adventure Sweepstakes: Get ready to embrace your inner athlete with this super sweeps, offered by Dunham's, the largest sporting goods chain in the Midwest. In this grand giveaway, enter to win one of six incredible trips that include a trip to Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif., a whitewater rafting trip in Sedona, Ariz., a dream golf trip to Pinehurst, N.C., a deep-sea fishing trip in Sandestin, Fla., a dream ski trip to Park City, Utah, or a dream hunting trip to Monterey, Tenn. Fill out the registration forms, cross your fingers and prepare to pack your bags.
6. Family Adventure Sweepstakes: Alaska: Milk does a body good, especially when it's paired up with National Geographic. The two have teamed up for one amazing sweepstakes. A lucky winner will receive a trip for four to Alaska. The prize includes air transportation, hotel accommodations for seven nights and guided trips throughout Alaska. Entering to win couldn't be any easier – just complete the registration form and you are good to go.
7. Ford Focus Giveaway Contest: Would you like to be the lucky winner of a brand new Ford? Well, stay focused. Ford Motor Company and Goodguys have come together to give away a 2013 Focus ST.The new car is valued at $20,000. Participants can either enter in person at the 2013 Ford Focus ST booth at Goodguys Events, or they can enter online by filling out a registration form.
8. Town & Country Luxurious Getaway: For the person looking to escape the daily hustle and bustle of life, make this your go-to giveaway. One lucky winner will receive a dream trip worth $25,000. It will be another day in paradise if your entry is chosen for the vacation of a lifetime. Fill out the form and receive your chance to win.
9. Hot Off the Grill Sweepstakes: It's time to get your grill on. Rachael Ray magazine has cooked up a great grill sweepstakes where readers can enter to win $10,000 to spend on a barbeque-inspired backyard. Want to know the recipe for winning success? Simply fill out the registration form and you are entered to win this hot giveaway.
10. Sail Away with Nickelodeon & Norwegian: Want to sail like a Norwegian? Nickelodeon is making it child's play for you and your family to go on a luxury cruise. A family of four can score a 7-day cruise that sails from New York to Bermuda or the Bahamas and Florida, including round-trip airfare for four and hotel/airport transfer. Sail on over to NickJr.com to join SpongeBob and the gang at sea on the brand-new Norwegian Breakaway.
Now that you know which sweepstakes are your best bets, what are you waiting for? The only difference between winners and losers is that winners do things that losers don't...like entering these sweepstakes.