The Budgeting in 2025: Plan, Save, Thrive contest sponsored by the North Carolina Financial Literacy Council, in partnership with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and other state and organizational sponsors.

The contest is open to all students in grades K-12 enrolled in public, charter, private or home schools within the state of North Carolina.

Only one submission per student will be accepted. Entries may also be submitted via regional coordinators.  Parental permission is required for media release. View the Disclaimer and Official Rules.

 

Timeline 
Contest LaunchSeptember 1, 2025
Submission DeadlineDecember 19, 2025
Statewide JudgingJanuary 2026
Statewide Winners AnnouncedFebruary 2026

Theme and Prompts

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Budgeting in 2025:  Plan, Save, Thrive

 

Categories:

  • Essay (max 500 words for grades K-5 / max 750 words for grades 6-12)
     
  • Visual Art (drawing, painting or digital illustration)
     
  • Video - solo or group of up to three students (30 to 90 seconds)
     
  • Infographic/Poster (hand-drawn or digital)
     
  • Creative writing (poem, short story or rap lyrics)
     

Prompts:

  • How can budgeting help you reach your goals?
     
  • What does a "smart budget" look like in your family or community?
     
  • Imagine your life in 10 years—how did budgeting get you there?
     
  • Why is budgeting more important than ever in 2025?
     
  • What’s something people misunderstand about budgeting?

 

Submit your entry

Judging Criteria will be adjusted appropriately for category and age group and include:

  • creativity and originality
  • relevance to the theme
  • clarity of message
  • technical quality
  • practical financial insight

Awards & Recognition

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  • Grand Prize Winners announced across each age group and category
     
  • Invitation to a statewide awards ceremony in Raleigh or virtual platform
     
  • Winning entries will be featured on the council website and social media
     
  • Each grade-level bracket will have a 1st ($100), 2nd ($50), 3rd ($25) prize. 
     
  • Each grade-level bracket will also have a Grand Prize Winner who will receive an additional $150.
     
  • 32 prizes plus $50 gift cards towards travel expenses.
     

Entry Form

Complete the form in its entirety and upload your submission.
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This page was last modified on 08/29/2025