Houston Money Week
HMW's Essay Contest
The Houston Money Week Essay Contest is an annual opportunity for students and adult to engage with financial literacy in a meaningful and personal way. This program reflects our commitment to promoting financial literacy across every stage of life for Houston residents. We specifically welcome participation from students, adults, and individuals age 65 and older. The essay contest creates a platform for Houston residents to explore important financial topics such as budgeting, saving, investing, and financial planning, while also encouraging responsibility, reflection, and empowerment. This program recognizes that financial literacy is essential at every age and helps equip individuals with the tools they need to make informed and responsible financial decisions. We are accepting ALL essays. THE SUBMISSION DEADLINE is Sunday, May 31, 2026. Due to language limitations, we are only currently accepting essays in English. You can enter the essay contest by clicking here.
2026 Essay Prompt
Money can influence more than just what we can afford. It can also affect our mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing. Research has found that financial stress is consistently linked to higher depression in adults, and in 2024, 36.9% of adults with depression and medical debt delayed mental health care, compared to 17.4% of those without medical debt. Studies also show that healthier eating can cost about $1.48 more per day, revealing how financial strain can impact nutrition and overall health. With this in mind, write 500-750 words about a time when money affected your health or the health of someone you know, whether physical, mental, or both.
2025 Essay Contest Winners
2023 Essay Contest Winners
Adult: 1st Place|$1,500|Alexander Govea|Main Street Ministries • 2nd Place|Chromebook|Robert Thomas|Prairie View A&M
High School: 1st Place(Tie)|$1,000|MacKenzie Romain|William B Travis High School • 1st Place(Tie)|$1,000|Jasmine Gradney|Grand Oaks High School • 2nd Place|Chromebook|Chasity Thomas|Langham High School
Middle School: 1st Place|$500|Ava Collins|Young Women College Preparatory Academy
Contest Rules
• The college category can be an undergraduate or graduate college student attending school within the greater Houston area.
• An adult participant must be between the ages of 18 and 64 who is not currently enrolled in school and lives within the greater Houston area.
• A senior citizen participant must be age 65 or older at the time of application who lives within the greater Houston area.
• Essays must be a minimum of 500 words and no more than 750 words on the assigned topic.
• The essay must reflect the work of the person submitting it.
• AI may be used as a support tool only. Plagiarism and essays fully written by AI will not be accepted. Ethical use of AI is required.
• If a participant is age 18 or older and currently enrolled in college, they must enter under the College category, not the Adult category.
• Colleges and Universities | Adult Education and Literacy Programs | High Schools | Middle Schools | 65+
• Winners must be present on the selected day to receive their prizes. Give away day and location will be communicated at the time of notification.
Contest Judging
All essays become the property of Houston Money Week and may be used by Houston Money Week to promote financial education. All essays must meet the contest entry guidelines described above. Decisions of the judges are final in all matters relating to this contest. Contest judging determinations are at the sole and absolute discretion of the judges, and such decisions and determinations are not subject to further review or appeal by contestants. Because of the unique nature and scope of the contest, Houston Money Week cannot accurately predict the number of contestants who will participate in the Contest.
Also, the Houston Money Week Team cannot individually confirm receipt of all essays. Winners will be individually notified and contacted via email, mail or phone. All winners will be posted on the official Houston Money Week website and social media pages. Winners will be announced at the Houston Money Week Partner Kick-Off Reception. Information regarding scores awarded by judges will not be available.
Contest Judging
All essays become the property of Houston Money Week and may be used by Houston Money Week to promote financial education. All essays must meet the contest entry guidelines described above. Decisions of the judges are final in all matters relating to this contest. Contest judging determinations are at the sole and absolute discretion of the judges, and such decisions and determinations are not subject to further review or appeal by contestants. Because of the unique nature and scope of the contest, Houston Money Week cannot accurately predict the number of contestants who will participate in the Contest.
Also, the Houston Money Week Team cannot individually confirm receipt of all essays. Winners will be individually notified and contacted via email, mail or phone. All winners will be posted on the official Houston Money Week website and social media pages. Winners will be announced at the Houston Money Week Partner Kick-Off Reception. Information regarding scores awarded by judges will not be available.