Finance Expert Reacts to Beast Games Winners’ Money Moves

Austin Hankwitz is a financial expert that makes personal finance simple. As host of the Rich Habits Podcast, he breaks down smart money moves, investing strategies, and habits that build wealth without overcomplicating it.

We asked Hankwitz to weigh in on the plans of some of the Beast Games contestants that walked away from the show with big cash prizes. Ever wondered what you would do with a big pile of cash? Let’s hear what these contestants plan to do with their cash, and how a financial expert reacts…

They Took the 20k Buyout. But Did They Spend It Wisely?

What would you do with an extra $20,000? That’s the choice Beast Games contestants faced, and Austin Hankwitz is here to break it all down.

One player is booking a trip to New York, without falling into credit card debt (Hankwitz approved). Another is doing absolutely nothing for now (also approved.) Rushed decisions are how people end up with jet skis they regret.

One contestant is investing, donating to the Wounded Warrior Project, and covering a parent’s medical bills (Hankwitz deemed a top-tier money move). And then there’s the contestant using it to plan a wedding, without taking on loans (rare and respectable. A sudden windfall doesn’t mean you need to spend or invest overnight. Take a breath, make a plan, and don’t let the money burn a hole in your pocket.

Check out Austin’s unfiltered take on all the $20K decisions.

These Beast Games Winners Cashed Out With $13.8K. Austin Hankwitz Has Takes.

Would you take $13,800 and walk away, or keep climbing for a shot at $5 million? That’s the decision Beast Games contestants had to make. Finance expert, Austin Hankwitz breaks down how they handled their winnings.

One contestant is using the money to jumpstart a film career. Bold move, but following your passion still needs a plan.

Another is moving to Hawaii because the number 808 “chose her.” Cool story, but hopefully, she checked the cost of living first.

Then there’s the guy who said he’s spending it on “women and whiskey” (turns out, he just meant his wife and a nice drink. phew). And finally, a grandma with 13 grandkids is stocking up for Christmas, and a lifetime supply of Mountain Dew.

Whether you’re investing in yourself, relocating, or just buying gifts, don’t just spend: think ahead. A little planning goes a long way.

Watch Austin’s full reaction to see which decisions made the most sense.

$650K, $223K, and $100K. Hankwitz Chimes in on the Right Moves.

Beast Games contestants had one shot to grab as much of a $1 million pot as they wanted, without knowing how much everyone else was taking.

Some played it safe. Others went big. Personal finance guru, Austin Hankwitz has thoughts on what happened next.

One contestant took $100,000 and planned to buy a car and help family. Austin’s advice? Cover debt first, then put the money somewhere it can grow.

Another walked away with $223,000 and pledged part of it to a gorilla conservation nonprofit. A noble move, but Austin suggests some improvements on the idea.

Then there’s the biggest winner, who took $650,000 and is paying off a mortgage, clearing debt, and setting up college funds. Austin calls this a generational wealth move, and he’s all for it.

At the end of the day, money can disappear fast OR set you up for the long haul. The smartest players didn’t just take the cash, they made a plan.

Catch Austin’s full reaction to see who played it right.