Fun facts and stories

Prize winner stories - real people, real winners, real millionaires

* The views and opinions expressed through the winner stories do not necessarily reflect the views of Bonus Bonds.

Bonus Bonds - there when you need them

It's nice to know that Bonus Bonds never expire. Whether you bought them twenty years ago or two months ago. And as one Bondholder recently discovered, you never know when Bonus Bonds could make a big difference to your life - just when you need it most. Here's their story:

"I was going through a not so great divorce, had just been made redundant and didn't have a penny to my name. I just happened to be going through old papers and found a Bonus Bond certificate from the past. I thought I would just enquire and find out if it was still valid.

Well, to my delight there was a lovely sum awaiting me. I put it to good use upgrading my skills and have never looked back - thank you!"

It's no joke - we really give away $1 million every month

The winner of our first ever $1 million monthly prize has been a Bonus Bond holder since childhood. While he'd won a few small prizes over the years, the idea of winning $1 million seemed too much to believe. In fact, he didn't believe it when it actually happened.

"When they rang, I thought a friend was having me on," he says. "It wasn't until I called Bonus Bonds back that I finally realised it wasn't a joke - and I'd won a million dollars."

Being a millionaire took a while to get used to - but it's made a very big impact. "I bought my own house and started up a new business. I also paid off my parent's mortgage - it was nice to be able to do that. I bought myself a new car and went on an overseas holiday, so I've had a bit of fun too."

This lucky winner originally bought Bonus Bonds because he liked the idea of having chances to win prizes - while keeping his money safe at the same time. He still likes that idea - and continues to hold Bonus Bonds.

Helping others

When the courier knocked on their door with a letter telling them they'd won $1 million, the July 2007 prize winners weren't quite sure what to feel. "At first we were completely shocked. And then after it had sunk in, we felt a bit guilty about winning. We're retired, and there are a lot of people out there who need the money more than we do. Winning the prize meant we could help others."

The couple have assisted their children and their families, as well as making donations to charitable organisations. "It's nice to know that we can be there for our kids when they need it, and support charities that are doing a great job in the community." As one of the couple has health issues, winning the prize has also given them the reassurance that they will have access to medical support when they need it.

The couple have held Bonus Bonds for many years and continue to do so. "It seemed a good place to put some money with the opportunity to win the odd bonus. But we never expected to win quite as much as this!"

Do you have a fun story or anecdote about Bonus Bonds?

Have you won a prize with Bonus Bonds you bought years ago? Have you spent your winnings on something really fun or special? Perhaps you've had a good experience when you received Bonus Bonds as a gift or bought them for someone else? We'd like to hear any Bonus Bonds stories that you'd like to share and we might even put them on this website so that you can share your experience with others (keeping your details confidential of course).

Tell us your Bonus Bonds story.