Ever wonder how much of that money they win on "Wheel of Fortune" they really get to keep? Here's what Matt McMahan has to say about it . . .
Matt McMahan, from New York, was on the show. He had to submit a introductory video, then make it through a test round where potential contestants had to solve 15 out of 25 puzzles in a set amount of time. Matt managed to get through both levels of practice and was given $1,000 to fly out to California for the show taping.
Matt, a teacher, says his trip lined up with his summer vacation, so he got in plenty of practice . . . and it paid off. After meeting the "very nice" Pat Sajak and "lovely" Vanna White, Matt won $31,700 in cash and prizes: $16,400 in cash and two vacations valued at $15,300 - a trip to Chile and a cruise down the Danube River.
Unfortunately for all game show winners, there are strings attached to winning. Prizes are taxed like regular income so all in all, Matt figures he'll walk away with $6,000 and his two trips.
Source: MarketWatch
Photo: Getty Images