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- "Jeopardy" has been a popular game show for 35 years.
- "Jeopardy" champions are smart in a way that no one expects when it comes to money.
- The poster boy of "Jeopardy," Ken Jennings, said much of his nearly $4 million in winnings have been "invested in stocks, bonds, and real estate."
What is a way to become famous and earn loads of money by answering questions?
"This is 'Jeopardy!'"
Every night, three contestants compete on "Jeopardy" by buzzing in at trivia questions in the hopes of starting a winning streak and taking home cash.
"Jeopardy" has been a TV staple since 1984, racking up 34 Emmy Awards and a Peabody and even turning some contestants into celebrities. While host Alex Trebek is no doubt the star, occasionally a contestant will end up more than a one-time phenom.
From Ken Jennings to Brad Rutter — who both went up against IBM supercomputer Watson back in 2011 — repeat champions have not only won games and millions of dollars, but the attention and adoration of viewers.
Sometimes, a winning contestant will mention what they plan on doing with their money — spending for a wedding, a new car, or a house are all common answers. But many of the show's biggest winners have more in common than their intelligence: they invested the bulk of their winnings.
We found out what five of the most popular and successful candidates in "Jeopardy" history did post-show. Find out what each has spent their winnings on.
Ken Jennings — perhaps the most famous of all "Jeopardy" contestants — won 74 consecutive games back in 2004. In his initial run, Jennings earned $2.52 million.GettyHe won even more money on other "Jeopardy" appearances, and trips to other game shows including "Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?" and "Grand Slam." In total, Jennings has won $3,923,414 from game shows.YouTube
Source: Celebrity Net Worth
Jennings says the greatest luxury his earnings allowed him was to spend more time with his wife and two children. He was also able to move from Utah to Seattle and buy a house.Ben Hider/Getty
Source: Jeopardy!
On his blog, Jennings said he took care of the three essential T's after winning — "taxes, tithing, and widescreen TV." Jennings is a Mormon and the Church of Latter Day Saints requires Mormons to give the church 10% of their yearly income in tithes.Mario Tama/Getty
Sources: LDS.org, Ken Jennings
Jennings says most of his game-show money is invested in stocks, bonds, and real estate. "I don't want to be one of these lottery winners you see bankrupt on TV a few years later, having already lost it all," he writes on his blog.Getty
Source: Ken Jennings
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