It’s your lucky day
Apr 6th 2008
RachelGOn Writing!
Someone is always winning my lottery money. Of course, if I remembered to buy a ticket on a regular basis it might increase my odds of winning. Unfortunately, I always remember that I forgot to buy a ticket when I see the winners holding my big Powerball check on television. But on those rare occasions that I do remember to buy a ticket, I like to think about all the things I would do with the money.
First, I’d set my mother up so she could travel around the world and see and do the things she wants to see and do before she gets to old to do them.
After that, I’d pay off my brother and sister’s houses so they wouldn’t have to worry about a mortgage payment anymore, and I’d set up some sort of college funds for my nieces and nephews.
Then, I’d make sure my children are provided for without giving them too easy a life. I’d probably set them up in their own businesses and make them accountable for their successes and failures.
And maybe Mr. G could quit his job, but he’d have to find something to do because he can’t just sit around the house and drive me insane. I’m thinking he needs some sort of hobby that involves so many storage sheds (he loves storage sheds) that he’d have to drive a custom four-wheeler to all of them.
Now, for myself. This is tougher because I am very happy with my life. I like my job and would continue to do it. But I’m sure I’d buy a Bentley, a five carat Tiffany diamond, and travel the world for a few months out of the year. I’d have to build a new wing on my house just for my shoes. I’d hire someone to walk my unruly dogs and pet my cat when she is needy and I am working.
What would you do if you won a huge jackpot? What’s the first thing you would buy? Who would you help? Who wouldn’t you help?
65 Comments »
evlqn on 07 Apr 2008 at 1:41 am #
Oh Rachel, this is an easy one because we have won the lottery in our minds so very often. First we would pay off our mortgage and our mother’s. Then we would set up a trust fund for the grandkids to go to college, we know they are smart enough and talented enough to get scholarships, but it never hurts to have an alternate plan. We also want to have a self sustaining intentional community. If it could help keep the planet green by using solar and geothermal energy all the better. We want to have a sports and cultural center so our children can flourish with advantages that are being eliminated by the schools and government programs. And yes I am selfish enough to want to have the time and money to travel when and where I want. I also want to have a HUGE sewing and craft room and ALL the speciality fabrics I don’t have room for now.
evlqn on 07 Apr 2008 at 1:50 am #
I would make sure that my kids had enough money to meet their debts and some set by for emergencies. Beyond that I would expect them to work for what they needed because people who are just handed things rarely value the gift.
And I want a Kia Rondo. And I want my own bookstore and coffee shop with an art gallery. Just simple needs.
cail on 07 Apr 2008 at 5:56 am #
again, this is one that we think of often!
the boy and i would get some property with a beautiful house on the water and a WONDERFUL sailboat. we would pursue our more creative dreams and only work at jobs we’d like. i’d probably create funds for some of my cousins who are still young for college, and create some sort of scholarship for random kids.
i’d travel everywhere i’ve wanted to go, and possibly do the around the world sail that the dh and i have been talking about.
Margaret Garland on 07 Apr 2008 at 7:12 am #
I guess the lottery winning dream is pretty universal and anybody who’s ever bought a ticket has done it. How could you not?
First thing I’d do is pay all my debts and be done with them. I’d buy a big hunk of land, (at least 5-10 acres) and build a house on it. A big house with every handicap amenity know to human kind. Elevator included. I’m not disabled but I had doulbe knee replacement surgery 2 years ago. In recovery/rehab, I learned how difficuly most homes & public places are for anyone in a wheel chair or using a walker. Since I’m no spring chicken, I’d like a house such as I describe for just in case. You can never have too many grab bars or ramps. LOL
Then, I’d set up scholarships for the grandkids & the greats. I’d make sure to invest wisely even tho I would take the money over 20 years. By then, I’d be 89. But I might still be kicking and need the investment $ to take care of me.
Lisa H on 07 Apr 2008 at 7:15 am #
What a fun blog! I probably won’t ever win the lottery because like you, I always forget to buy a ticket…but if I did win I would help my parents. I’d pay all their bills and then I would give them enough money to spend the rest of their lives traveling. My brother would recieve a nice home in a nice neighborhood and I would send his son to college. I would put a huge addition on my home, re-do my kitchen and have an in the ground pool with waterfall added to my back yard. I’d still drive my mini-van, but I’d have a nice 1969 T-Bird in the garage in case I felt the urge to go to the mall, alone.
My husband would have his own office complete with displays for all of his 1,000,000 baseball cards. (Most he doesn’e even remember)
My children would all receive a trust for college and a set amount for a new home upon graduation from college. My daughter would get her own horse, and my oldest son, a four-wheeler. The baby would receive every Thomas the Train.
jessie e on 07 Apr 2008 at 7:17 am #
I’ve thought about this a lot. First, I would give a good portion of the money to my parents to do whatever with. Then I would pay off my bf’s student loans and give some money to my best friends. Then I would give some to my aunts and uncles and set up money for school for my little cousins. Of course I’d give some to charity. Probably to a literacy charity. For myself, I would buy a house with a huge library and as many books as I can fit. I would take a trip to London. And I would buy CLOTHES! Lots and lots of designer clothes. A personal trainer. A housekeeper.
Margaret Garland on 07 Apr 2008 at 7:23 am #
I’d travel too. However, I’d want to rent a private jet for it. None of that airline inconvenience for me! I might like to rent a yacht, but not sure in view of the pirates that seem to be around even these days. And they sure aren’t the type found in romances, are they? Another thing that’s better in a book than IRL.
Santa on 07 Apr 2008 at 7:33 am #
I’d pay off all my debts, the mortgage, make sure my kids (as brilliant as they are) would have enough for college, make sure my mother was secure for the rest of her life, fund my brother’s next venture, set up housing and job training programs that would incorporate personal responsibility and the setting and attaining of goals, I’d expand my house to include my own personal office space and library. I’d travel to all the places I’ve always wanted to see. I’d take my family to see my Italy and trek over to the old sod to see where my DH’s Celtic roots were sown. Then I’d be a philanthropist for the rest of my days.
My DH and his co-workers play the lottery and mega millions as a group with the understanding that a group of them will form a cyber company whose sole purpose with unlimited funds would be to catch and bring to justice all those creeps on the internet they encounter on a daily basis at work.
krystal on 07 Apr 2008 at 7:46 am #
I think that if I ever won the lottery, the first thing I would do is pay off my student loans and finish paying for the rest of my schooling. I think I would then pay off any other debts that I might have. I would give some to my mom and my brother so they could have some money too.
After everything has been paid for, I would take a trip to Italy, England, Scotland, Ireland and Hawaii.Before I went though, I would buy all of the books that I’ve been wanting to buy so that I could read them on the plane.
SuzyQ on 07 Apr 2008 at 8:00 am #
The first thing I would do is quit my job, after receiving the money of course. Next, like almost everyone else here, would be to pay off everything I owe. Not sure about the mortgage though, still need some tax break (LOL!). I would set up all the nieces and nephews and my own kids with college funds. Give each family member some cash to pay things off or whatever they choose. I would buy a nice piece of property and build a sprawling ranch - with a library. I would buy a summer home at the shore. I would give money to cancer research. Hire a financial consultant to make some wise investments, since I would be taking the money in one lump sum. I would buy my husband a DeLorean, since he’s wanted one ever since Back to the Future. Travel. Relax. Enjoy.
I run an office lottery pool. Yeah, I’ve thought about winning often.
Susan K (soon to be Susan M) on 07 Apr 2008 at 8:07 am #
First I would pay off my credit card debt, then both our vehicles. Next we’d buy a house. I’d pay off my mom’s house and pay off my brothers debts. I’d set up each of my nieces and nephews with a college fund. Then I’d go book shopping and then I’d go scrapbook shopping and buy all the tools and gadgets I’ve always wanted. I would also like to travel.
Wedding Day Countdown: 6 Days
elsiehogarth on 07 Apr 2008 at 8:08 am #
I love this blog……first a trip on the QE2 with my 3 friends, set up trust funds for “the children”-niece, cousins kids and godchildren, give Mom & Dad cash, pay my friends mortgage, buy her husband a new boat, have a family reunion at Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic and I would buy myself a building to open a New & Used bookstore with a cyber cafe.
Karen Hawkins on 07 Apr 2008 at 8:18 am #
OOOH! How much fun! Rachel, I do the same thing — and don’t play very often, either. I just THINK about playing!
Let’s see . . . First I’d set aside some extra college money for my kids and my guy’s daughter. And then I’d pay off my, my parents, my sister’s and my brother’s mortgages. Then I’d buy a little Cessna 172 for my guy — they’re not that expensive when you’re a BIG lottery winner like moi! And last, I’d pay off everything else and put the rest into real estate investments. Now’s the time to buy!
doglady on 07 Apr 2008 at 8:27 am #
Are shoes an investment, Karen H? I would pay off my student loans, pay off my brothers’ mortgages, set up college funds for the niece and the nephews. I would build my little English cottage on my 5 little acres. I would build the ultimate No-Kill Humane Shelter in this county and hire a lobbyist to push humane legislation in this backwards state.
Then I would take a LONG research trip to England and write historical romance for the rest of my life.
OH! And the first thing I would do? Call Wal-Mart and say “Take this job and…..”
Claudia Dain on 07 Apr 2008 at 8:57 am #
I’d travel with my family. Not only that, I’d go first class all the way. No more cheap hotels and only eating one meal a day. I’d stay at the Ritz in London and eat out three meals a day. I’d get a small, but stylish apartment overlooking Central Park in New York as a place to stay when I was in New York on business or to see a few plays.
The only problem is that I’ve never bought a lottery ticket, never even think to do it! That *is* a problem.
RachelG on 07 Apr 2008 at 8:58 am #
Have you all noticed that a lot of the lottery winners lose their money in a relatively short period of time? And they lose it buying a lot of crap, too. Sheesh, I love a good Elvis on velvet painting, but how many does one person need?
SuzyQ on 07 Apr 2008 at 9:07 am #
Rachel, I’ve heard that too. How could someone go through millions? Blows my mind. I’ve also heard that relatives start crawling out of the woodwork. Suddenly, people you never heard of are “related” to you.
Julia London on 07 Apr 2008 at 9:07 am #
I’m not helping anyone. I am keeping it all for me. ME!! I picked the numbers, I won the money, its all mine!
SheridanLA on 07 Apr 2008 at 9:30 am #
I am also in the “never buy a ticket” category… but.. I think if I were to win.. I would pay off my rather small amount of debt… set up a trust for my brother, toss some to my dad.. a gift to my friends…maybe buy some property, but no idea where I would want to buy any.. so I would have to do what I want to do anyway - which is travel. Now I only get to take one or two trips a year (I save all year for them) but this way, I could continue my quest to join the World Century Club - and donate to worthy causes on the way (schools, hunger, etc) I would be able to hire a guide for all the trip rather then just portions like I do now. Then I can learn even more about the areas.
I would also make donations to medical research (cancer, AIDS, diabetes) and environmental research then save the rest.
Lois on 07 Apr 2008 at 9:30 am #
Sure, there’s always pay the bills, not worry about moving, and putting away for the future, it’s all on the list. . . but if I won the lottery, the first thing I’m doing is going to the bookstore and not worry about only staying within my list (aka staying within a budget)!!!!!
Lois
RachelG on 07 Apr 2008 at 9:31 am #
Suzy Q,
I’ve heard that suddenly you have tons of relatives, but I never have a problem with the word no.
Julia,
Well, it would depend on the size of the lotto winnings. A mere fifty mil and I wouldn’t share either. But I’m thinking like the 100 mil. And besides, sharing will keep the husband and kids from thinking up inventive ways to kill me so they could get their hands on my dough.
Karen Rose on 07 Apr 2008 at 10:07 am #
Inventive ways to kill you? They could say Batboy did it, or something equally creative. But we, here at Mt. Oly, would know the truth and spill their beans, so you would have your justice in the end.
Of course, sharing works too, but isn’t nearly as interesting.
I’ve never played the Lotto. It’s a childhood hangup, I think.
Karen Rose on 07 Apr 2008 at 10:08 am #
But if I did, and I won, (which I wouldn’t), I’d do all the wonderful things you all have mentioned, plus I’d go on the Space Shuttle. That would be so cool.
Kim on 07 Apr 2008 at 10:13 am #
Ohh Rachel! I love this topic:D
Now, we’re talking like 100mil cashed out, right? First I would buy a comfortable house to live in while my dream house is being built (if that witch Barbie has one so can I!) I’d have a total makeover and all new clothes. Buy my husband a ‘68 Lincoln with suicide doors and a 68 Nova, have them both refurbished to orginal. I’d get a 64 mustang and a new Escalade. We don’t have any debt so I wouldn’t worry about that. I would help out our parents and give my mom a house and money in the bank.
Then I would start a no-kill animal shelter. A really nice one with great people who rehabilate animals.
I would continue working because I love what I do.
I’d have a killer library, an indoor pool that looks like a pond, a cat room for Max, gourmet kitchen and a sweet office with a comfy chair.
Then I’d buy my own little island for vacations. Wouldn’t that be the bomb? A tiny one with my deluxe villa and housing for the staff.
Sandy "Snik" White on 07 Apr 2008 at 10:15 am #
Well first and foremost, I would eliminate my debt, set my daughter up with a trust fund/stock portfolio that would be sure to take care of her for the rest of her life. However, it would have stipulations on her use of it. I’m not raising the next Paris Hilton if you know what I mean.
I would pay off my mother, sister and brother’s debt and buy them a house. I would buy the tract of land we’ve been wanting and the entire family would build on it, so my grandparents would be closer and we could spend as much time as possible with them.
I would give Kari a huge chunk of money to deal with her debt and to do that thing she wants to do.
Build my dream house, donate an insane amount of money to my church and then invest wisely and live off the interest.
I would quit my job and would do the things that I’ve always wanted to do. You know, like try to be a florist and be a greeter at walmart. (My bucket list is a little kooky, but you only live once right?)
Kim on 07 Apr 2008 at 10:15 am #
As for relatives. pashaw! Between us we’ve got loads of relatives who would come begging for money but other than my sil I definitely would tell them to take a hike. hmm, and I’d have my lawyer give them a restraining order. Back away from the money!
Kim on 07 Apr 2008 at 10:16 am #
Sandy–you know, you could just put on a blue vest, stand at Wal-marts door and say hello. I don’t think they’d notice *g*
LauraR on 07 Apr 2008 at 10:24 am #
Along with sharing the loot, I would donate an addition to my local library to hold all the Goddesses books so everyone could enjoy them. Hey Mystery has a whole wall. Romance deserves a room!
LauraR on 07 Apr 2008 at 10:25 am #
and take an English refresher so I could punctuate correctly…
Goddess’ books. sheesh
Aimee on 07 Apr 2008 at 10:39 am #
Pay all the families bills, pay MY bills, Set up the daughter with enough to get her a great start and a trust fund to collect on after her 27th b-day. Buy a 200+ acre piece of land and build my custom home smack in the middle. Travel all over the world. Quit my current job, and work part-time in a mom & pop book store. Have lots of horses, a big beautiful barn, and a private trainer for them *G*
Every dime left goes into real estate!
It is of course, like a $165 mil winner LOL
Margaret Garland on 07 Apr 2008 at 10:42 am #
I wouldn’t take the 100 mill in one lump sum. I think you only get about 1/3 of it that way. I would like knowing I was getting a fixed amount every year for 20 years. Heck, I could live quite comfortably on 5 mill per annum.
Julia, I like your attitude. LOL
I’d say hello to you at Walmart, Sandy. I love my greeters.
Claudia Dain on 07 Apr 2008 at 10:44 am #
They’ve done tons of studies into why the lotto win money goes poof. From what I can remember it’s the basic idea that the winners have a poor grasp of financial things in general.
It sounds like so much money that it seems endless. They give it away to relatives, and the relatives want more. They spend it on luxury items, and then want better luxury items.
If you give to Uncle Ralph, why not Uncle Ralph’s second wife’s stepkid from her first marriage? That kid would be the next Mozart, if only someone would pay his studio time and promote his CD. Bitter feelings ensue if you balk.
How about Aunt Betty’s oldest, dearest friend who has a rare form of blindness? Couldn’t you, shouldn’t you, cough up a few hundred thousand for a retina transplant?
Poof.
Freshechelle on 07 Apr 2008 at 10:46 am #
Julia - I like your healthy “it’s all about me” approach. Doglady, great long term strategy with the lobbyist, you’re solution would last beyond our lifetime.
As for shoes - good ones and lots of ‘em (which always fit) don’t wait for the lottery to indulge. They’re a need, not a want!
I’d move someplace so quiet and spacious that I’d never know when my neighbor was smoking a ciggie. I’d sleep in all the time. I’d get a me an Audi R class for zipping around really fast to drive my friends and me to our dugout Mets seats or behind the bench NJ Devils seats. So, yeah, I guess I’d piss it away like to those folks on E’s THS Lottery Winners (sorry for the vulgarity but that word expresses it so well).
Kathy/Cookiedough on 07 Apr 2008 at 10:50 am #
hmmm
Everyone has a lottery win dream. so odd that the blog is on this subject.My pal and I went to the three hopsital lottery homes for tours yesterday. The first was too big, the second too small, but the third was just right- we kept running into the same people at the homes and most of us agreed. grand is nice to look at but a home has to fit your needs.
I used to think winning big meant spending big.
All I would want to do is give each family member a lump sum instead of telling them they have to do a specific thing with the money. If they burn through it, that was all they were getting and they had fun doing it.
I would want a nice home and a car. the possibility of taking friends on dream trips would be great. but my needs are small.
And cancer research is key!
Suzanne Enoch on 07 Apr 2008 at 10:55 am #
Hm. I’m pretty happy with things as they are. I’d pay off my house, my sisters’ houses, and my cousins’ houses, make sure all the young ones could go to college, and put another story on my collectible display room.
And I wonder how much Hugh Jackman would charge to sing at my next birthday party?
Lisa H on 07 Apr 2008 at 11:02 am #
One last gift for myself, a visit to Dr. 90210 for a tummy tuck, lipo, boob job and face lift. AFter that, I’d pretty much just walk around in a bikini all the time, hanging out at my in the ground pool!
anneriailin on 07 Apr 2008 at 11:17 am #
I’ve thought about this so many times. Do I ever buy a ticket though? Nope! I’d pay off the debt, pay off the kids education loans and give them enough to get started, I’d buy a house and nice car, pay off my siblings houses plus a little more, I’d set my ex-mother-in-law up so she could have live-in help and stay in her home for the rest of her days. After that, I’d travel to England, Scotland and Wales. I’d do research and find my family roots. My house would have a huge library in it with all the books I’ve been wanting to read. I might decide to work a part-time job, but the rest of the time I’d just want to read and do volunteer work. Maybe at the Ronald McDonald house or something similiar. And I’d get a pet. I really miss having a pet around the house.
Well, a girls gotta have a dream, doesn’t she??
–dorothy
Julia London on 07 Apr 2008 at 11:32 am #
if it was 100 mil, I might — MIGHT — set up a college fund for The Cutest Baby Ever. But he’d have to say “I love you” a whole lot more than he does right now. But assuming he’s a smart little boy and catches on, I could go the college fund route. And maybe private school. And, you know, stuff he needs. But he has to say I love you!!! I’m not handing it over out of the goodness of my heart!
But the other baby in the house? He can win his own lottery for his Harley!! Its all miiiiiiiiiiiinnnnneeeeee. Muwahahahahahah
amy1242 on 07 Apr 2008 at 12:06 pm #
I’d pay off everything we owe, take a family vacation (that’s the WHOLE family, both sides) to an incredible place for one week, maybe two, then come back to my old yet comfy house to contemplate what to do with the rest of the money. Have my kids and dh make a list of great wants and needs, so they really think about it. Maybe sit on it for a year. It’s a hard decision. Money can change a person, and I love us just the way we are. It’s something I’d really have to put a lot of thought into. Year two would be our spending year. Maybe a goddess trip so we all can meet and make some good memories. Margarita’s all around!
Freshechelle on 07 Apr 2008 at 1:10 pm #
oh wait, wait, wait … the right answer is I’d put the millions in the bank along side all my other millions. Yeah, let’s go with that story.
amy1242 on 07 Apr 2008 at 2:02 pm #
Oh! And a SPA day! I’d do a spa day, with champaign…to heck with the extra toxins that creates! Champaign is worth it!
Ann in IL on 07 Apr 2008 at 2:13 pm #
I’m gonna get real greedy here and say that if I win, it has to be a BIG amount. I have a large family - 6 brothers, one sister, 5 nephews, 9 nieces, 2 great-nieces and 6 great-nephews. My siblings would get a million, nieces and nephews a half million and greats would get a quarter milion. That would leave the rest for me and my friends.
There are a few honest charities that would profit from my winnings. Mainly the local hospice and some children’s charities.
First, I would Q U I T M Y J O B.
Second, Seek legal and financial advice for distribution of the monies in the way I choose.
Third, re-model and update this house that my parents built.
Fourth, RELAX and travel and read and shop and read then read some more.
RachelG on 07 Apr 2008 at 2:18 pm #
Do you all watch those “Curse of The Lottery” shows? It always amazes me how fast they run through the money.
Also did you see the latest big lotto winners on The Today Show? I don’t mean to be unkind, but . . . the first thing that woman should do is get a boob lift and a bra. ‘Cause damn.
rachelg
KariE on 07 Apr 2008 at 2:43 pm #
I would tell NO ONE! Well, except for Sniky. She and I had a conversation one day on “what if one of us one”. It was pretty drawn out but fun.
I really don’t think I would tell anyone. I think we have all seen, directly or indirectly, what money can do to a person, and I don’t want to become that. It should go without saying that my son would be taken care of.
I would still take all of Mt Oly to Oly Cliffs.
Rachel-I read I’m In No Mood For Love yesterday. It was great!! I loved how Maddie’s story (which I read first) intertwined with this one. I’m looking forward to Adele’s story (only a month away!!).
Margaret Garland on 07 Apr 2008 at 2:46 pm #
LOL, Rachel! I didn’t see her but can imagine. I’d want a boob reduction so I wouldn’t have to wear a bra. I have ridges in my shoulders from many years of bra straps.
I have seen one or 2 of those curse shows. I remember the guy here in PA who won the first really big Power Ball lottery. Wasn’t it something like $250 million? I know it was enormous. He gave a bunch of it to his 113 or so employees. He wore a Stetson. Last I heard, he was filing for bankruptcy. I wondered if his employees were willing to help him out then.
That’s why I would take it over 20 years. Then, I couldn’t spend it all in one big spree. I know me too well.
Margaret Garland on 07 Apr 2008 at 2:52 pm #
Nanner, nanner, Kari. I have “Not Another Bad Date” pre-ordered and paid for with my Amazon.com Christmas gc. One fine day in May, I will come home and find a lovely new book waiting by my door. Life is good.
Keep up the good work, Goddesses. Oooh! I just went to Merriam-Webster to see if I spelled that correctly. Guess what the definition of goddess is?
“A woman whose great charm or beauty arouses adoration “. Yep, they hit the nail right on the head with respect our Goddesses.
KariE on 07 Apr 2008 at 3:02 pm #
Did you just “nanner, nanner” me??
Well then, :p!
lol
Nicole Jordan on 07 Apr 2008 at 3:10 pm #
You know, I can’t even imagine having that much money! LOL But I love seeing what y’all would do with Rachel’s stash.
Freshechelle on 07 Apr 2008 at 4:25 pm #
Was that the couple on the Today Show who had the same excitement usually reserved for creamed corn? The boobs were the least of her problems.
Claudia Dain on 07 Apr 2008 at 4:26 pm #
What do you fellow goddesses think of Warren Buffet? He’s leaving his kids a small amount in inheritance, but the rest goes to charity. Or Sam Wall, who drove around in a 30 year old pick-up truck and when asked why he didn’t get a better car, said, “I like this truck.”
Judy F on 07 Apr 2008 at 4:32 pm #
Oh great topic.
I would hire help for my parents. Someone to clean etc. Redo their walkway so they can get out and enjoy the outside more. I would help my siblings some more the others. Set up some type of college funds for the nieces and nephews.
I would get out of this apt and buy me a cute little house. I don’t need a mansion just a two bedroom with some yard.
We were just talking at work today about people that win the lottery and within a year they are worse off then they were before they won.
Kim on 07 Apr 2008 at 4:44 pm #
Did someone just say creamed corn?!?!? I LOVE creamed corn! Like that, Fresh?? LOL
I’ve never seen these shows you guys are talking about! I just can’t imagine running through all that money. Why wouldn’t you make a few good investments so you could live off the interest? And geez, be like Julia and tell all them people NO!
RachelG on 07 Apr 2008 at 4:48 pm #
Yes Fresh. They we’re so underwhelmed. Definitely several fries short of a Happy Meal.
readerdiane on 07 Apr 2008 at 5:24 pm #
You have to have a party to celebrate! I do like my life but I would want to travel.
I would take of my kids and then take off while my house is being refurbished. I would love to travel first class on the plane and then bed & breakfasts to meet people.
No lump sum for me either.
Freshechelle on 07 Apr 2008 at 5:30 pm #
Kim and Rachel - LOL! Kim, everyday must be Christmas for you!
Sabrina Jeffries on 07 Apr 2008 at 5:52 pm #
Quit my job.
Kidding!
I would buy my parents a house up here, since they want to move but are worried about money.
Then I would buy hubby a classic car and build an indoor pool for my son. Then I would travel with hubby and son when they weren’t all caught up with their car and pool. Like Claudia, it would be first-class all the way!
Audrey on 07 Apr 2008 at 5:58 pm #
I must be happy because I can’t really think of a lot that I’d want for myself, maybe a housekeeper, plastic surgery. Houses for the kids.
But I do know that I’d like the money to hand out when I wanted. I was standing in line once with a young man who was the Canadian National Champion of some kind of martial art. He was mentioning that he couldn’t go to the World Championship because they needed eight hundred dollars of their own money, and he just didn’t have it. I would have loved to be able to pull out my chequebook and write him a cheque and say go, have fun, pay it forward some day.
PJane1031 on 07 Apr 2008 at 6:20 pm #
Hmmmm, well, other than telling one of my sisters and my mom, I’d tell no one!! Like most folks, I’d pay off bills for a few close family members, and maybe settle lump sums on the rest (with five brothers and two sisters I’d just as soon not have additional relatives coming out of the woodwork!!).
For fun, I want to take my one sister with me and head to Australia to go horseback riding in the Outback. Ever since seeing “Man From Snowy River” in high school, that’s been a dream of mine.
I grew up on a 28-acre horse farm. There’s lots of countryside surrounding it, so I’d also buy the property surrounding the farm and create a sort of family compound/retreat.
Kim on 07 Apr 2008 at 6:21 pm #
Fresh–um yeah! You should see the stuff I get excited over. Today it was that my Star magazine arrived. FINALLY. I was sure my mailman had skipped off with it. Last week I found out Kelli Pickler is coming to our county fair which is like 1/2 mile from my house! I nearly fell over from the excitement. *g*
Margaret Garland on 07 Apr 2008 at 6:48 pm #
Claudia, your mention of Warren Buffet & Sam Walton reminded me of H. L. Hunt. He was the patriarch of the bazillionaire Hunt family of Dallas TX. He was old back in the 60’s/70’s when I lived in Dallas but he still drove his old car to work every day and he brown bagged it at a time when that wasn’t fashionable. He claimed he worked hard for his billions and he wasn’t going to fitter it away eating out. LOL However, he lived in a fabulous mansion and I’m sure he didn’t hurt for anything he really wanted. But those old rich guys could sure pinch a penny. The originators of the family fortunes, that is. The heirs usually managed to blow it in a few generations. H.L.’s story makes for some fascinating reading. He had 3 families by 3 different wives. 2 of whom he was married to at the same time.
http://www.gold-eagle.com/editorials_04/laborde012704.html
Claudia Dain on 07 Apr 2008 at 6:51 pm #
What’s that old saying? The first generation makes it, the second spends it, the third loses it? Something like that.
limecello on 07 Apr 2008 at 7:06 pm #
Hi Rachel -
Oh I love this what if ;-). I’d pay off my student loans from law school, and keep some for next year’s tuition. I’d also pay off my parents and sister’s mortgages. And whatever other loans they had out. Probably give some extra to my sister so she could move to a bigger place in Boston. I’d save some, give some to various charities… and probably buy a house. Or car. Or shoes and jewelry. Or a whole wardrobe. And travel.
Heh - I could spend money so quickly…
ladydawgfan on 07 Apr 2008 at 10:16 pm #
Great topic!! I’d pay off my student loans and all of my other bills, and then zone in on my immediate family. My parents, first off, would want for nothing in their sunset years. Their home would be paid off, and then I would set them up in a furnished condo for 6 months while I had the house completely remodeled and updated, inside and out, completely to their tastes. When they came back, they would find that someone had been hired to regularly come by to clean the inside and care for the outside. No more housework or yardwork. They would also be taken to a local auto dealership to pick out whichever cars made their hearts go pitterpat!! The gas, maintenance, insurance, tags, and titles for these cars would be permanantly on me.
Other money would go to college funds for my nieces and nephews, and the greats after them. My brothers and sisters would get the choice of either getting a set amount or having a major debt like a mortgage or student loans paid off.
ladydawgfan on 07 Apr 2008 at 10:21 pm #
Finally, my favorite charities, MDA, Susan J Komen, St. Judes, March of Dimes, and several others, as well as my church, would get HUGE chunks of money. And I would take the director of my local food shelf to Costco and give her Carte Blanche to stock the shelves.
evlqn on 08 Apr 2008 at 12:30 am #
One of the things I would do with my $ is set up a permanent place for one of our very favorite groups here in Eugene, it’s The Committed Partners for Youth. They are a mentoring group for at risk kids who have one or more parents who are incarcerated. They helped our two youngest grandsons through an incredibly hard time. They found the prefect people to mentor our guys and when it wasn’t working out for the youngest we got really lucky and Jay,one of the CPY directors asked to be his mentor. Now three years later we are all still together as family and friends even though the official committment is a year. I would love to have a large enough facility for CPY to be able to do everything they want for the kids.