Have you ever played this game? I did not buy a lottery ticket, buta friend who did not and I discussed what we would do with the money. I had very specific ideas. So did he.
My plans were moot since I have never bought a lottery ticket. However, I always thought I would not end up poor afterwards if I won the last one.
I have categories--education, home/property, car, health/dental, literary pursuits, travel, fair weather friends, and charity.
Education
I would pay for a PhD for myself, an MA and PhD for son, daughter, and dil. For my daughter that quit college I would pay her to go to school and not work, paying also for at least the MA. I think that after being a poverty-stricken single mother after her divorce, she might just be willing now. I would make sure all four grandchildren had funds to attend school through the PhD. If exbf who has been such a help to me desired any school or classes, I would pay for those.
Home/Property
My home would be demolished and rebuilt after an architect drafted identical plans. There would be a garage, greenhouse, and little garden house. Before the house were built, I would buy the house behind me, the two houses beside those, the two houses next door. I like the two houses on the other end of the block. I could expand my hen empire, have a house for company to stay in, and plenty of room for flowers and vegetable.
I would pay off my son's home or buy him a new one. Both my daughters would receive homes and not excessive ones. Somehow, they would never have to sell either home if they marry and divorce.
Exbf would get a whole home remodel, anything he wants. He would also have a lawn service for whatever he needs.
Car
I would never invest in fancy cars, just basic ones. My son, his wife, my two daughters and the grandson would all get new cars. Oh, yes, I would get a new car and a Dodge truck and keep them for many years after they were paid for. None of us buy new cars every few years. Yes, exbf would get a new car. Knowing him, he would keep it forever. He is frugal.
Health/Dental
All my dental needs would not be a hardship or deferred. Although all my children and grandchildren are covered by medical and dental insurance, I would pick up any co pays or expenses they might need. Yes, exbf would get whatever he needs when he has his hip replaced.
I would have operations for vertebrae that is sitting on bone, two herniated discs, L5 that is out of place, torn meniscus, and torn rotator cuff. I can do this now with Medicaid, but I cannot afford help for the recovery periods.
Literary Pursuits
I would finish my book since stress would not occupy my thoughts. I would publish thefairy tales I helped translate from French with my friends Florica and Johan.
Travel
My children and grandchildren and Icould stay in touch more easily. Plus, we could travel anywhere on earth we wished,together or separately.
Fair Weather Friends
These would be at my door. You know this is true. My monetary favors would be few and far between for the leaches and insincere and users. However, I could resume having parties each month and always be assured I would have a great turnout.
Charity
Maybe this is crazy, but I prefer to give money to those I know that really need it. I "know" lots of deserving Internet "friends" that I believe truly need help. There are some I just like and would give a gift. Most of my charity would be anonymously given.Enough said.
Update: I did not leave out the steps of financial planning and trusts. This was not meant to place any one area over another in importance. Yes, calling an attorney would be my first move. I would want my children and grandchildren to know the joy of accomplishment, so, no, they would not be given everything. No, we would probably not travel so much, but it would be possible. New cars would be more about safety than glamour. I am not trying to make my loved ones targets. "Homes" does not mean mansion or extravagant fixtures. No, I have not worked out all the details since I have never bought a lottery ticket.
Your turn
What would you have done if you had won this last lottery?
