Recently, stories about lottery winners have been catching my attention. The most recent was the person who won $128,000 after purchasing a ticket at an 'adult' store in Michigan. Michigan law states that lottery winners can not remain anonymous so this person's dirty little secret will be exposed once they claim their ticket! To date, I don't believe they've come forward. Since my days are typically filled with episodes of Caillou and The Wiggles, I could be wrong about that since I'm typically behind on the news.
The other story I heard was nothing short of amazing. A Canadian couple won $11.3 million and gave $11 million away. They helped out friends and family first before moving onto numerous charities. The 78 year old wife, Violet, stated, "What you've never had, you never miss." I love that!
We live in a world where more is better. People are buying huge houses, designer clothes, bigger and better cars. Here is a couple who is unfazed by extras. They are happy with what they have, each other. It's easy to focus what we don't have but this couple reminded me that most of us have more than what we need.
If by some miracle (since I never buy lottery tickets) I won, I would probably not be quite as generous. I would definitely help out my family and give to charity but I would keep a little for myself as a cushion. Being young and a parent, I sometimes worry about unemployment or illness... those things you can't control but leave you without a paycheck. I would definitely want to make sure I had savings to tap into.
What would you do? Would you give it all away, keep it, or be somewhere in the middle?
First....thank you for your comment, it made me cry and happy at the same time!
ReplyDeleteWe recently downsized from a big house to an apartment and we got rid of so many things that we didn't know we didn't need. Now that we live simpler lives...we realize what is really important to us. Experiences and family.
My in laws are counting on winning the lottery as their retirement. CRAZY!
I would definitely get my parents all set so they never had to worry anymore...then I would pay off all of our bills, and then if it was a HUGE lottery prize, I've had an idea in my head for a non-profit for years that I would finally start.
ReplyDeleteBut let's be honest, I'd also take a huge vacation, buy a beach house, go on an incredible shopping spree, and drink Dom Perignon with dinner every night.
I would give probably 50% away but like you I worry about an uncertain future and having $$ helps lessen the worry. Hope you are having a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteI'm in the middle too. I would want to make sure my family and children were taken care of and have a cushion. I'd pay off all our student loans then donate to charity.
ReplyDeleteIt's so nice to dream, isn't it?
I love that most of the wonnings were given away and the quote was beautiful! I would give much of the money away. I would make sure that we were secure financially and that Little Chick was financially secure for life. Then I would try to adopt a child so that Little Chick could have a sibling. I would help my family and make sure they were secure and then I would love to start a nonprofit to help children in need. That has always been a dream of mine. Great inspiring post! Thank you for your commnent! Have a great night!
ReplyDeleteMama Hen
Oh goodness! The wonnings? Typos!
ReplyDeleteMama Hen
If I won the lottery, I would pay off our debt and our house. Pay off my kids student loans. And give most to charity. If we didn't have debt we would be able to live just fine. I would save some money so I could visit my kids or pay for the kids to come home and visit. I would not live like a rich person. It is not in my blood.
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