Day 14 – If You Had a Billion US Dollars, How Would You Spend It?

note: this is part of #bloganuary where each day in the month of January, there is a prompt that we can write on.

For the purposes of this post, I am going to assume that I have won the lottery and now have.. ( Cue the Dr. Evil voice ) One Billion Dollars.

I can not imagine anyone not fantasizing what they would do if they won the lottery. Even if for just a minute. So here is my version of the fantasy.

Knowing that there is going to be a huge tax penalty, I would wait until I had consulted an attorney. I would want to be sure that Dawn and I are not losing any more of the winnings than we have to. I have far better things to do with it than give it away to the tax man.

Next, Dawn and I would just revel in the moment, knowing that with this money, our life is forever changed. Perhaps we go out for a nice dinner to celebrate, like Olive Garden. Yeah right. More like Ruth’s Chris. Perhaps a weekend at a cabin, tucked away in the woods, to take some quiet time to think.

We have family that could certainly use the help and we would make sure that we took care of all of their needs. Home paid for, vehicles, etc.

As for our kids, I am not sure that we would set them up so that they did not have to work. Working is just part of life and if they did not have a house payment or car payments for life, that would certainly make a huge difference. We would pay off the home with the biggest mortgage and each of the others would receive the equivalent amount. The grand kids would have money for college or trade school. In fact, as a family, we have said that we could buy a large piece of property and then split it up. None of us are so nosey that we would want to know what is going on every minute of the day. It would be great for being involved in our grandchildren’s lives and I am sure that it would be convenient for us to watch the grandkids while they went to work. I can see Dawn and I on a small farm or homestead with some animals. Not to mention that once Dawn and I are older, being close in proximity would be easier for the kids to help us out.

Speaking of homes, we would have a new home, it does not need to be large. A nice piece of rolling property and a walk out basement. For me, I would just like a large workshop and … A closet of my own. Currently, Dawn has at least 75% of the closet space in our current home. HAHA

I know that Dawn and I would quit work and open our own business or charitable organization. Her and I have always said that with that much money, we would look to donate half and use the rest for our family. I am sure that we would be full time active in a charitable organization and it would not be a shallow attempt to look good while just looking for a way to hide money and take advantage of the tax credits. That is just not who we are.

As an aside, After Dawn proof read, she wanted me to add that we would have a haunted house attraction.

Let’s talk vehicles. Oh man, this is easy. I have always wanted a 67 Mustang. I would be looking hard for one. Dawn loves Camaros and we would most likely look for a late 60’s as well. After that, a classic truck or two, and most likely some off road vehicles. Lots of toys. Dawn has a couple of favorites that she would want for a daily driver. For me, a full size truck, probably a dually.

It would be great to travel the world, just moving from continent to continent. However, we love spending time with our kids and grandchildren and would hate missing out on some of the regular activities or milestone events. Perhaps we just jet set off to Australia (Dawns bucket list) or Scotland (my bucket list) and if we needed to be back in town for something, just charter a jet. Although, we have a billion dollars. Perhaps we just buy a plane too. I have often thought about buying a truck and travel trailer and exploring the United States, taking in all the things that our country has to offer. Staying in small towns, cabins, and campsites.

All of the above items sound great, and certainly we would have more money than we know what to do with. It is just as possible that we do very little with the money and stay pretty status quo. Either way, who we are as people and our way of life would not really change that much. We are pretty simple folks with simple wants and needs. Don’t get me wrong, Dawn and I love to live it up from time to time, get dressed to the nines and go all out.

Although, I could possibly see a pair of shoes with red soles in Dawn’s closet and pair of full python cowboy boots in mine. HAHA

Finally, this is not stated for effect or because it is “the right thing to say”. I already have everything that money can not buy. I knew I would be married, but did not imagine a partner as special as my wife. I knew I would have kids, but I can not imagine better than what Dawn and I have. No doubt that having more money makes certain things easier. But at the end of the day, it is who we are and represent as people that leaves a lasting impression on people, not money. It is the people that we surround ourselves with and the relationships that we have that provide happiness, contentment, and a gratefulness for each day. Money can not do that, but it is fun to fantasize for sure.

Looking forward to hearing your stories!

May you be happy, healthy, and safe,

t.t.