Love this question... my husband and I dream about this all the time... even though we RARELY play the lottery... I don't know how we expect to "win" this money!
I was just thinking about this in the bath before work this AM.
I watched the Oprah show on million dollar winners this past week and I honestly had tears in my eyes for the people who won... they were so shocked, grateful and HAPPY... I was feeling for them... just to know they they never have to worry, be stressed or need/want for anything MADE ME HAPPY
It seems as if most of the winners, truly needed this money and it really changed their lives forever. I was so happy for them and I'm not a real emotional person!!!
Anyway, I would offer to pay for the remodeling of our small church... we currently have roof leaks and NO hot water (water heater broke) I would also incorporate a soup kitchen to feed a couple hot meals to the needy each week and would also try to add on some sort of a shelter for nights. It get super cold in Michigan... I hate the thought of those who are suffering outside. It's so sad.
Next, I'd build a new humane society for our community. Ours is pretty bad
I'd give the animals more outdoor "natural" room to roam. They're couped up in cement floor/fences inside.. better than being starving, homeless, sick and abused though. I am grateful for what we have in our town.
Third, I would assist our adult siblings and parents. With my parents struggling (dads in college), our brothers and sisters struggling... we would offer to help in the form of a vehicle for each family or possibly a small modest home. We would also set up some college money for our 3 neices/nephews.
Fourth, we'd help some very close friends. Not that they need it, but it would be nice to make other people's life easier
Lastly, we would take care of ourselves... payoff our home, do some simple remodeling (a fireplace, flat screen, small addition) we'd put a fence around our 3 acres (I've always wanted one) and we'd by the two empty lots behind us for some small fair animals for our kids.
Personally, I'd get braces!!!
My husband... would LOVE a nice barn.
I bet we'd take a nice family vacation too...
Thanks for asking this question and allowing me to "daydream" again.
Can't wait to read others' replies...