What would you do if you won $1 million?

[Angela4U]

Hum, $1 Million, I don't think this would go very far since a decent home in Taos, runs about $600K. Starting there and then moving on to taking our entire family on a vacation of a lifetime. Building memories that will last a lifetime! Next, purchase an MKS (that's a car for those of you that didn't know). Set money aside for our two youngest for college, one is a Senior the other a Freshman. Put some away in an IRA and then at least $10K to local charities. I know that isn't exactly tithing (sp) but that's were I'm at.

[2gr8kids]

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...

[MichelleTexas]

Alot if you may think I am weird, but I hate it when my husband plays the lottery! I have a fear of winning it and it will change us! I understand we have control of how it will effect us. Don't get me wrong, I would definately payoff debt, give to our church & charities, and help my family, but the remainder would be a worry to me. If it was up to me, I would give it all away, but that's where my husband and I would have arguments. I'd rather have our happy home the way it is now!

[poptart]

pay off my boyfriends house, buy me a car, buy my parents a house, put some in savings just in case thee boyfriend changes his mind on marrying me. Maybe buy a house for myself or at the lake/beach. Take a trip to Ireland. Go shopping! I dunno, that about sums up all the money.

[aussieroo1]

Quit my job, buy a new car, buy a new house, pay off debts and bills, and go on a vacation with my family!

[Shadowcatto]

If I ever won $1 million. I would either set up a fund to help low income people get emergency veterinary care for their pets or I would open my own animal shelter. I know what it feels like to have a sick/dying animal and either be turned away by the vet for being unable to pay or have to go into debt to get them the help that they need, only to be bled dry with promises that your pet will get better only to have to watch them die anyway. It has happened to me three times! I hate that people and their animals have to go through this. It makes me so angry, that someone who knows how to and is supposed to help is willing to just let them die over a lack of money. It's disgusting! The same thing with health insurance, people are dying because they don't have the right health insurance or any at all and no money to pay for their health care. I think it's outrageous that these things occur and if I had the money, I would do everything I could to help people in this situation save their beloved pets.

[mahalo]

I would pay off all my debt.

Build or buy a nice little house for my son and I.

Buy a nice car..but nothing over the top.

Invest and Save the rest.

[DianneD]

You're right, $1mil doesn't go as far as it used to. But I'm new here so I thought I'd jump in the deep end with ya'll...

This is actually a great thing to think about, rather than worrying about bills and such!

So my list...

1. Fund a huge investment account

2. Refinish our yucky old wood floors and make them beautiful

3. Do some landscaping

It's fun to think about!

--Dianne