2017-08-25

What would I do if I had a lot of money?

In view of the recent lottery wins, there was a lot of discussion in our vanpool yesterday about what one would do if they came into a lot of cash.

There was talk of buying things, vacations, homes, etc. In my case, I didn't really have to think much about it. I know what I need to do.

So if I came into a lot of cash (let's say for arguments sake - $100 million USD) - this is what I'd do -

  1. Pay off any and all debts in full - Bills, loans, contracts, etc. I don't want to owe anyone anything going forward.
  2. Set up a retirement fund for the family - This is so we can live comfortably on a solidly fixed amount of money per month for the rest of our lives and can pay off regular bills on a monthly basis (electricity, taxes, groceries, utilities, clothing, etc.). Also, it ensures I have controls in place so I can review what money is going to where.
  3. Acquire a nice house in a quiet neighborhood or with a lot of land- It certainly doesn't need to be a mansion. And I don't mean 'buying it' in the sense of paying out to a bank over 30+ years. I mean getting a house and owning it free and clear from the get-go. For me, it's not a financial investment - but rather a life investment. I want a place that I can truly make a home for me and my family; someplace they can always call their own.
  4. Set up trust funds for each child - this way each kid can live comfortably on their own and make choices to help them find happiness without having to struggle as I did. Of course, it's not for me to impose - if they choose to go their own way, they can. But it's there if they ever need it.
  5. Set up college funds for each child - I feel like I'd set up something separate to the last one in the event the kids want to pursue 'higher education'. Of course, I'd have to ensure the necessary controls are in place to make sure the money is spent and used wisely. 
  6. Set up trust funds for future grandchildren - same as 4.
  7. Build a recording/production studio and rehearsal facility - this way I can make the music I want whenever I want to. Also would help in other non-musical endeavors like books and films.
  8. Assist other family members (parents, siblings) with any financial difficulties - Of course, this would only go to a certain point. I'd want to ensure that the money's spent wisely and for what it's intended for. Also, likely it'd be a one-time deal.
Once done, probably I'd have a lot of money left over. I'd divide half of it into investments into businesses and ideas I believe in. The rest would be disposable income that could be spend on things like 2nd or 3rd homes, guitars, amps, travel, etc., along with donating a portion to a number of causes I believe in - especially initiatives that help stop and reverse global warming, and ensuring all people have access to good health coverage, college and affordable housing, banking, etc.

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