Congratulations! You won. You have dreamed of this momentious occasion, and now YOUR SHIP HAS COME IN! Perhaps, on a notepad, chalkboard, or bedroom wall, you have scribbled your mathematical calculations for the next 20, 25, or 40 years (depending upon your winnings).
How long will it take for the shock to wear off -- one week, one month, six weeks, or even six months? SNAP OUT OF IT: YOUR DAYS OF DREAMING ARE OVER -- IT'S REALITY TIME, NOW! Did you have a game plan BEFORE your winning, or are you now running around like a chicken with its head cut off?
These are some of the things I have considered if I were to win:
1. Who were my friends BEFORE I won and chose that lump sum payment? Who helped me cross that bridge when the bridge was crumbling?
2. Who are my acquaintances? There are differences, you know? Sometimes, there is a fine line between love and hate!
3. Do I keep my same lifestyle (with a few modifications). I now live in an apartment. Would purchasing a house with its many problems: repairs, insurance, etc., be economically feasible?
4. How much do I want to PAY MYSELF, according to my new lifestyle.
5. Do I now have to update my LAST WILL & TESTAMENT, POWER OF ATTORNEY, RIGHT TO DIE STATEMENT, OBITUARY, FUNERAL SERVICE, or other LIFE INSURANCE FORMS?
6. Checking account, savings account, mutual funds, treasury bills, and stock options? Choices, choices, choices. Of course, the majority of my money would go into my savings account, a.ka. my rainy-day-fund; next, checking account -- minimal balance of $100,000; some money in treasury bills; mutual funds (my motto: buyer beware); and avoiding the plague of death -- stocks. Really, stocks are for the long haul -- 10, 15, or 20 years: if I need my return investment now -- I am wasting my time.
7. Day of death? Which brings me to -- how long I will live? Perhaps, I will not live long enough to collect my stock investments.
8. I cannot forget the dogs. How I love animals. I am certain they will appreciate my heft donation. I, dphillips, being of sane mind and judgment, do hereby bequeath to the ASPCA the amount of $20 million dollars. THAT'S ALL FOLKS!
