Well it has happened – you are holding the only winning lottery ticket for fifty million dollars. What I am asking you to do is pretend a little bit. I would need to, since I do not buy lottery tickets and frankly wouldn’t even know how.
- What would you do if it happened?
- Do you buy a big boat?
- How about a fast car?
- Do you take a trip around the world?
- Do you donate some money to charity?
- Who do you help out?
- Do you quit your job?
Well before you answer those questions here is what I think I would do. First I wouldn’t quit my job. I love what I do and actually would make a commitment to Omnicom and M/A/R/C Research to work for at least one more year. Right away I would help out some friends and family members who have gone on hard times. I don’t believe I would buy anything fancy except I would buy a minority share in a minor league baseball team.
I think long term I would write a book or two, be a guest lecturer at colleges and continue to present at conferences in the market research industry.
Now your turn:
What would you do short and long term?
I look forward to reading your comments.
Stephenie Gordon says:
it’s funny, my husband joined a lottery pool at work, so we were laughing about what we would do if we won. (his boss is also int he pool and they had to agree to give 6 months notice before quitting if they won in order to be in the pool).
We decided, we would pay off the house and any other outstanding debt first. We would save at least one million per child for college education / weddings / first homes.
Then if there was any left, probably a vacation property on Pawley’s Island or Highlands, NC or Big Canoe, we aren’t certain on the details of the vacation home, but somewhere within driving distance.
I would not quit my job, I love it too much. However, Greg (my husband) would quit his and continue to write and play golf or open a breakfast / lunch only place in Dunwoody. That may sound like work to some, but it sounds like heaven to Greg.
Ruthann Chesnoff says:
It wouldn’t really change my life style! What it would do is take some of the pressure of running my company! It would give me the opportunity to help my friends and family! I would make sure to see that my grandchildren have the opportunity to go the colleges of their choice. Then I would take more vacations! I would like to take a trip and cover all the states in the US that we have not been to. We already have a lot of charities that we support but would do more. I would like the chance of putting this in motion.
Merrill Dubrow says:
Ruthann,
Nice comments. College and heping peope. Great combo!
Merrill
Steve Gentile says:
I think I’d be able to finish writing my book that much sooner (maybe) but I would certainly NOT stop moderating/ethnographic work. I love this work and enjoy working with those I’ve had the pleasure to meet throughout the years.
Hell, you think my wife’s gonna listen to me say “What’s up with the air conditioning in this place — ” like we tend to do at facilities nationwide? If you know my wife, you already know the answer!
I would be able to donate time and financial resource to charities I believe in, and I would also make a point to give directly to people in need.
Then I’d look for my flip flops, head to the beach, with somebody else’s good book in hand,
Steve Gentile says:
Oh, I think I’d barbeque more often too.
Merrill Dubrow says:
Steve – I would love a cheeseburger!
Merrill
janet says:
I would not quit my job, but I might need to negotiate for more vacation time. Don probably would quit and go trout fishing. I am sure we would buy a cabin tn the mountains near some of his favorite spots.
I love my house but I would spend lots on additions and renovating.
I would set aside money so that all the grandkids could go to the college of their choice. I would invest in my daughter’s photography business so that she could concentrate on growing it.
Definitely a beach house would be in my future and an extended trip to Europe.
Willie Martin says:
First things first…
1.I’d count it..make sure I am not getting shorted.
2.Disconnect my current number. I don’t need hangers on or phony friends.
3.Disappear and just…travel…
4.Upon my return I would see if I have any outstanding debts.
5.Find a nice home for Mom and Dad.
6.Take up more reading.
7.Go back to school and see about how to properly invest my windfall, conservatively. No get rich quick schemes.
8.Become a serial dater and see how many lawsuits I can accrue (joke).
9.Call my ex and just laugh for 5 minutes at a time.
10.Become a season ticket holder for the Yankees, Canadians, Vikings, and 76ers.
11.Philanthropy.
12.Golf…LOTS of golf!
13.Appear on Maury Povich once a month and yell, ‘I AM NOT THE FATHER!’
14.Shake Rush Limbaugh’s hand and tell him to not fear the footsteps…and
15.Go into Jerry Springers audience and hand out 1 dollar bills to every fan. Pay it forward…
I would also legally change my name and go into hiding…
Take care Merrill
John Castellano says:
How much money are we talking about? If its $5M + I retire immediately, less than that and I’d pay off all outstanding loans, give a little money to each of my three brothers and secure myself for a comfortable future.
If it were one of the mega wins where after taxes you gross $20M+ then I’d sit down with a financial team decide what to gift, what to save long term for future income and what to buy now for instant gratification. I like luxury travel I’d do a lot of that, and pay for a friend or two to come along. With my parents in their 80′s I’d try to give them some life experiences they never imagined. I like to entertain and give gifts this would be a big part of my life. A weekly spa treatment would be a must.
JSC
Jennie says:
I’d pay off my house and then me and my buddy Dubes would be off to NYC to watch a Yankees/BoSox game!!!