You Have Just Won 50 Million Dollars, What Do You Do With The First Million?

[kiobe]

I have allways thought that if I won a good deal of money I would buy an appartment building and set it up for single parents so they could go to school and get thier degrees. I would take 2 appartments and set them up as a childcare center for the tennants. Rent and child care would be free as long as the tennets maintained a c-average. The only costs to the tennets would be thier utilities. If someone out there wins, you can steal my idea.
What would you do?

[BibliophileTRJ]

Retire someplace WARM.

Sorry, no lofty goals for the betterment of others. I can do that with the other 49 mil. ME FIRST!

[Video Drone]

I would put about 45 million in the bank... On some kind of plan where I can't really remove it in large quantity at once.

First million, though? I would travel. Germany, Spain, different parts of US and Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Czech, Sweden, Switzerland, Finland, etc. Eventually, I would decide which place I like most and buy a big sturdy house there.

The rest of my millions would go to weird things, such as buying show licenses...

[Stanislaw]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA 50 MILLION DOLLARS HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA *raises pinky to mouth* :D

well, for the first bit, I'd buyt me a house, pay off me parents morgage. buy me a hummer, and then promptly stay in Hawaii for a month. :D

[papayahed]

First mil - I'd travel. Perhaps buy a vacation home in Mexico.

The other 49 I would have to figure out how much would go to family and how to dole it out equitably so there won't be any arguements.

[Weisinheimer]

My first mil would be a house, and do some traveling, first Ireland then maybe to the Mediterranean.

[kilted exile]

Plane ticket, House in Crail, 1920's Bentley with running board, pay off the mortgage on parents & older brothers houses, pay off the younger brothers debt. That should leave approx 450k which I'll invest in a suitable manner to live off of for the rest of my life. The rest will go to various causes which interest me.

[XY&Z]

First mil. would go to the family.
As for the rest (if I could) I would buy a tropical island and allow only good people to come and live on it. It would be forbidden to carry weapons, use drugs (heavy ones :D ) and promote politics. How ever, if would be desired to help and build a big library and everyone would have access to it.
Only the good stuff, I’m tellin’ ya.

[Taliesin]

Are you guys aware that those messages that come to your e-mails and say that you have won big sums of money aren't always real? Sorry if we broke anyoones dream.

Oh, and we would first somehow secure our personal safehood, wouldn't it let be known what i won, make a will, bu ttell nobody about it and become paranoid.

[Moira]

Hi Taliesin,

Not ALWAYS real? Did even once happen to be for real?:)
Yeah, you did not break my dreams .....

First milion would go to my family and a loooong trip around the world.

The rest will go to helping as many people as i could and start a bussiness that will bring even more money:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
50 mil? I can't even imagine that sum ............

[Reccura]

Well.. 50 million... That's pretty big, and dollars, isn't it? Well, I'll make sure that I get to study college abroad first, Harvard... *sigh*
And then some for my family, maybe a third for them.

Hmmm..... Well, a lot of people wants to travel around here (in fact, me too) but I'd help all the poor people in the country, moving to Africa, moving to Mozambique. And then everything will be fine... and then I could rest in peace. And maybe I'd pay (in cash, haha) Pres. Bush so that he could take some action in Global Warming.

[kiobe]

Well.. 50 million... That's pretty big, and dollars, isn't it? Well, I'll make sure that I get to study college abroad first, Harvard... *sigh*
And then some for my family, maybe a third for them.

Hmmm..... Well, a lot of people wants to travel around here (in fact, me too) but I'd help all the poor people in the country, moving to Africa, moving to Mozambique. And then everything will be fine... and then I could rest in peace. And maybe I'd pay (in cash, haha) Pres. Bush so that he could take some action in Global Warming.

I've allways wondered what his parents think of him, really think of him.

[dramasnot6]

I don't think I would ever need more than a million dollars for life. I think 50 million is too much for just me to have, I would probably invest some and donate a lot, or start my own major charity organization or maybe a scholarship fund. But,setting aside 1 million for the bank and my retirement fund(let's cross our fingers for Venice!), I'd love to spend a million dollars taking people from schools around here and in the US on a program in a third world country to experience life as someone underpriveleged and gain an understanding of how lucky they really are. There is nothing that frustrates me more at my school than people choosing to completely ignore the poverty all around the world, it would bring me great hope to see many students like this understand these situations first hand and the importance of helping.

[dstauffer00]

Well I read all the other replies and not one of the winners will do what I would do. First I would fall to my knees and say a prayer to GOD you know the one who just gave you the fifty million.

Then the first 10% or five million would go to GOD helping other people who need help. Then the rest will fall in place of what to do with 45 million dollars.

For me I already have it planned out for there is not a day that goes by that I don't think of how to spen millions of dollars. My wife and I want to help so many people and at the same time enjoy life to it's fullest. I am just waiting for the day to come when I am blessed with that much money.

So if there is anyone out there (Bill Gates) that want's to bless me and see how GOD works, look me up.

[JBI]

Travel the world in highstyle.

[pussnboots]

Oh the possibilities!!
Lets see, with the first million, I would pay off my mortagage, my mothers mortgage and my in laws mortgage. I would then give some money to my brother and nieces and nephews. After that, I would buy a farm somewhere and raise horses and breed dogs. Travel a little and invest. Just enjoy life.

[sprinks]

My first thing would be to get a plane ticket to go to the place where someone I'm missing like crazy is living. And then I'd buy us a house there. Somehow. In this imaginary place where I have 50 million dollars, I'm also now old enough to buy a house :p. Also I'd give some to my family, to my mum, dad, and siblings, and also my grandparents. Also then I'd give some to my closest friends. And then I'd give some to charities. Then I'd donate some to our school, they need some more resources! Then I'd buy a LOT of books, to go in our new house.

[LadyWentworth]

Well, that is easy. I would obtain the house that I have always wanted. I would furnish that house the way that I always wanted my house to look like. I would then make sure that I had just the right amount of money set aside to maintain that house. :) Then I would take a couple of trips that I wanted to take for some time now. As for what would be left, I suppose I would invest it, decide what I would give the family and decide how much to give to the charities that I respect.

[*Classic*Charm*]

Put aside enough to pay of university. Buy my horse. That's about it.

[Jacob's Ladder]

The first Million I would allocate to my children, the remaining 49 million would be for Jacob's Ladder Ranch, Resort & Spa of which I am currently working on .. here it is ..


Jacob's Ladder is about giving to those who have given all their lives, those who have given to others no matter the cost.

One example maybe a mother who has raised 5 children on her own, a man who has given himself to the work of hospice or parents who are raising an autistic child . In some way shape or form an individual who has given of themselves to humanity and to the good of others.

Our Vision is to see Jacobs Ladder Ranch, Resort, and Spa
located west of Denver Co, in the Rocky Mountains.


Jacob’s ladder is a resort ranch with many activities for our guests.
Activities ranging from horse back riding, swimming, tennis, golf, basketball, game rooms, white water rafting, snow skiing, water skiing, massages, facials and so much more.
This is all free to our guests!!
Hence the use of the $49,000,000.00


You may even know someone that fits our description, so write us a letter or email us and tell us about this special someone.

At Jacob's ladder the finest foods in the world will be prepared for our guests, only the best for those who come and stay at Jacob's ladder Ranch, Resort, and Spa.
Nightly bonfires will be a way of bringing the day to a close and a time to talk with one another and share about our experiences throughout day.


The following is a list of guest speakers
on board to help encourage and inspire.



Our first guest speaker is Debbie Happy Cohen, author of Reach Your Stars! Debbie is a well renowned speaker and lecturer, bringing so much love, life, and compassion to what her spirit brings. This is one Amazing Lady!! Thanks Debbie

At Jacob's Ladder we also have evening entertainment with Jazz Great Alan Darcy, Alan brings so much joy and talent and a full heart of love to share as he dazzles the night away, with his sax, vocals and even some comedy.


Mary Lou Hollis of New Beginnings Ministry in Tarpon Springs Florida will also be speaking at Jacob's Ladder, Mary Lou will take you to a level you have never experienced before, her enthusiasm is a one of a kind and you will fall in love with her the minute you hear Mary Lou speak.
This is one special, spectacular woman!


We also have Anthony Calandro; Anthony is a spiritual healer and counselor with much love and compassion to give. Anthony's presence radiates a light that will change your life forever.




Meliane Sherrer is another one of our guest speakers. Meliane moves in the prophetic, Melaine will speak just what she hears from her spirit and it will truly be a life changing experience!




And last but not least myself Brian Webster, I will be sharing my life story from Panic to Peace, my time dealing with panic attacks, agoraphobia and how God lead me into the interpreting field for the deaf. I will be interpreting music and sharing inspired stories of God working in my life.


There is so much more that Jacob's Ladder Ranch, Resort and Spa has to offer.. so stay tuned !! :)


:wave::wave:

[Dori]

The first million would be invested in the stock market, of course. :D

[Emil Miller]

The first million would be invested in the stock market, of course. :D

With the current state of the US economy, you would probably lose it.

[kandaurov]

With that sort of money I would buy a house (economic crisis made them really cheap), an electronic chess board, a good bicycle to do a 30-day tour with, and a place to play paintball in, would pay for singing lessons and would go to a Premier League match. Then I'd finance my PhD and my sister's further education and photography exhibitions. As for the remainder, half to my parents and half to charity.

[Dori]

With the current state of the US economy, you would probably lose it.

I don't think so. In my economics class we're using an online stock market simulator (it's like investing in the stock market with fake money). Everyone started with $100,000. Right now, I'm at $117,000 or so, and we've been doing this since November. If I were to do the same with $1,000,000, I would have a $170,000 gain

And even if I did lose it, it's only a million. :D.

[Emil Miller]

I don't think so. In my economics class we're using an online stock market simulator (it's like investing in the stock market with fake money). Everyone started with $100,000. Right now, I'm at $117,000 or so, and we've been doing this since November. If I were to do the same with $1,000,000, I would have a $170,000 gain

And even if I did lose it, it's only a million. :D.

Watch this space.

[Joreads]

Go on a world trip- is that selfish?

[mmaria]

Buy happiness - is it possible?

[kandaurov]

Great question, mmaria! I'd say you can buy the foundations of happiness but not happiness itself. However, I must warn against the pursuit of happiness. The pleasure paradox says that people who set happiness as a goal don't achieve it, whereas if you focus on other objectives, happiness will come naturally as a result of their achievement. Basically, if you don't look for happiness, you'll find it soon enough ;)

[MattG]

What if there were no concept of money stopping you from doing what you want to do?

[1n50mn14]

All of my travelling! But certainly not in style, lol, the way I always travel- down and dirty and wondering where I'm going to spend the night. Hoping that that shoebox of water out of the Calcutta gutter won't kill me xD.

The other 49, well, that would take some thinking. I don't think I could spend that much in a lifetime. I'd live comfortably, the way I want to live, but not ostentatiously, and help all the people I've always wanted to help. Certainly I'd like to do good things with my money.

[Chong Inc.]

1) 10% tithing ($5 mil)
I'd put it into some sort of annuity or trust fund that will grow forever and never run out, so the Church will always be receiving the funds

3) Pay off debt, buy house, Porsche, etc.. ($2 mil)

4) 33% Give to family in forms of trust funds, cash, etc.. ($16.5 mil)

5) Investments/Savings...(stocks, funds, retirement, savings, etc.) ($10 - 20 mil)

6) Start a business, ensuring that I'll turn these millions into BILLIONS

[mmaria]

Great question, mmaria! I'd say you can buy the foundations of happiness but not happiness itself. However, I must warn against the pursuit of happiness. The pleasure paradox says that people who set happiness as a goal don't achieve it, whereas if you focus on other objectives, happiness will come naturally as a result of their achievement. Basically, if you don't look for happiness, you'll find it soon enough ;)


What I meant was: Is happiness, generally, something you can buy for money. :confused::nod:

[Joreads]

Buy happiness - is it possible?

No but you can buy a better class of misery:lol:

[Aspiring Champ]

My First Blog on here but this question is just too good not to answer.

I never play alone. That much money can isolate you and destroy your life. Half would immediately go to my girlfriend Helen. We always play together so when we win we can still play together.

I would just sit and ponder the overwhelming feeling of being in a position to do and go wherever I want. To make choices based on whether I want the experience and not whether I can afford it.

I would say a prayer of thanks for the privilege of being in a position where I could affect change and assist where before I was paralyzed by lack of resources in situations where my heart bled to help out.

I would carefully plan how I could use the money to create programs that would inspire and motivate all the persons or processes that I previously felt were deserving but where financial resources prevented me from assisting.

Like the nomads in the dessert that roamed from place to place and had no water, I would not dig the wells deeper, drying out the surrounding lands but I would ensure the money was invested in a way that created programs and opportunities for people to reach their goals and offer support that inspired hope and motivation to those seeking better situations for their families and themselves.

I would encourage my husband to leave his full time job and run for public office. Never have I met a man with more intelligence and integrity and that could make such a difference in policies and reform at the grassroots affecting future generations.

I would buy a white wash house overlooking the lake with a patio that blocked the wind where I could have my morning coffee year round and watch the sun come up. My favorite part of the day.

I would travel and see all the wonders of the world, all the great art pieces and take days to memorize the details.

I would go to Russia and find a large mined Alexandrite. A real one and have it made into a beautiful custom piece of jewelry that I could hand down for generations to come.

I would fill my house with Antiques and beautiful china and amazing art pieces and Persian rugs and things I love. I would only purchase pieces I loved and cost would not be a factor....And I would take the time to enjoy each item or piece everyday.

I would help my adult children invest in homes so there futures would be more secure and assist with their education costs to attend the universities they chose not the ones they could afford.

I would buy new shoes for all my girlfriends. Comfortable and fashionable in all the colors available. Only this seasons and not on sale. And I would buy them all the matching bags.

I would fly to Southern Spain, hit the beach with a good book and revel in the luxury of no financial worries, no schedules, no commitments. I would have great Merlot at a dark cafe in Barcelona with fringed red lamp shades and harp music in the background paired with peppered brie and fresh baked bread.

I would plant an amazing garden and water it by hand everyday for hours.

I would put in a walk in closet where I could see all my fashion choices and accessories and shoes at the same time. With big mirrors where I could see head to toe, back and front all at the same time.

I would go for manicures and pedicures every week and stay there until they were dry relaxing over coffee and chatting with my friends.

I would hire a maid and a full time handyman and a gardener.

I would rest everyday and drink lots of water and exercise. I would not work until I was sick. I would not push myself beyond my personal limits. I would look after myself and reduce my stress and make my health my priority.

I would write a book, or finish the one I'm writing and I'd do my taxes up to date.

Everyday, I would be thankful for the extra resources because everyday I am already grateful for this second chance.

The lotto here tonight is 50 million, my girlfriend Helen and I have a ticket.
She's on the beach in Southern Spain.
Thanks for the great question.

[JuniperWoolf]

I would give five million to my mother, five to my father, one to every other household in my family and one to my boyfriend's family. With the rest, I would get a nice appartment in Edmonton and go to school at my leisure without worrying about getting a stupid degree.

[prendrelemick]

I'd spend it on fast cars, hot women, wild parties, and gambling.



The rest I'd waste.

[cwfuture]

If I won $50 million AFTER taxes taken out, Id first buy a house, big enough of a basement to have my "man cave" which would have a big screen tv, papasan, large L shaped couch, air hockey table and pool table, then a large walk in closet from that room to put my large movie collection in. The bedroom would have its own separate bathroom with a stand up shower and a jacuzzi in the bathroom. Id have two dogs, and buy one car along with the car I already have- (One for the winter, one for the summer). Id love an in-ground pool with a diving board. Id buy season tickets to the Green Bay Packers, id go on a Trans-Atlantic cruise, get front row seats to the Superbowl, anddddddddd id pay for Steve Perry to sing at my future wedding some day. Id donate a millions dollars to charity, id start up a indoor floor hockey league in my town/surrounding towns, and id also like to set up a yearly trip to be given to a group of students of my choosing interested in film. Also buying my parents possibly a house. That still leaves A LOTTTTTT of money though! Id have to think of some other stuff

[MystyrMystyry]

Be careful what you wish for - look at aspiring champ: one solitary post and now vanished into the void.

For myself, being in a position of not wanting to win anything, I couldn't tell you what I'd squander it on, hopefully something worthwhile and useful for the most, but who can say if it would alter my personality (I know some would say it could only be for the better - but they don't know me - I possess certain incredible qualities hidden within me that can alter the course of the future and past). So yeah, perhaps I'd change that and then come back here and then tell you what I spent it on

[faithosaurus]

I'd spend it on fast cars, hot women, wild parties, and gambling.



The rest I'd waste.

May I come to those wild parties? Haha.

For me, I'd first pay off all my college bills, then buy a house, buy a pretty car, buy all my friends/family and myself some fun clothes or any other appliance they want, put some in the bank account for whenever, then some to charity.

[stephofthenight]

I would organize a big litnet get together, and fly all my lovelys in and have a unlimited fest :D big fun

[prendrelemick]

May I come to those wild parties? Haha.



Yep, I'd send the private jet to pick you up.

[Hyacinthine]

First million, I'd buy a great place in my favorite part of Boston. After that, though, I'd do a lot of charity stuff and also start my own non-profit. Put some aside for my daughter's schooling and college.

[Sancho]

I'd spend it on fast cars, hot women, wild parties, and gambling.



The rest I'd waste.

How-d-do Mick? I sense a kindred soul.

I saw this bumper sticker on a hunk-O-junk pickup truck in Alabama:


I spent most of my money on women and booze, and I just wasted the rest

[Three Sparrows]

I would give the whole 50 million to charity. I don't need all that cash, but other people are out there who do.