This is Day 1 of the 21-Day Journaling Challenge held in Nov 2011. The challenge is now over but you can do the tasks in your own time. Visit the overview page for all the challenge tasks.
Hi everyone! Welcome to Day 1 of the 21-Day Journaling Challenge aka 21DJC!First off, I’m blown away by your enthusiasm for the challenge. Many of you jumped on board upon the opening for sign ups three days ago. Some of you have experience journaling in the past, while the rest of you do not journal but are keen to give it a shot. We now have an amazing 428 official, registered participants and it’s increasing as we speak!For the 428 of you who have registered, I want you to give yourself a pat on your back. Because you have put your name up for the challenge, you have sent out the intention to the universe that you want to grow. And trust me — it’s going to happen in this 21-day journaling challenge. As long as you commit yourself to journaling the assigned questions every day, you WILL grow — in your consciousness, in self-awareness, and in your connection with your inner self.
Seriously — what would you do? Would you save them in a bank? Would you use them to buy stocks? Would you share them with other people? Would you invest the money in your business? Would you give them away to charity? Would you quit what you’re doing and start a whole new life?What would you do with your million dollars?(Today’s question can be found in #45 of 101 Important Questions To Ask Yourself In Life.)
Hi everyone! Welcome to Day 1 of the 21-Day Journaling Challenge aka 21DJC!First off, I’m blown away by your enthusiasm for the challenge. Many of you jumped on board upon the opening for sign ups three days ago. Some of you have experience journaling in the past, while the rest of you do not journal but are keen to give it a shot. We now have an amazing 428 official, registered participants and it’s increasing as we speak!For the 428 of you who have registered, I want you to give yourself a pat on your back. Because you have put your name up for the challenge, you have sent out the intention to the universe that you want to grow. And trust me — it’s going to happen in this 21-day journaling challenge. As long as you commit yourself to journaling the assigned questions every day, you WILL grow — in your consciousness, in self-awareness, and in your connection with your inner self.Read: 8 Tips To Excel in 21DJC
I’ve written a list of 8 Tips To Excel in 21DJC in the announcement post. Please make sure you read them and follow them to a tee to get the best out of the challenge.Please Use Proper English
Because this is a journaling challenge and there will likely be long passages of text, I require the cooperation of everyone to follow Tip #6 in particular — which is on using proper capitalization, punctuation, spelling, and grammar in your answers.I noticed some registrants using chat speak when signing up (e.g. “i did all d thing wid ney email id”) and some registrants using full caps (e.g. “I LOVE THIS IDEA AND I WOULD LIKE TO SIGN UP FOR THE CHALLENGE”). While it’s only a small handful of registrants, it’s enough to ruin the experience of the challenge for everyone.We’re doing this as a community, so let’s be considerate to everyone who will be reading our answers. Use capital letters if it’s the first letter of the sentence and small letters for the rest. Use proper English words that you’d find in a dictionary, not chat speak. Punctuate accordingly: use commas and semicolons where necessary and avoid run-on sentences. Do a quick scan to make sure your spelling is right before you post your answers. Let’s make this a positive experience for everyone taking part!(For participants who do not comply with #6, I’m afraid I’d have to remove your posts for the benefit of the community. I seek your understanding on this. Thank you!)With that said, let’s now move to our first question, shall we? ;)21DJC Day 1
Today’s question is a simple, age-old, yet powerful question:What Would You Do If You Have 1 Million Dollars?
Seriously — what would you do? Would you save them in a bank? Would you use them to buy stocks? Would you share them with other people? Would you invest the money in your business? Would you give them away to charity? Would you quit what you’re doing and start a whole new life?What would you do with your million dollars?(Today’s question can be found in #45 of 101 Important Questions To Ask Yourself In Life.)Your Task Today:
- Reflect and answer today’s question. Like I mentioned in Tip #4 of 8 Tips To Excel in 21DJC, there’s no word limit – whether minimum or maximum. Write as few or as many words as you want. It’s all up to what you want to express!
- Share your answer. After you are done writing, copy and paste your answer in the comments area and post it there.
- Check out other participants’ answers. Other participants will be sharing their answers too, so feel free to read and reply to their answers. This is a group course, so let’s support each other in these 21 days.
(Images: Empty book for journaling, Money notes)
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If I had a million dollars I would do several things:
1. Thank God!
2. Pay off the balance on my parent’s house. I am tired of seeing them struggle to make ends meet.
3. I would buy my mother a car. Her vehicle has been down for over a year and she and my father haven’t had the finances to fix it.
4. I would move out of my parents house. I love my family, but my husband and I have lived here since we were married almost two years ago. Collectively we have been helping one another with transportation (my car), and my husband quit his job to start working with my dad in his small business. As a result, we haven’t been able to move out on our own.
5. I’d also buy a car and fix up my existing car.
6. Hire a personal trainer…or sign up for a zumba class, lol. Hire the trainer for my husband, and zumba for me =)
7. Buy Christmas gifts for my family.
8.Take a vacation with my hubby! – Part honeymoon (we had a mini-moon) / part family visit – my husband’s family in (another state).
9. Pay off my debts – credit cards, school loans, medical bills.
10. I’d donate the remaining amount to my mother’s nonprofit where I volunteer full time. Every volunteer, including my mother, has worked for free for the past year, giving up a more comfortable living in order to help individuals and families in desperate need. It would be great to be able to set up payroll for our 6 full-time volunteers and finally get into an office!
Just a month ago, if asked, I knew exactly what I will do with a million dollars which is roughly 43 million pesos in the Philippines. I was playing the lotto every week in the hopes of hitting the jackpot. If I get lucky I was going to get an annulment, deposit a huge amount of money for each of my daughters, give my mother, brothers and sisters some money, finish the construction of my house, buy a new car, get a tourist visa and go visit my boyfriend in the United States of America. The bf and I have broken up since. My desire to hit the lotto jackpot has diminished considerably. However if I still get a windfall I will still get an annulment, deposit money in the bank, give my family some money, finish my house or better still buy a new, grander property , buy a car and visit local tourist spots in the Philippines. I will not quit my job. It is a better security than money in the bank. Money easily earned gets spent more quickly than you could imagine. I am frugal but how do you deny needy relatives who will surely come to you for help if they know of your good fortune.
To have a million dollars – that is really beyond my imagination. Right now I would just be glad to have the money to catch up my mortgage!
What I would would do with the money would depend on how I were to receive it. If it were to be over the course of a year, as in a salary I would do several things in a specific order.
The first thing would be to work out a budget where I would determine exactly what my monthly expenditures. After I had that amount, I would calculate what I would need to put back as soon as possible to have a 6 month to 1 year worth of money safely stowed away to cover all necessary bills in a fund that would never be touched – my emergency fund.
The next thing I would do is figure out the amount we would need to get out from under all debt and get it all paid off – our last car, our mortgage, our 1 credit card, some medical bills, and any other items hiding in my bill box.
I would then make sure that my parents are taken care of and that there is money set aside to assist with my children’s education. I firmly believe that people need to work for their education – it really prepares them for employment when their entire life depends on prioritizing, as well as budgeting time and money. I would like to make sure, though, that they are able to have their load lightened during their advanced education.
I would then go back to China and adopt one more child – that 3rd child that my husband and I both have always felt we were meant to parent. I would take both of my other children back with us so they could see their homeland. I would make that trip an extended trip so that they could explore the country of their birth while they are still young enough to share their feelings with me so I can help them deal with the emotions a trip of that nature would create. I would also make sure that there was enough money set aside for that 3rd child to have a similar trip when he got older.
Throughout the disbursement of funds I would be tithing my 10% to my church. The tithing would be for several reasons, one is out of thankfulness for the monetary blessing, another reason is obedience to the teachings of my faith, a third reason is a to pay forward what I have learned and gained spiritually through my church. Without monetary resources, the church cannot continue the ministries that touches so many people.
If I were to receive the money all in one lump sum, my tithing would come right off the top. After that, I would do all things I listed above, but my timeline would be accelerated since I would not have to wait for disbursements over time.
I know there are adoptive families out there that would say that I have it all backwards – that I should be working to adopt another child immediately. I understand what they are saying. I remember the blank, haunted stares of the children left behind in the orphanages. Those eyes still find their way into my dreams. There is still a hole in my heart that is shaped like a small Asian boy (hubby really wants some more testosterone in the house!). Yet I have a responsibility to meet the financial debts that I have. I need to take care of the children who already are under my care. I need to provide an example of how to be a trustworthy, responsible adult regarding financial obligations that already exist.
I list all these things that I would do with this money, but ultimately the question is would this money provide more happiness in my life? Would it provide contentment? The answer, truly, is no. It would provide me with security. It would lessen my financial worries. It would allow me to realize some dreams that at this point I don’t see a way to reach. But is that what I really need? Struggle makes me stronger,as it makes me realize how precious some things are. Conversely, those same struggles can help me understand exactly what is important – what is the true value of the intangibles in life. Going without, or being unsure of the future is also a lesson in faith. It is a lesson in trust and hope. It is a lesson in letting go and not being in control. It can be a lesson in observation and learning how wondrous it is to watch God’s plan unfold.
Nancy, thanks for sharing this. Your comment about the blank, haunted stares is haunting me. I’ve always wanted to adopt; my wife is semi- on board — we’d need 100%, or close — and we’ve got our hands full with our one son now, but I remain hopeful. Good of you to do what you do and inject such wonderful energy into the world.
Thanks – if you ever want your wife to talk to someone who has adopted internationally and has had both the best adoption in the world and one of the worst and is still willing to do it again, let me know!
If I were to have 1 million dollars in my possession at this moment I would first and foremost pay off all my debts. Since I have a spanking brand new passport my next step would be to take advantage of it and use it. I would leave Los Angeles International Airport on the next available to London Heathrow Airport , where I would embark on a one year journey through the U.K., France, Belgium, The Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Greece, Spain and Portugal. My dream is to backpack through each of these countries visiting every cathedral, museum, historical landmark, and famous city. I want to deeply feel and experience everyone of these cultures on a first hand basis. I want to learn their customs, traditions, and belief systems. I want to experience their foods, and wines. I want to live my dream, this dream, this is want I would do if I had 1 million dollars.
That sounds amaaazing! Travel is a super worthwhile investment, because you are EXPERIENCING so much. I bet even after you’d visit all those companies, you’d have some money leftover. :)
Thanks Caitlin. While living my dream I will use as little money as possible and journal all my travels. At the end of the year, I will publish my travel journal for the whole world to learn and grow from my experiences.
First, of all, I am not in the best mind set to be writing this right now, but I really wanted to make sure I got this done, so ya, don’t expect the most well thought out answers.
I’d probably put half of it in the bank. Cuz I’m responsible like that. Try and make interest or at least keep up with inflation… Not sure how I would invest in stocks or anything. I might have to hire a financial advisor for that, lol.
I’d then set aside a bunch for any big investments that I would want. Such as traveling, school, business ventures, etc.
To elaborate: after university, I want to do most of my life traveling, as it is often been told that that is the best time before “real” life starts. But I’d like to travel to Asia, Europe, South America, etc. I want to volunteer and try out various jobs related to biology. That way I can determine what sorts of locations, animals, places, and work I want to do for the rest of my life thereafter.
I’m pretty sure I want to go to grad school after finishing my undergrad. I’d like to do the above mentioned traveling either before or after grad school. But that will take a fair bit of cash. I very much appreciate my parent’s wise investment in me. But being able to help myself would also be a good thing. It’s a matter of pride, and self-reliance/support. Though the original question doesn’t really apply itself to me earning the 1M. There’s also the possibility of going to another country for grad school. I would love to go to Syndey, Australia for my grad. Live in the city and experience big city life while at school. But be close enough to the outdoors, just an hour or two outside of the city.
I’m not sure exactly what business ventures I could invest in. I have no trade skills as far as I know. Perhaps I could take a college course, or a quick business degree, though that doesnt really appeal to me. Not sure.
Okay, so I’ve put money in the bank, and put a bunch off to the side for big projects. I’d then try and help friends in worthwhile goals. Keyword being worthwhile. I would definintly not help them buy a TV or electronics or some shit like that. If they needed money for something that really meaned something to them then Id want to help them. I’d also make sure to buy some awesome wedding gifts and use some money to go see old friends and go on adventures with people.
Finally, I’d splurge on myself. First thing I’d do, is buy a sweet smartphone, like I’ve been pining for the past 2 weeks. I’d probably start acting like a high roller and start hanging out at starbucks, lol. I would go on several shopping sprees. I actually love shopping for clothes. I just need money to do that. I’d buy more decoration for my room. Probably another hat to go on my hat rack. Maybe some neat electronics. Though I’m not sure what I actually need. 1 million dollars would also make me feel much better about eating out all the time and buying food and snacks and stuff. Hmm.. I cant really think of any other possessions I’d need or even want. Oh! my dream electric guitar with a clear body and multicolored LEDs inside of it, attached to each string. So that everytime a string is plucked, an LED flashes. It would be soooo cool.
Okay! That’s all I can really think of. Good night folks!
If I had a million dollars, the first thing I would do would be to pay off my student loan. I would also pay off all the medical bills incurred when I had my baby this year, and I would get all the necessary work done on my car. I would have the majority of the money in a savings account, making interest while I made plans on what to do next.
I would like to set up a college fund for my daughter, my niece and my nephew, maybe 10,000 for each placed in investment accounts so their money will have grown by the time college arrives.
I would look into investments for myself and where to place my money to make it grow. I would make sure that my parents were paid back for all that they have given me. I would like to help my grandparents get settled in their last years. I would like to help my partners mom move in to a house that she loved.
I would look for ways to use my money to generate even more profit. I’d also like to take a sweet vacation somewhere…maybe a cruise or an island stay. I’d also like to buy a home for myself, my partner, and daughter to live in together, but after all of the above there may not be much left for that…maybe in a different area or state. :)
I’m sure I’d also buy some new clothes and at least one really nice celebratory dinner…but for the most part I would really try to sit down and plan the best way to spend and make the million work for me and my family, just as I try to do with my paychecks.
Oh! and very importantly, I would use some of the money to support the World Food Program, and make sure that young people here in the States as well as abroad are fed each day. I don’t know if I would donate a chunk of money at once, I think that I would rather sponsor a few children here, and a few in an African or Indian country (or both!) monthly; if I could ensure that the funds were going directly to the children. It would be an enlightening cause to explore. All babies should have food to eat! ~Caitlin
My first step would pay off all my immediate family’s debt/obligation. Then I would take us all on vacation. We have had a rough few years and could do with some fun in the son. After vacation was over, I would return to my hometown, purchase a house & couple acres of land. I would then invest a certain portion in my business as well as an equal amount in setting up the non profit mentoring organization I plan to start for teen mothers. The final amount I would invest carefully to provide residual income for my family and my organization.
I would pay every single one of my debts, large and small—I am now debt free!!!
Next, get another car—new, reliable!
Make needed repairs to my present car!
Take a needed vacation back home!
Go over my list of people/things I’ve been wanting to give money and GIVE MONEY to all those who need it!!! Yay!
Plan, then take a European and African vacation!
:dance:
What would I do with 1 million?
Hmmm… Give 50000 to my sister , so she can start with buying her own flat, 50000 to my parents, so they can renovate house and won’t think about selling it anymore (there is always so many memories from your family home ;p first bruise from falling from the tree, first broken bone from jumping to too shallow river, my dog having it first puppies under my bed, …)
I would biuld animal shelter and donate to existing ones in my country, where too many people are living their animals tide up to the trees, in the shopping malls, etc.
Bought myself a cottage somewhere in Italy, ideally in one of Cinque Terre villages and live there in happiness and peace.
Put some of the money on saving account so I wouldn’t need to worry about my future life and the rest spend on around the world travelling ;)
“What would you do if you had a million dollars?” truly is the age old question. It has made think about everything that I have and everything that I want. Most importantly, it makes me think about what I need and what I want for others.
If I had one million dollars, the first thing I would do would be to pay off my parents debt and set aside money them and my brother’s and sister’s education. I would do it because I want each one of them to have the opportunity to live their lives without and concern for monetary issues. I want my family to be able to start from here forward and live and do what they want to do so they can feel fulfilled.
I would also put a way enough money to sustain me for 2 months. I do not know what types of opportunities I will have in the future. I do not know where I will want to travel or where I will end up. This way no matter what, I know I can be on my feet or I can go wherever I want to go. I know that if an opportunity comes about that leaves me without income, I can take it. I can take risks and not need to account for every penny when I do so.
Finally, I would start a business. I would create a home for people to run to when they need to escape whatever seems to be pushing them away. More than likely, I would do so in the form of a cafe and coffee shop. The restaurant would be ever changing though, much like everyone’s lives. It would feature each person that came through the door. Everyone would be able to leave their mark. They could leave their art as decoration or pin their quote on the wall. The menu itself would have the same ideal. Every few weeks or so, the menu items would change. No one likes change, especially not at “home” but the cafe would be a place of friendliness, simplicity and truth. Reminding everyone that life is always changing, but deep down it really is the same.
And well, the rest of it would be split between stocks and savings, so that I can do what I need with it, while still be thoughtful.
This question is easy, pleasant and fun to answer. It deals with my values and I have devoted time to them.
I would give away about 75% to scholarships for students.
I would buy an exciting car, maybe a new Vette or a collector Vette.
I would buy high quality camera and computer equipment and learn photography.
I would pay off bills and debt.
I would take a 1 month vacation to the beach, mountains, and jungle for photography.
I would share some money with my family.
I would be quite fully happy!!!
If I had a million dollars the first thing I would do is pay off my debt. The second thing, put money aside for my son. The third, pay off home loans for my family or at least pay half of the loan for them.
I would also buy some items for myself that I wouldnt normally buy just for fun and the rest will go into the bank to collect interest for my retirement.
I plan on keeping my job, its a lot nicer getting up and going to work every morning because you want to, not because you live paycheck to paycheck.
….a lot of things; first put the money on the bank, to ponder about what I would do.
Then use a part of the money for travelling, with my family…going for months (or longer) to other cultures, learn from and with them, aid them, participate in voluntary work. Support local initiatives. See new horizons and also raise my kids with broad horizons.
Back home (if we came back) donate money to charity. Take another education, be a not-working mother…so spending a lot of time with the kids. I would choose to be more at home with the kids, having time to bake with them and to be there for them and with them. I would also like to be more active in voluntary work.
Part of the money should maybe go to an old-age-investment-thing, even though I always feel that money will never be a real issue. Oh, and of course some money should go to buying a house and a brand new family car and education for the kids, some to the rest of family and friends… we would actually start off with a pretty big party I guess, to celebrate :D
If I was given a million dollars I do not know how much would really change. I would probably put part of it away in investments…maybe start a trust sort of situation and use those funds to try to make a difference in the community that I live in.-Peter
What would I do if I have a million dollars? Seems like an easy questions, right? I’d quit my job so that my time would be my own. I ‘d have time for reading, writing, learning, traveling; all the things I love to do. However, these days, even though a million dollars still sounds like a lot of money, the reality is that it is not.
The reality is that even with a million dollars I would still be afraid of running out of money. So, I’d probably put the money in the bank and keep working. I associate a job with security. I need to change this! I need to really work on trusting the natural abundance of the universe. When I really KNOW that everything I need
will be provided for me, then I will be able to let go of the job whether I have a million dollars or not.
If I had a million dollars, I would be thankful. Though I know the money wouldn’t give me direct happiness, it would reduce a lot of unnecessary stress. The money would give me an opportunity to be carefree and think about other more important and interest things beyond paying bills and tuition fees.
First thing on my list, I would pay off my parents’ mortgage and any other big expenses that they have incurred over their lives while raising me. I am grateful for all the hardships they have faced and all their interests they have sacrificed for me. Even though I do not express my feelings to them directly due to differences in our opinions, doing something kind for them would make me feel a little less guilty for being such a “bad daughter”.
Second, I would pay off all my student loan and breathe easy for once.
Third, I’d put a big chunk into a savings account, or invest it in mutual funds or real estate. I’ve heard about the “age benefit” in investments, more times than I can count and if I didn’t contribute towards personal savings with the million dollars I somehow miraculously acquired, I woul be a fool.
Finally, I’d travel the world, explore my interests and eventually develop a meaningful passion. I’d take up work in another country. I’d make splurge a little; make little changes to increase the convenience and comfort of my current lifestyle (buy a car, more clothes, get manicures done every week!)
However, one big thing that I’d like to be sincere about is I would continue living the same kind of humble and down to earth lifestyle that I live today. I think that is a value that my parents have instilled in me from childhood, and to be quite frank, its a blessing. Having the peace of mind financially, would be only an additional blessing. But making a big show of the money, or blowing it all off within a year, is not something I would really want to take part in. Of course what happens when I actually get the million dollars, might be quite different from what I fantasize here. So when I earn a million dollars worth of savings, or win the lottery, I shall post back again to let you know what I actually did with all the money! :)
If I had a million dollars, I would feel the weight of the responsibility of making good choices and doing the “right” thing so much, that initially I would be stuck with my brain spinning and my shoulders hunched up around my ears. Even with what money I have now, I am always thinking of what I feel I should be spending it on, what my family thinks I should be spending it on; what society thinks I should spend it on?? Even when I have hardly any money at all it doesn’t change the weight of the responsibility I feel to be making the “right” choice because once it’s spent I can’t get it back and choose differently. I realize I haven’t answered the question yet even, but this paragraph is just a short example of the inner battle and judgement that would be going on inside my head.
I would feel the need to put some of it in savings because that’s what my parents would want me to do and I know that you do have to prepare for the future because now more than I ever, I know that things can change in a heart beat and you never know what it is going to come next.
I would want to buy some things for my family and friends…things that they deny themselves because they are all making the responsible choices every day too.
I would want to invest in my business that I’m trying to start from home so that I don’t have to worry about when I sell something, or how many I sell or when I might get another order and can just enjoy the making of beautiful things for people and seeing them enjoy something that I have created!!
I would want to help my family and boyfriend pay for medical and home needs that they have been struggling with because I try to help as much as I can but don’t have the kind of money they often need for all the of the health issues and medicines.
I would want to help others, there are so many “others” that it’s hard to know where to begin but I would want to send chunks of it to St Jude’s Hospital and the WWF and the other places that I try to support….there is so many causes that need so much more than even a million dollars can help with.
I would want to make life easier for myself and for the ones I love in the small ways that some extra money can do without really changing my life or how I live or where I live all that much. Just smooth out some of the kinks and cracks and soothe the wounds so that we can all appreciate everything more.
Of course I would want to travel and buy something amazing I never thought I could afford but so much comes in and floods my mind before I get to those obvious things that they must not be as important to me as I thought they were.
If I Have 1 Millions Dollars, I will
– Give 90% to others (widows, orphans, poors, missionaries) and
– Keep 10% for myself (food, clothes, shelter, Personal Excellence books ;)
Buying $1m worth of Personal Excellence e-books would be the best answer ;)
My first thought when pondering today’s question is that one-million dollars is not a lot, and that it would not be a sufficient economic gain in my developed country. This dis-heartens me, because one-million dollars in an un-developed country would feed, clothe, and school hundreds of needy children and save them from a life of starvation and early demise. Nearly a year ago, a couple in their mid-forties had won one-million dollars on a national lottery in my home town, and when asked what they were going to do with the money they said that they would put it in the bank (they were both employed by the oil industry, and were needy by no means). I am not scrutinizing them, but merely contrasting their use of one-million dollars to that of a struggling community in some distant country.
If I had one-million dollars, I would take some time off, probably a year or two. I would use that time to break away from the stress in life and spend some valuable time with my kids and watch them grow. I would ponder extensively over my life; past, present, and future. I would spend time cultivating useful habits that I have struggled with accumulating up to this point. And I would probably write a book, because I would finally have no excuse not to. And who knows if I would ever go back to school, but if I did…
I would put some money aside, and it would have a very distinct purpose. I would quit the degree that I am now pursuing and I would begin pursuing a new degree in either psychology or English, the educational path that I have not chosen because I have two young children and I figure that it is best to finish school and begin making money sooner rather than living off loans for an extensive amount of time, which would be required to be successful and be guaranteed a job in a writing or psychology career. The money that I put aside would be used to support me and my children through school. I would also pay off all of my tuition for my desired programs and the years that would follow.
I would buy a brand new, energy efficient car, probably a Chevrolet volt. This would ease my conscious as I would not be polluting the air on my daily drive. I would most likely put a down payment on a smaller house, the down payment would be large enough so that my mortgage payments would not be larger than the rent that I am paying now. I would put some money in the bank for my kids. And… I would ensure that my grandmother would have a comfortable last bit of her life, because she has given all of her love, time, and literally all of her money to help raise me and my siblings, and as a result I feel indebted to her on a personal level. Even though my love in return would suffice, I would feel much better if I could provide her with warm meals and a trip back to the home land of her ancestors, which has always been a life-long wish for her.
I would buy a large piece of land in an endangered part of the world, probably the rain forest, and I would protect it so that no harm or damage would occur to the intricate and valuable ecosystem that claimed the land as their home. I would open a small animal shelter close to my home-town, and would use the money for building and fund-raising. The shelter would provide free spaying and neutering to anyone with a pet and lacked the funds, and would also provide a home to abused and forgotten animals.
Although it seems like I have used most of the one-million dollars, I estimate that there would still be half of the money left, or at least a quarter. I would use the rest of the money to travel to poverty ridden countries and help communities by providing them with clothing, foot wear, medical and school supplies, as well as anything else that they needed. I would take my children so that they could share the experience and grow from the experience. I would learn the language of the people and I would become their friend, and I would experience their lives and become more aware, wise, and caring as a result.
I am blessed to have a job that pays well, but $1,000,000,000 would certainly give me more confidence to live out more of my dreams. Retirement is right around the corner for me (2015) so investing the million would probably be the best for me. Of course, I would share some with my family and have a little fun now !
When using money, I look at how I can use it to help three groups of people:
1) Family
2) Myself
3) Underprivileged
In this respect, if I were to have a million dollars, here will be the ways I will use the money in order of priority.
1) Set aside 10% for specific charitable causes that needs immediate help.
2) Clear all my existing debts.
3) Buy my family a house. We do not have our own place at the moment. This is the most important thing for me right now to provide my wife and children with a stable and safe environment to grow and develop.
4) Set aside a sum of money to ensure that my children will have the education funds for their future.
5) Invest money in the following areas so that financial freedom for my family can be achieved in time and also to build up resources to fund my charity work for the underprivileged:
– Business in my passion areas to make this my full time work.
– Stocks and Commodities
– Real Estate
– Other people’s businesses that is worth investing for a return.
– My wife’s and my own continuous education and personal development.
6) Set up a non-profit charitable organization to help underprivileged children of the world learn, play and enjoy sports.
If I somehow I happened upon 1 Million Dollars, I would:
– pay off my car loan, $14,500
– pay for grad school, $15,000
– Give my parents $5,000
– Take a family Vacation, $5,000
– Take a trip with N, $5,000
– Join a gym, get a personal trainer for 60 days $1,200
– Pay off my credit card $3,000
– Update my technology (iphone, computer) $2,000
– Get a dog, create a “fund” for future pet expenses $5,000
– Have an amazing wedding $35,000
– Have an amazing honeymoon $6,000
– Update my clothing/shoes/jewelry/makeup wardrobe $3,000
– Treat my closest friends to an amazing dinner/night out $1,500
– Save the rest for a future home (and gourmet kitchen :) )
I would teach preschool in the AM (as I do now), and quit my “afterschool activities” job in the PM, and take on more Grad school classes. I continue to pursue my hunt for a different pre-school job, hopefully full time (9am-3pm).
If I have one million dollars, I will use my money as a capital to invest in my business- Bookshop. I hope that I will increase my sale in book. If I gain profit from my business, I will pay for social back for better in Environment. Besides, I give some to my parent and sister. Moreover, I can use it to travel around Asean country that it is my goal. the one more thing is I will use buy something that I want like a beautiful house. I hope that it will become true.
This is a confusing question for me. I start with wanting to quit my job and try different things that aren’t necessarily profitable. I haven’t found my passion in life and most of my time is spent working. If there were no need to work, I could devote my time to trying new things and searching for that thing that gives my life meaning. This option doesn’t necessarily require a lot of money. It simply requires enough to live on until I can find something that satisfies both a passion and financial stability.
The next thought is that I would give the money away. Donating to charities is a grand idea, but I’ve never felt better for handing a check to a faceless cause. Ultimately, I would want my family to gain from this, but their troubles cannot be solved with money. Even with my current income, I am the highest earner in my immediate family and I do all I can to provide for them. Adding more zeroes to my checks will not change life.
So, we come to my true reaction to 1 million dollars. I don’t want it. I wouldn’t know what should be done with it. Who might benefit most or how it might bring me or those I care about a better quality of life. I fear the kind of power that comes with wealth. I also fear the corruption and jealousy that it brings. All that I need in life can and will be found without such a layer of false security. The less I have to distract me from the important things in life, the better my life will be. I want to earn my happiness and not give in to the illusion that perhaps it might be bought.
If I had a million dollars, I will send 25% of it back home to my family and 25% to my husband’s family so they can live a more comfortable life.
The remaining half of it, I will invest, save and eventually spend on my own family. How I will specifically spend it is not something I can plan for right now as it really depends on what me and my husband will decide on.
Needless to say, it will definitely put my mind at ease that we have something ready when we plan to retire.
First, I would ensure all of my wife’s student loans are paid off, clear our family’s debts, and then secure my children’s educaitonal future. Afterwards, I would establish a scholarship program with my local Boy Scout Council ofr Eagle Scouts. Scouting is a passion of mine and I would want to give back to the ideals that have helped me be successful in life.
Whatever may be left would hopefully allow me to take my family on a Panama Canal cruise, something I’ve wanted to do for many years.
Since I have a career I enjoy and not working is not an option for me, I think knowing that there is a long term affect with the cash would be most enjoyable.
It would be nice to be a millionaire and own all that money.
With inflation and how much things cost nowadays, $1 million in Singapore or for that matter anywhere in the world, is not really that much. Unless, if you live somewhere in a remote area.
Ideally I would like to purchase and pay in full a 2/3 bedroom private apartment to be rented out. This could easily be in the region of S$900k – 1m, depending on location and type of facilities that come with the property. My idea of renting out the apartment so that I can have a passive income for my retirement and old age.
The remainder of $100k, will be spent as follows:
$20k pay up on my son’s student loan
$20k on some decent, inexpensive furniture for the apartment. To rent out I should at least put in the electrical appliances such as stove, refrigerator, washing machine, dryer, television, etc.
$20k donation to charity
$20k put in low risk investment
$10k holiday trip for family, sisters and family and myself to nearby location
$10k miscellaneous expenses and any extra, if any, to save!
I will still continue working but the $1m will come in handy.
I guess it all depends on whether I receive the 1 million dollars currently or in the future!
I just graduated college and am planning on attending graduate school. So, If I received the money now I would definitely set aside a decent amount to help pay for graduate school. I would also set aside some money to keep in a savings account. I would give some money to my parents and grandparents who have always stood there by my side no matter what. Again, since this is something that would take place right now I have no intentions of buying a house or a new car anytime soon. It would only be after my schooling is finished. I would also like to give some money to a few charities that I am fond of. I think the most important thing here is to carefully plan how to use that million dollars. I’m no financial expert, but I’d definitely plan to the best of my ability before spending or saving and realizing I have no idea what I’m doing!
If I received the money in the future I would pretty much do the same thing as I mentioned above except add a couple other categories. These would be: paying off loans/mortgages, perhaps buying a new car if I feel it necessary, saving for a nice vacation, saving to make my home nicely decorated, and saving for my kids.
I can’t imagine how I would feel if I received 1 million dollars. There would be so many emotions running through my head it would be impossible to describe. But I’d like to think that I would not be hasty in spending it all and hopefully planning as wisely as possible.
Close to my heart, is to set up a personal development school in my home country Uganda. With a million dollars in hand, i see this dear dream of mine realized. I would be able to quit my job and focus on teaching young people self development so that they can grow up to realize their wildest dreams and being winners in all areas of their lives. To be honest, i will spoil my self a bit with luxuries that i could afford but will make sure that whatever i purchase is inspiring to these young children. Its a struggle for most families in my country to acquire most basic necessities of life due to lack of good paying jobs,caused by either, lack of education or opportunities,or both. I will make sure that i set up a scheme where by some of these people can get involved and earn a decent living to be able to provide for their families and regain their pride. A sound investment is also required so that this money does not just go down the tube by unwise spending. With a good eye and professional consultancy, i believe i can do well.This is vital especially that when you just happen to get a windfall of money,chance is one hasn’t got the system in place to earn it in case of squander as one might not have accumulated this money through a mastered process. So i will take time to learn more about money making and handling.Lastly, i will make sure that my close family are not left out.
If I had a million dollars I would first set aside money for my children to be received five years hence. I would then encourage them to start pursuing their dreams now, knowing that there was a life raft waiting for them if necessary in five years. I would also set aside an additional sum in the form of a trust for my youngest son who may not be able to completely support himself. I would also look into the possibility of my wife and I taking a year off from work and traveling to, and living in, various locales that we have talked about retiring to so that we could try them out before we make a big commitment to move somewhere on a more permanent basis. During that year I would also explore “second career” options. I would also pay off the mortgage on my house. I would also plan a vacation with the entire family (mom, aunt, sisters, in laws, and their families) to a nice warm locale. Finally, money would be donated to various non-profit organizations, most likely those whose mission is consistent with a vegan message. Any money remaining would be used to set up an account that would be used for annual family vacations.
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