Most of us would like to win the lottery – I certainly would. I often laugh as a lot of people talk about it but do not buy the tickets. I am also guilty. However to be honest, I once won the lottery. A long time ago we won a small prize via the Postcode lottery. It was a lovely trip to Nice; we went aboard the Star Clipper for 4 days. We sailed to Elba, Corsica, Monaco then back to Nice. This free trip was such a nice surprise although no free cash was handed over. I guess it was in preparation for the GRAND PRIZE – a mind boggling amount of life changing cash.
Be mentally prepared to win
Life changing? That is what we all think. A large lottery win could be for better or worse. When one wins the lottery – it is a surprise. We wished for it but somehow, we do not really expect it to happen. When it happens, most people are not prepared. The pockets are ready but not the minds. The mindset is not always there to handle more than they were used to. It becomes overwhelming. It is too much to manage so much money. It gets spent on material things which are expendable - the dream car, travel, clothes and other material items and risky investment. Money will be spent like Monopoly money. It seems like happiness at first because there is enough cash to buy anything and everything. However, this happiness can be fleeting. The cash flies away as easily as this dream. The money can be gone in no time – changing hands swiftly – coming in and out of our lives but not changing our lives. Sometimes one is just not prepared for the upheaval – an emotional, financial and situational upheaval.
Would I be prepared? Haha - well maybe. I really cannot be sure but I hope so. The win I mentioned above can be called a nice trip. It is not the same as winning wads of cash. I think I am prepared since my girl scouts’ days - the motto was “Be Prepared” afterall. If I won millions of extra unexpected cash – it will most certainly be life enhancing. I think my accounting and finance background puts me in good stead to manage the windfall but who knows until it really happens. It does go to one’s head even the most levelheaded person. I would like to think that I am prepared for it though; my bank account would change but definitely not me.
Be prepared for unexpected attention
When I win the lottery, as with the sailing trip – it would surely be public. Everyone in this postcode would be asking,
“Were you a subscriber? Were you one of the lucky ones?”
I would be hesitant to respond but if the past predicts the future – the Postcode lottery would ensure that my photo is the first to be seen on their website. Yes, that was the case some years ago despite a signed document stating my preference. Ok so all complaining aside – one would need to be prepared for the attention to the neighborhood and the conjecture about the winners. Sometimes a selection of the winners is televised as well. I would do my best to avoid such a braoadcast.
Be prepared to share
“Charity begins are home.” I would share with anyone in my immediate circles who has a real need for additional funds. I would not give to someone who would like a handout because I now have free money. There is no entitlement.
Friends and family will be thinking that we are totally spoilt and “lucky as always”. Some will certainly be jealous and have lots to say. I believe that the majority will be happy for us and share in our joy. We love to entertain, so I would invite all my closest friends and family on an all-expenses paid tropical vacation. Everyone can then enjoy with us.
However, sharing would extend beyond my social circles, I do some charity work helping less fortunate people whenever I can. I would be able to continue but on a grander scale. It would really get a boost with a lottery win – my efforts would then be truly impactful, helping more than just a few people. My charity would be called “Foundation for structural solutions”.
Be prepared to invest
I have some ideas on how I would invest but nevertheless I would consult with a money manager. I would buy real estate, and hodl the grandaddy of cryptos – Bitcoin and the oldest stores of value – Au and Ag – Gold and Silver. I would buy Hive and HBD - become a whale and bless various communities. I would not be too frivolous regarding investment. Free money still comes with responsibilities. I would remain risk averse in order to not be wasteful.
Be prepared for the unexpected
As with anything new – ventures, friends, travel and any change – I need to be ready to expect the unexpected. “Things” will happen. For instance, forgotten acquaintances might pop up and some current acquaintances might go – true friends will remain true though. I might have some great investments and bad ones too. “Que sera, sera” – Whatever will be will be. I will simply be prepared to “Carpe Diem” – seize the day. Life will go on.
The photo is taken by me with an iPhone 11.
