Tonight is the drawing for the Mega Million lottery that has reached a jackpot of $540 million. When I win, it will have the potential to change my life.
First, we need to put the $540 million in perspective. That is what you receive if you spread the money over 20-25 years. If you opt for a lump sum payment, you will get approximately half or $270 million. Then Uncle Sam will be standing there to get his share. After Federal and State taxes you might get $140 million. Not bad. You could live on that.
The question is “what would you do with $140 million”?
Of course I’d give it all to my kids. That would amount to $28 million to each of 5 Grasshoppers. That should be enough to allow paying off all your debts with money left over. Next my kids could quit their jobs and never have to work again. They could buy a bigger home, a bigger car (or truck), a cottage on the lake. There would be the mandatory sitting on their a–, over indulging in fine food and traveling when they were bored. Their former friends would resent them for all the excesses and privledges. Life would have to be enjoyed “alone”.
Come to think of it, I’m not going to buy a ticket to Mega Millions. I would just destroy my life, the life of my kids and friends. I don’t want to be responsible for that.
Besides, buying a lottery ticket is a waste of money. The odds of winning are worse than getting hit by lightning 5 times in a lifetime. Talk about throwing money to the wind.
So Grasshoppers, you can thank me when you get time for not ruining your life. “Character” comes from making money the old fashioned way – earning it.
Love,
Dad