It's amazing to hear people talk about winning the lottery and
what they would do with their earnings. It seems that there is a general
consensus about starting a charity, donating to a charity, traveling or paying
off debt. I've heard close friends say how the community would benefit because
they would be able to contribute ample time and money. Well I'm here to tell you that
you can live life like you won the lottery. I'm not talking about living
irresponsibly, but I'm here to highlight what living rich means.
1.
Donate your time. Time is precious. Time is finite. Contributing
to society is so rewarding. Helping others in need is so fulfilling. Are you
getting the message? You're probably thinking I don't have time to donate my
time. I need to run my children here and there. Or my kids nap during that time
and I work 45 hours a week. Here's a solution: Find a community outreach
program that allows you to donate from home. Care packages and gift boxes can
be constructed at your convenience. Mail letters overseas to our troops. If
your children are older, take them along. Let them learn the value and
importance of serving others and the community. I wholeheartedly agree that
life is busy but if you want to impact your community and feel rich, donate
your time.
2.
Donating money. It's interesting that people only want to donate
money if they have a lot of money. But you don't need to donate an abundance of
money to make a difference. Random acts of kindness can go a long way. I'm a
firm believer that goodness and kindness will be reciprocated. Pay for the
person behind you at the drive through, if you see a homeless person on the
street buy him some water and trail mix. If your kids are having a birthday
party, replace gifts with canned goods to be donated to your local food bank.
I'll admit I'm extremely hesitant to donate my money to big charities. I like
to know exactly how my funds are allocated so I'd rather aid my local community
than send funds out into the unknown.
3.
Make a financial plan. One of the first recommendations upon
winning the lottery is to hire a financial advisor. I've read stories about
people going bankrupt after winning the lottery because they couldn't manage
their money. I've also witnessed people (who did not win the lottery) going
bankrupt because they can't manage their money. Hiring a mentor to help you
make a financial plan and stay accountable may be in your best interest. If you
know you can commit to a plan, look up free apps to help you manage your money. The
bottom line is to make a financial plan, commit to it and pay off your debt.
4.
Traveling. It would be nice to just have the funds to just hop
on a plane and fly off into the sunset. But if you haven't won the lottery, it
won't be that easy. If traveling is truly a priority and you make the
investment, consider a vacation club. My family has invested in a vacation club
where I can travel internationally. I can also exchange my points to cover
airfare. If traveling is important to you may want to take this into
consideration.
5.
Starting a charity. This eats at me the most. When people say
they would start a charity to benefit (insert what you are most passionate
about) if they win the lottery. Really you ONLY want to take action if you win
the lottery? You're clearly not that passionate about it. If you want to
start a charity or outreach program then do it! If you market yourself
correctly and can get the community involved, you can be successful. Collaborate with existing programs for ideas and take action.
You don't need to win the lottery to live a rich existence. Sort
out your priorities, make a plan and have faith. Life is all about blessings,
not burdens. When you exert goodness into the world, blessings will come back
to you. Let your heart and dedication be your driving force and you will live a
rich and rewarding life.
