With the Power Ball Jackpot approaching (if not passing), a half-billion dollars (!), I thought I’d revisit this post from almost five years ago. Figuring at the most conservative estimates, as a sole winner of the jackpot, you walk home after taxes with cash payout of 1.25 million. At the conservative 3% interest, that’s almost 4 (3.75) million a year in earnings without ever touching the principal (or is that principle?)!

Looking at the list I don’t think anything will change but I will add some:

  • College funds – not just for our kids but all the kids in our family, nephews, nieces, cousins, friends.
  • Donations – off the bat, I know we need to do something for the synagogue – I’m thinking some sort of huge endowment to keep yearly dues down (I believe everyone should contribute a little and to their means – it gives them a stake in the community) and building maintenance covered. And since what’s good for the gander is good for the goose, something for the church too – Chris’s local – maybe something to do with the youth. Of course Lehigh gets some – and after that, who knows. I’ll add F&M here too (some sort of scholarship). I would love to start some sort of foundation too and I know the team I will get to run it. Which reminds me…
  • Rutgers Ladies – left you out on the last list and for that I apologize, but we’ll definitely do something here – question is what…
  • House – we wouldn’t sell our home but I would finally decorate it and re-do the deck and get a fireplace. Can you say Man-Cave?
  • Work – Of course Chris would quit his job – but with plenty of notice so they don’t get screwed over (I’m not sure I agree with that philosophy).
  • Vacation – I’m thinking huge family reunion in Disney World to start. Then who knows – I mean really! Can you imagine??
  • Lehigh Girls – of course there will have to be some big celebration – maybe a few weeks Hawaii for everyone including husbands and family – after that, who knows? College for the kids done (see above).
  • 2nd Home – I’ve always wanted a farm – we may buy something in Vermont. And once Sammi graduates college probably an apartment/house in Manhattan for our primary residence, selling our current home.
  • BookBabes – I’m thinking a week in Paris and a week in London – awe heck, we can do a trip every year!
  • Mom and Dad – whatever they want
  • Andrew – well, you’ll definitely get that boat you’ve always wanted, perhaps the beach house too (since Mom and Dad want to sell it), what else?
  • George – definitely that trip to wine country – what else? Anything he wants too.
  • Ann – we’re taking her to Sicily – right off the bat.
  • Mark & Matt – what do you think, Superbowl and World Series tickets in every year? Mary & Megan all the Broadway show openings you can handle? Who knows.
  • Thursday Morning Lunch Crowd – well, that college thing is included but what else? Hmmm….

People scoff at me for buying tickets but you know what, to me the price I pay is worth the momentary daydream.