I think about winning the lottery quite often. To the point where I already have a list of friends, family and charities I’d share my earnings with including the allotted amounts I’d give. Winning a couple hundred million dollars wouldn’t just be life changing for myself, but everyone in my life. It would be the most profound opportunity to give back, provide, and build a magical life.
The first thing I would do is hire a financial attorney to ensure my newfound wealth is properly managed. Creating a will would also be a top priority so I could outline exactly what I want my money to go to even after I pass. Taking care of the legality and logistics of everything immediately would set the foundation for the rest of my journey while I’m still here.
I’ve always imagined sharing my blessings with those who impact my life, even now with considerably less wealth to share; my friends and family are always supported by me. Starting with my parents, my aunt, my cousin, my siblings, and my mom’s best friend who is more like a second mom to me. All of them would receive wealth. From paying off debts to taking care of their futures. My three closest friends, Austin, Trissa, and Kamdynn would also receive a couple million as my biggest form of gratitude for showing kindness and supporting me for so many years. Trissa especially, with an 11 month daughter to care for, her child will be taken care of long after Trissa and I are no longer around.
I would give money to a coworker of mine as well who was the first to support me in my writing. We are on complicated terms but nonetheless he has inspired much of who I’ve become recently. With two young children to care for, I’d want to alleviate the financial burdens of parenthood as much as possible. Regardless of our own personal relationship, I have a great respect for a parent doing the most they can to support their children and I would love to aid him in giving them access to an abundant life of possibly new housing and higher education as they grow older.
For my nieces and nephews; I’d create college funds or, for those who aren’t interested in higher education, funds for future business endeavors. Learning financial management and life skills are invaluable to have as they grow older and essential regardless of their new wealth status. I would give them the world if I could, but I think infinite support, physically and financially while also teaching the gift of remaining humble will be more valuable.
Even my father, who I’m on off and on contact with, would benefit. I’d pay off the house he inherited after his mother passed that he struggles to afford. Knowing the weight of financial struggles first hand, I wouldn’t want that for my father despite the struggles in our relationship. I’d even buy him another house if he didn’t want to stay in his mom’s home. As for my own mom, I’d buy her a new house and her dream car, a 2025 Hyundai Palisade (she’s a simple woman). Like a scene out of a movie, Austin, and Trissa would wake up to new cars in their driveways with huge red bows, before they even knew about my new financial status because they both have struggled with car issues. Austin’s would be equipped with a new sound system of subs in the back, Trissa’s would already have a new carseat in the backseat. Kamdynn already has her dream car, an Audi Q5 so for her I would simply pay it off she would receive gifts in other ways. Such as getting adequate funding at the dream job she already secured as a funeral director. Kamdynn has had more opportunity to make a name for herself than most, at such a young age too, so the most extravagant things I could do to help her would simply be making the life she’s built more manageable.
Above all, I’d finally be in a place where I could adopt my 11 year old niece, who is currently rotting away in the foster system with no support. Giving her a stable and loving home would be my biggest dream. She’d have her own dream room, and consulted on every design choice to make it perfect. Not to mention having access to amazing education, and therapy for the tragedies she’s suffered in her short life.
Once my friends and family were taken care of, I’d turn my focus to giving back. I’d donate to charities and organizations that align with my values, and I’d dedicate resources to improving the lives of children in foster care in my town. This would include providing gifts, toiletries, new clothes, and sponsoring children to increase their chances of being adopted. For other marginalized groups in my community, whether in shelters, parks, or make shift tent cities often referred to as “skid row” I’d personally distribute essential items like toiletries, jackets, blankets, clothes, and food. No one deserves to be left behind, and I’d strive to take care of the communities that tend to receive less support.
I’d revisit my old teachers who inspired me and held me accountable throughout my education, gifting them financial support in their personal lives and fully stocking their classrooms with school supplies. Teachers often give their all to their students without proper resources and out of their own pockets. I dream of giving back to the educators who helped shaped me into who I am.
Finally, on a more personal note I would pay off my current car and treat myself to two vehicles: a Honda Accord, and a fully restored, blacked out 1997 Chevy Tahoe, a car I’ve always dreamed of owning. And yes, it has to be a ’97. I would also invest in real estate and stocks to secure my financial stability in the future. I would invest in myself as a writer, finally finishing the book I’m writing without having to make time in between working and side hustles to make ends meet. With having all the time and money in the world, I would probably finally go to college for English to further establish myself as a writer professionally.
Most importantly, even with my newfound wealth I would continue to live humbly. My goal wouldn’t be to flaunt luxury or “flex” on anybody, but to continue working towards the goals I have now in my current tax bracket while making a difference in the lives of others. Winning the lottery isn’t just about having financial freedom, but the chance to inspire and give back in ways I simply cannot right now. I’d use this opportunity to spread kindness and hope. After all, you can’t take it with you when you pass, might as well make the most of it while you’re here. For me, that means helping. I don’t want my legacy to be measured in dollars, but in lives I’ve touched.
emily unfiltered 