A Daydreamer's Advice: How to Effectively Make the Best of Your Lottery Winnings

Photo credits: www.bestsayingsquotes.com

There are times when I start day dreaming of things I should have done but did not do; of goals that I can confidently say will never reach fruition; and of what ifs and why nots.

Last week, one lucky bettor won the Philippine Grand Lotto prize of 249 million pesos. My God! What would I do if I won that much money?!!

Obviously, I was NOT the one who won. However, if I did, this would be my game plan. 

Forecasted total expenditure: 100 Million

Balance Remaining: 149 Million in bank deposits.

Step # 1. I will try not to scream for joy or lose consciousness upon learning I won the lotto. I would never cease thanking the Lord God for the huge blessing. 

Step # 2. I will claim my prize after two weeks or so, after all the hype has died down.

Step # 3. I will be as discrete as possible and move out of the apartment we are living in right now. We'd choose a temporary lodging where no one knows who I am. This is to ensure my family's safety. I would be extremely paranoid of being a victim of the kidnap for ransom crime ring.

Step # 4. I would purchase a modest house (with a pool and garden) in a nice quiet subdivision. I don't want gigantic houses. That would take me forever to clean! 

Step # 5. I would give my mom a handsome amount of money so she won't have to worry about paying her doctor's bills and purchasing her meds. I want my mom to live a more comfortable life. I would probably hire a maid to clean and cook for Mama.

Step # 6. I would share my blessings with my siblings. I have always been the "poorest" and they have been my go-to guys when I fall short of cash. Its about time I return the favor. They don't have to pay me back. 

Step # 7. I will set aside a trust fund for each of my children. When the time comes that they start their own families, they can use the money as a capital for business or to purchase a house of their own.

Step # 8. I will invest. I dream of owning a row of apartments or a mid-rise condominium. This would ensure that I would have a steady amount of cash flowing in every month. 

Step # 9. I will go to places on my bucket list. Starting with Batanes, then Pagudpud, Sagada, Siargao, Cebu! Then I'd go to the US, Greece, Italy, London. Of course, my family will be with me all the time. I'd take my hubby to be with his daughter and granddaughter in the United States!

Step # 10. I will pay if forward. I would put the street children in school and provide for their needs. Education is a gift that cannot be pawned or stolen. One college graduate in a poor family will guarantee an escape from poverty. I will put up Medical-Dental Missions in the depressed areas. I will also sponsor Catechism outreach programs to bring God back in the lives of the desperate. 

TOOT-TOOT-TOOT!!!

My timer alarm goes off. Dinner is ready. I snap out of my day dream and get back to reality. I did NOT win the lotto. I am NOT a multi-millionaire. I am me, the ordinary BPO employee, housewife, mother of three.

I throw a short prayer of thanks to God for all I have right now. My little joys, my little victories, my oh-not-so-perfect life. A roof over my head, a bed to sleep in, food on the table, a job, a loving family. These are all I have and my source of happiness and strength.

I may still win the lotto. Who knows? For now, I will be content with my writing, earning a few dollars here and there, a few hundred pesos at a time. I can still pay it forward. Its time I look for another hungry child to feed.

Sending you blessings of peace and contentment in life. Have a good evening everyone.

I know a place

Where no one ever goes

There's peace and quiet

Beauty and repose

Its hidden in a valley

Beside a mountain stream

And everytime I think of it

I find that I can dream

Only of things

Of beauty to the eyes

Snow peaked mountains

Rising to the skies

Now I know 

That God has made this world

For me.

(Lyrics of a song we sang in grade school)