Does money really change people that much??

[+ Kman]

I am not a gambler, I have been to the casino 4 times in my life and wasted a total of 60 bucks. I will occasionally buy pull tabs but never more than $40 worth.

 

So yesterday I bought my first lottery ticket and my friend also did (we have been talking about winning the lottery and retiring for awhile ;-)) But now she is concerned if she wins her husband will divorce her because of the money (I personally cannot imagine that happening, I know them both very well) So do you really think that winning that kind of money would change a person that much? I could see it corrupting some people and people that aren't good with money...I would hope I wouldn't turn into a giant dick if I were to ever win...but on the other hand I consider myself to be very generous/charitable and I would hope I would not end up giving it all away and leave nothing for myself.

[+ bashful]

I let you know after the Mega Millions drawing tonight. Over half a billion.

 

In all honesty, I think sudden money can change a person. May not forever, but to some extent. Some widows/widowers go through a form of that when collecting a big life insurance settlement. Others I've known, were smart enough to manage it.

 

If it were to happen, I would hate to become one of those poor fools who end up broke, addicted to something, and in debt, all within a few years.

[+ Autumnal]

I'm not sure having a sudden wind fall would change a person all that much, but I think it would change your relationships with family and friends.

[+ Kman]

I let you know after the Mega Millions drawing tonight. Over half a billion.

 

In all honesty, I think sudden money can change a person. May not forever, but to some extent. Some widows/widowers go through a form of that when collecting a big life insurance settlement. Others I've known, were smart enough to manage it.

 

If it were to happen, I would hate to become one of those poor fools who end up broke, addicted to something, and in debt, all within a few years.

 

It seems bankruptcy is a common occurrence for those who end up winning the lottery...yes you have a lot of money but you still have to be sensible.

[+ SundayZip]

I think if a person is smart with their money before winning the lottery, they'll continue to be smart with their money after their big win. They'll have extra challenges managing more money, but they'll figure out how to do it responsibly. If, before winning the lottery, a person spends impulsively and is unable to manage a budget, they'll continue the same behavior after winning... except it will be much more pronounced because the stakes are so much higher and there's so much more to lose.

[OneFinger]

I'm certainly not wealthy. But, I have acquired a rather nice nest egg for my recent retirement. It's not changed my spending habits at all. For example, at my Utah home my vehicle (up until last week) was a 1986 Ford F250 pickup truck. In Portland my vehicle is 2006 Chevy Trailblazer (it just turned 42,000 miles). Before I retired last month, my San Diego vehicle was a 2000 Chevy S1o pickup with 132,000 miles.

 

I planned on moving the S10 to Utah to become my primary vehicle there. But, unfortunately, I was rear ended on the freeway while traveling to work. The S10 was totaled and I received a $5K insurance settlement. So, I used the money from the S10 to replace my F250 pickup. I bought a 2006 Chrysler with 77,000 miles for $4,000 (including tax and license). You can tell I've very frugal.

 

At my Portland home the furniture and artwork were purchased from yard sales 15 years ago. The only exception is the recliner which I bought new in 1994. My Utah home is furnished with my parent's furniture which I inherited when they died. It is almost 25 years old and still is in great shape with no visible signs of wear and tear.

 

On those occasions when I eat fast food I almost always order from the "dollar" menu. I do a lot of purchases from Dollar Tree including juices, milk, bread, toiletries, cleaning supplies, and glass items (all items are $1 or less). The pullover shirts I used to wear to work were purchased 8 years ago from JC Penny at an after Christmas sale for $3 each.

 

I firmly believe in buying cheap and taking care of things.

[+ Avalon]

People often talk about what they'd buy if they won the lottery. I'm too cheap to gamble. But my father told me if I were to win to put the money in the bank and only use the interest to spend.

[+ tassojunior]

There was a major Democratic Congressional candidate in California last primary who won a couple hundred million in the state lottery a few years ago and he and his wife had set up a foundation with over half to give away to charities, just like Bill Gates has challenged billionaires to give away half their money and some have. Not sure if the guy won the Democratic nomination, it was close election night.

 

I think if you come into a LOT of money, giving half away to less fortunate is outstanding and gives you a hobby. Plus that's a feeling of satisfaction you can buy. Personally I just like fantastic sex in any old hovel and find the best are free or cheap.

[RM]

People often talk about what they'd buy if they won the lottery. I'm too cheap to gamble. But my father told me if I were to win to put the money in the bank and only use the interest to spend.

Don't put it in the bank - the interest won't pay your electric bill. At the very least buy some blue chip stocks that pay over 3% dividends.

[+ SundayZip]

Don't put it in the bank - the interest won't pay your electric bill. At the very least buy some blue chip stocks that pay over 3% dividends.

 

"Just one word... Plastics."

[MassageDrew]

Does it really change a person? Or does it bring out one’s true nature?