Financially speaking we will likely never have a fortune. Family wise we have a fortune and have lost a fortune. It's a mixed bag with people, isn't it usually?
We do love to imagine what if, you know that game I'm sure. If we ever find ourselves with a million or more buckeroonies, what would we do?
We'd pay off anything that we might owe. We'd buy a new truck and a new car and a motor home. We'd put most of it away safely because we lost a ton of money after 9-11 and now have a healthy and strong fear of losing our security again. No stock market or mutual funds for us.
We'd pay off our kids homes. No reason for them to have mortgages. Otherwise, their bills are their bills. We would invite all of them on another family vacation. We took one a few years back and I would love to do that again except this time the grand kids would be going also. Disneyland or Disney World, their choice, I suppose. We wouldn't want to completely remove all of their financial obligations because we feel our children should handle their own lives. Handing out that kind of help would not really be the best thing for any of them. They would expect it again even if they didn't think they would. When we are both gone, they would get it anyway and could then do whatever they chose. Waiting would be a good thing. Being given too much too soon can be devastating to ones life. I watched those reports about the lottery winners lives being ruined by the money and their choices so I don't wanna set my kiddos up for such horrid happenings.
Ya know, being a parent can be a really tough job even long after your babies have flown the coop and have babies of their, one of whom has also flown the coop!
But money of the fortune variety is the root of all pain and suffering according to that TV show, so we have planned ahead to avoid most if not all of the possible disasters to which others have fallen victim.
So no huge charitable donations. Just modest ones, often anonymously. No handouts to friends. No lavish life style changes. We wouldn't be happy with that anyway.
Just a debt free retirement with a motor home, 2 new vehicles and the security of knowing our kids have a home for as long as they want them. That would be a good thing.
An old couple has to have something to dream about when all their other dreams have already come true. ♥
Jo
That's right, Jo! It wouldn't be any fun having everything at your finger tips. There would be nothing to look forward to. A big ole' motorhome is definitely something I would love to have! I just drool when I see them. Paying off kids mortgages is a nice idea too :o).
ReplyDeleteNice post!
Our dreams aren't big, just time together and a way to take Momma with us as we see all the states we haven't seen.
DeleteThank you for stopping and chatting! ♥
Nice dream, I wish it would come true!
ReplyDeleteWell, it's just something we like to talk about! If we ever do come into a big ole chunk o'money, we'll have our plan! ♥
DeleteThank you.
You are so right on, but I would love to live the life of the rich & famous for about a month. I don't want to experience the misfortunes that having a lot of money can bring, only the luxuries. LOL! Then I can return to my normal life and say been there, done that. Ha, ha...what a dream.
ReplyDeleteTry it on before you buy it! That's a good idea.
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you seem well-grounded in your values. Which means no doubt, so are your children.
ReplyDeleteThank you and they are, but why would anyone want to remove one of life's most valuable lessons in responsibility from their kid's lives? Learning to appreciate what you have comes from working and sacrificing to achieve or purchase it. Important tool to learn.
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We have this conversation all the time and I am totally with you as far as not handing out money to the kids and it's not to be mean. Of course they would all be taken care of to a degree but I think taking care of them for their entire lives would be a great disservice to them, to anyone.. The lessons we learn in life are so important and we learn so many we are seeemingly struggling.. I look back on my life and some of those years spent struggling were the best years of my life. And we too would like a motorhome and an open road.. Life is good.. :)
ReplyDeleteIt is a good life and it's also fun to dream!
DeleteThanks MiMi. I have said a few times that the really lean years are the years I taught my children how to survive by taking responsibility by the horns and having a great work ethic. They each have the same drive and work ethic. I am proud of that and I know that they would not want me to take care of them, they would be insulted.
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It sounds good to hear that your other dreams have already come true :-) ♥
ReplyDeleteThey have. My life has been far more than I ever expected it to be. I always thought I would struggle forever financially because I walked out of a marriage which at one time, was financially secure and should have set me up for life. It didn't last, the security I mean. But we have plowed and worked hard for many years to get where we are and done without many things to be able to live on our retirement income and savings. That was my biggest dream and I have it. Mike works because he wants to and I think sometimes he is ready to retire, but then he changes his mind and off he goes! Whatever makes him happy is okay with me. He's a good man and I'm a lucky girl that I am the one he wanted to have around forever. ♥
DeleteI love that last sentence. Lovely. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you. We only have 2 unfulfilled dreams...the overabundance of money and living in Arizona. ♥
DeleteSweet post Jo!! ♥
ReplyDeleteCheers, Jenn
http://www.wine-n-chat.com
Thank you Jenn. ♥
DeleteLove this...I am agree. This is what I would want too!
ReplyDeleteWho knows, maybe one day! ♥
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