Powerball Players, You’re Already Wealthy

David Albert
Aug 24, 2017 · 3 min read

Powerball fever is rampant again as the jackpot nears a billion. It’s fun to fantasize about suddenly being awarded an unspeakable amount of money.

I’d argue you’re already rich. And while that may sound like some contrived bullshit, consider…

If I won Powerball, I would [insert activities here] every day
Just imagine, you have nothing but time! No need to earn money, so that leaves time to pursue all those hobbies you’ve been missing out on: master an instrument, golf Pebble Beach, learn a language. The possibilities are endless.

I’m not sitting on a pile of money, yet I find time every week to: garden, take a guitar lesson with my daughter, practice guitar, cook yummy food (I enjoy it), discover new music, play tennis on weekends, read, and go to the gym (OK, not as much as I should). All while running a business and raising a family. Brag much? Not my point. In total, I probably spend 20 hours a week on those activities. I’ve learned to hobby within my limits by ensuring I actually enjoy those things with the time and budget I have. Guitar? 15 minutes a day. Garden? Maybe an hour a week. I’ve designed it so the time I spend on each activity fulfills my interest in them — and I accept that I won’t master them, but enjoy them. I don’t care that I’ll never cook like Gordon Ramsey, I just enjoy the process.

I’d Invest in causes and businesses I love
You’re not investing in the next Uber. So what? Anyone can be an investor. Feel like a big time baller and support worthy causes by making micro loans through sites like Kiva or Hope International. Or crowdfund things you love on Kickstarter. Or get involved in peer-to-peer lending through sites like Lending Club or Prosper.

I’d travel the world
I can’t argue with wanting to see the world. But lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about what I want to experience in the world. For example, I’ve never seen a whale up close. I don’t have to travel around the world or be a multi-millionaire to make that happen — that’s within my reach. Think about the experiences you want to have and then determine how you can design your life so they materialize. Be creative. Make a list! Maybe I’ll never tour the great wineries of France, but I’ve always got the awe inspiring western coast of the U.S.A.

I’d buy a mansion and a fleet of Bentley’s
Mo’ Money, Mo’ Problems. I’m grateful for my house in the Chicago burbs and my 1995 Toyota Land Cruiser (yep, I drive a 22 year old truck and I get compliments on it all the time). You’re not going to be happier if your square footage goes from 2,500 to 25,000. Truth.

Have fun plunking down your $20 on lotto tickets and best of luck. At least it’s going to schools or roads or something. Right? Right??

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Written by

Entrepreneur, writer, lover of sleep. http://davidpaulalbert.com

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