Waldorf Maryland Real Estate News
INSPIRATION FOR TODAY:
"Try not to become a man of success but rather try to become a man of value."
~ Albert Einstein
A WEALTH OF CHARACTER!
A few years back, there was a terrific "rags to riches" story that ran on the newscasts, and it still remains in memory. A gentleman won a $220 million jackpot in Idaho, although that fact is not what is so extraordinary. It’s what he planned to do with his winnings – invest for the future.
Most folks would allow themselves to go a little crazy if they became instant millionaires. After all, you could spend - say, oh two million bucks - and still have plenty left over for the future, right?
Well, this fellow’s plans were to “build a billion-dollar empire to take care of my family and to give opportunities to the people who have given me opportunities.” Taking his one-time lump payment of $125 million ($85 million after taxes), he wanted to amass a one billion dollar portfolio within fifteen years. Immediately, a team of attorneys, public relations gurus and financial advisers began working to help him achieve his goals of investing in business and donating to charitable organizations.
Not wishing to bask in the limelight or expose his family to the compulsory media frenzy, he tried to remain anonymous, but discovered that was in violation of the lottery’s regulations. Telling two family members when he won, he broke the news to the rest of the family during a special meeting where they expected to hear of a terminal illness, wedding engagement, or marketing scheme.
The sports enthusiast’s “big splurge” was a professional racing bicycle – no yachts, luxury cars, or vacation homes. He simply wanted to continue enjoying the things he always had, and to remain the person he always has been.
It’s clear that regardless of winning the lottery, he is the type of person who would still have done everything in his power to improve his life, the lives of those around him, and the lives of those in need. He shows that character is not measured by one’s success, but by one’s value. One wonders how he's faring today, and how we increase the net worth of our own “character portfolios.”
