Here’s a fun question to ponder on a Friday: if you had a billion US dollars, how would you spend it? For many of us (myself included), it’s hard to imagine possessing that much money. But if you were a bona fide billionaire, how would you spend the money? Read on for my thoughts on this question.

The other day, in one of my Bloganuary posts, I mentioned how studies show our emotional well-being and life satisfaction tops out at a certain annual salary. If you haven’t read that post, go check it out. That said, who wouldn’t welcome one billion dollars into their life? All of us would say, “OK, I’ll take that money off your hands.” But what would we do with that money? That’s the real question worth considering.

The first thing I’d do with a billion dollars is talk to my cousin, a certified financial planner, about how much money to set aside to carry me through the rest of my life. Once that is resolved, the rest of the money would get spent on funding my son’s college savings plan, buying a new house outright, a copious number of vacations, books, video games, eating out, etc. I’d also pay off my parent’s mortgage and make sure they could live however they like. In other words, take care of primary financial responsibilities first and then have fun with the rest.

As for work, I would still write every day, and I’d be a college professor. Writing and teaching are two endeavors I’ve always enjoyed, so I wouldn’t stop doing either. If you’re passionate about something, you shouldn’t give it up and waste away. Instead, you embrace those passions full bore and see where they take you. I’ve had a hell of a life so far, purely because of this blog. I can’t imagine where it would take me if I had a billion dollars. Hopefully, I’ll get the chance to find out.

How about you? If you had a billion US dollars, how would you spend it? I promise not to judge you. If you want to buy hundreds of garden gnomes, yo-yos, or some other unique items with your money, who am I to deny you? Money should give you more free time and resources to take care of those you love (including yourself) and to live life to its fullest. Even if you don’t have a billion dollars, I hope you approach life with this philosophy.

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