What would you do...

...if you won the lottery?  Let's say you're one of those lucky people who wins the Lotto Max Jackpot of 50 Million dollars.

What would you do with it?

Well, the other day I was invited to the United Way Community Builder of the Year Awards Gala.  I was very excited to go to this event as a guest because the only way I usually get to go to any of these types of events is to volunteer.

Don't get me wrong - volunteering is FANTASTIC, but getting to experience the event is something else.

Now back to the topic at hand, when I was sitting there watching all these amazing people in Ottawa receive various awards for the work they do in the community, it was extremely inspiring.  I do what I can currently by donating time and $$ as much as I can.  That's such a small drop in the bucket compared to the award recipients, but every little bit help.

Now, who hasn't thought of what they'd do with a lottery win?  Over the years, I've had many different ideas, but more recently, I thought that if I was lucky enough to win such a big prize,  Of course I'd want to give money to my family and friends and also do some travelling, but the main thing that's been occupying my thoughts over the past couple years is that I'd love to set up some kind of foundation/charity to help out in the community.

I don't have a clue how I'd do it, but I'd love to help the less fortunate than me.  I'd love to help families with children get their kids in sports, activities or musical programs they would otherwise not be able to afford.  I'd love to help people find jobs.  I'd love to make sure that no one goes hungry or is homeless ever again.  I'd love to help people learn the tools to get themselves out of debt.  I'd love to help teenagers who can't afford post-secondary school to go to University or College.  I'd love to set up a free tutoring program so that everyone can get the tools to learn and succeed in their lives.  I'd love to ensure that everyone who needs expensive medical treatments will not have to turn these down because they can't afford them.  I'd love...I'd love...I'd love.

I'd love for there to be ONE MAIN charity that houses ALL others under one umbrella so that they can help each other and cut down on costs and make it so that instead of 100s of different places, there is one main place that anyone in need would have to go.  No running around applying for help here and there, just one place and the right program is found for them.

For example, the different charities can help each other in this way - the need for music teachers or coaches could be met by some of the people who are looking for work, therefore helping them get out of debt.

How about a "Dreams Come True" group that finds deserving people in the community and makes one of their dreams come true.  There are so many people who work hard for others and can never seem to be able to find the money to do anything other than the "responsible" thing.

There are so many other ideas just floating around in my head,

Going to events like the United Way Gala really reminds me about how lucky I am.  Helping doesn't have to cost money, it can be a little bit of your time, a smile, doing something nice for a stranger.  Making the world  better place starts with one kind action.

Maybe one day I WILL win the lottery and be able to help a few more people in the wonderful city of Ottawa, until then, I will strive to help someone every day.

Be kind!!

Julie / @Flip_4

Money

Originally posted on KickassOttawa April 7th, 2014 

Who doesn’t sometimes dream of winning the lottery? What would you do with all that money? I have so many plans of things I’d love to do…one of them being setting up a charity of my own.

Unfortunately, winning the lottery, especially since I don’t buy tickets very often, is not likely…AT ALL!!!

Reality instead isn’t as fun.

I’ve been in drowning in debt in the past. I was able to get myself out of it and buy myself a condo. You have no idea how proud I was to be able to buy my condo, furniture, appliances and everything else that comes with a new house, and not have any credit card debt.

I haven’t carried a credit card balance in years, but that doesn’t mean that I’m anywhere near stable in the financial department. So much so that I’ve been seriously contemplating getting a part time job to supplement my income and help me with the bills.

I am able to pay all my bills, but I am not saving anything. Sure, I’ll get a pretty good pension, but that’s not enough. Should I need to replace appliances or hot water tank etc…there would be no money to pay for that. I have a car but it’s 7 years old. It won’t last forever, and I have no money to buy a new one or pay for any major repairs. Have you noticed that all the costs seem to be going up by a lot these days too?

Being honest with myself, I’ve been spending a lot more than I should lately. I’ve bought things for myself thatg I don’t need, and I’ve bought things for others that I truly have no money for. I love giving to others, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of myself. I’ve gone out to the restaurants MUCH MORE OFTEN than I ever should have…I almost have my own table at Big Rig. (note: oh how I miss my fried pickles)

With that said, I am going to be using Gail Vaz-Oxlade’s Budget to set everything up…again, and start saving the money that I do need for that rainy day. If you haven’t done that yourself, you really should. It’s an amazing budget and was able to get me out of the insane mountain of debt I needed to climb over.

I really don’t want to stop my season tickets to the Sens, but unless I do find that second job to help out, I’m afraid next year might be my last.

Let’s get started with the Budget. Let’s get control of my financial life again!!

Julie / @Flip_4