Noah Zark wrote:I'd buy a full auto BAR.

Maybe not. I'm getting to the age where some things in life are more important than "things."
Yeah but it's a BAR WITH THE HAPPY SWITCH! That's not just a THING!
Bogie35 wrote:First, I would buy my son a pet monkey, so that he would never want to visit his mother again.

That has to be one of the most original ideas I've ever heard...
I read this thread not long after it was posted and I've followed it most of the day while giving it some thought. Hey, it beats thinking at work....

Like most of us, I feel I have everything I "need" but if we're talking about enough money that even my grandkids wouldn't have to work for a living then I'd do something along these lines:
First I'd get TWO financial types. One for advising and the second to cross-check/audit the first just to be safe. Probably keep the first unaware of the second and both under strict instructions that they will not "invest in" or "provide start up capital" to ANYBODY, family or not. That's a fast way to burn money and bridges. Second thing would be to get us as unlisted as possible.
Next would be paying off our debts and setting up funds for us to live on. Once that was done, I'd set up our families (at least the parts we stay in contact with

) with annuities as someone suggested with the stipulation that they WILL NOT get any additional funds since I'd do my best to get them a comfortable amount to live on. If they can't live off their annuity payment, I hope they didn't quit their day job when I won. I'm happy to make their lives easier, NOT set them up for life. Again, that's a good way to burn money and my goodwill.
Of course there would be a college fund for the kids in the family but it would be just like a scholarship. Maintain certain grade/GPA and attendance standards you're good to go. Adult family members would be on a case by case basis with the same standards.
Do I sound like a hard ace? Good. I've dealt with the kids who've had everything handed to them because their parents had money and didn't think the kids needed to earn anything. It may help the parents feel better about themselves but it doesn't teach the kids anything and hurts them in the long run IME. Not to mention the only thing that will tear a family apart quicker than religious or political differences is money.
Now on to the fun stuff!
As far a charities our church would get a nice donation, probably another fund type set-up so the gift keeps on giving. I'd find an animal rescue organization or two to help out since all of our pets have been rescue animals. I have a nephew who is a HS Band Director. They'd get a nice donation or fund as well, being a former band geek myowndurnself.

Of course all donations/funds would be anonymous. I know what I've done, I don't need the attention.
I think 86er would be booked for a little while showing me some of the cool hunting places he haunts.

Of course a big enough piece of land for a 1000yd range would be mandatory since I'd need to practice for those hunts and safaris.
I bet one of the warehouses close to me would end up with new ownership. There's a couple that are big enough to hold a walk in vault, reloading room, machine and woodworking shop and storage for a small collection of cars. The land with the range might get a sweet road course paved in it so I can put a couple of those cars through their paces.
Since I'd need learnin' on that fancy metal and woodworking stuff, I bet I could persuade a retired machinist and a retired woodworker to provide on-site, hands-on training. That way I'm helping the elderly!
