What to do when you suddenly have one billion Dollars
A complete guide to keep you sane and high-functioning when everything around you becomes insane
1. Don't tell anyone and don't let anyone guess
Tempted as you must be to go shout to the world, tell no one. Money is a powerful magnet for attracting all evils and may alter best of your friends, near and dear relatives, and all acquaintances. It is in your best interest and safety to stay quiet and not tell anyone at all.
2. Transport your 1 billion to a secure location
Let's hope whoever gave you 1 billion does it in bank transfer. But, now is really not the time to cringe on hiring a truck with private security. One large truck will be able to accommodate all one thousand briefcases.
An armoured truck is a better idea if you plan on safe transportation, but then the entire world will know which is not advisable.
Tell your nosy neighbours your friends have started a briefcase business and their storage place got flooded. And don't think they will believe you.
Tip: If the money is legal, deposit it in bank or private vault for optimum safety.
3. Sound Planning
So, your 1 billion is safely home now. You are unlikely to go to sleep today. Unlikely also to be able to eat. The excitement of becoming a billionaire is too great; but so is also the danger, responsibility and stress that comes with it. Freedom always has a cost!
Pick up your phone and get busy. You need to hire ASAP a wealth manager, tax attorney, estate planner, private banker, and security consultant.
4. Chalking strategy
Your advisers will advise you in adopting a clever strategy that keeps your money safe, legal, invested and flowing. Investing in bonds, index funds, real estate are usually a good idea.
Buying lots of real estate properties is usually one of the best advices.
Whatever you do, do not avoid taxes. Pay your taxes and try staying all legal. It is never a good a idea to turn authorities against you.
5. Important to remember
Avoid, avoid, avoid starting to openly spend like a rich man right away. That's something worst you can possibly do for yourself and your money. It is important that you let this 'I am rich' feeling sink in your mind. Many people who suddenly come into money are unable to handle this feeling and spiral down in a spending spree that swallows their money as well as themselves in no time.
Other than hiring your financial advisers and investing, do not no anything else with your money right away. No fancy car buying, or flashing diamond rings and expensive handbags. This will help keep you safe, won't blow up your secret and won't make people suspicious.
6. Plan a new life smartly, discreetly
You might consider changing your name and identity and relocating to a new city or country. It will help you stay safer and more easily accepted in new community than the old, familiar one.
Relocating to another far off continent is best. Tell people you got broke and must take up a new job offer to stay afloat. With one billion to protect you must, unfortunately also learn to lie because due to natural jealousy and disdain, your current community may find it hard to accept you and may even turn against you or create hurdles for you, if not dangers.
7. Get a counsellor or therapist
Be aware that you will be changing rapidly. Expect that people around you, your family, friends, near and dear ones will be changing rapidly too. You might have to deal with sudden envy, hatred, selfishness, character-change, dishonesty, greed, flattery, treachery, deceit, lies, manipulation, threats, cheats, blackmail, emotional blackmail, pressure, guilt, scams…
People will want to befriend you to come closer to you for your money. They might try to blind and fool you with flattery, respect, favours and even love. Don't lose your head, don't be heartless and don't be a fool. Now is not the time to find your love and soulmate.
Choose a comfortable place and a big comfortable house with a team of trusted servants and a driver. Do not reveal your secrets or your new money to them. Don't blabber and don't fall in intoxication and drugs. Don't try to bribe anyone and don't over tip. Don't dress yourself in over flahsy things but don't dress like a nobody too.
Remember, moderation is your key right now and you want to be alive and healthy and sane in order to enjoy your 1 billion with people you love.
9. Avoid falling victim to Sudden Wealth Syndrome
Sudden Wealth Syndrome is the sudden emotional, mental and psychological challenges that one has to face when one suddenly acquires big wealth. This usually involves feelings of tremendous pressure, guilt, anxiety, fear, confusion and stress.
10. One billion is a lot. Be kind to others
One billion is a lot, even for you even though your ego, fantasy and imagination keeps nagging how much better it would have been if you had 10 billion instead of 1. Just think: You have enough to live comfortably all your life without having to work like before. What you can do now and feel nice about yourself is to remember being kind and generous to others. Donating is a good way to show your gratitude and appreciation.
Remember: if you invest it smartly and don't lose your head your one billion can continue to flow and will be able to help and bring happiness not only to you but to countless other people and causes.
And that's the whole point of having money…!
But that's just my opinion. Thanks for reading.
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