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Bored Panda asked the author of the thread for the advice they’d give anyone who’s feeling overwhelmed by an unexpectedly large sum of cash. “If someone has just come into a large amount of money, I would tell them to consult a financial advisor before making any major purchases,” u/willow-mist told us.
The OP urged everyone to keep their newfound wealth a secret. “Don't tell anyone. There are many people who reach out asking for money when they think someone has more than them.”
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According to the author, people are more likely to ask you to share your wealth if you either inherited it or won it in a lottery. “That makes people believe that it is ok to expect a handout because the money wasn't earned by but given to the recipient,” they said.
Though u/willow-mist agrees that relationships can make us happier than money, there’s also the practical side of life to consider.
“Money can take away many of our problems,” they said, pointing out that being rich means being able to afford good housing, having the time to visit family and friends, and covering medical and dental costs.
What’s more, if you have a financial safety net, you’re not desperate. So, you don’t have to endure having a bad boss or being in a toxic work environment.
“I’ve heard it said, ‘I’d rather cry in a car than on a bike,’ and it’s true. Money can’t buy happiness, but it can help us choose our own misery.”
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Pro Tip: do NOT tell anyone - people will make you miserable 😩.
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The author had no idea that their thread would get so popular online. They told Bored Panda that the inspiration for the question came from their personal life. “I know someone who inherited a large amount of money and wasted it all with nothing to show for it after two years.”
It’s not just stressful when you lack money. If Fortune smiles upon you and you win the lottery or inherit a sizable sum, you might not be as happy as you think. Your immediate response might be panic! Many of you might daydream about becoming millionaires. But if that actually happened, you might be sick with anxiety.
You might stress about how you’ll have to protect all of your newfound wealth. You might feel anxious about how best to spend all of your doubloons. Or you might worry about how becoming rich might impact your relationships. Because, unless you’re deftly practicing stealth wealth, how people treat you will change.
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Investopedia urges people to take their sweet time deciding what to do with their wealth if they suddenly inherit a large amount of cash. There’s no rush to decide there and then what you’ll do with your millions (or even billions). Nobody can be expected to transition into a wealth-oriented mindset at the drop of a hat. Especially if they’ve been very frugal for most of their lives.
If you happen to have any debt, you should think about paying that off first. Prioritize high-interest debt. Meanwhile, consider what part of your money you’d ideally like to invest. You might be able to make enough passive income to become financially independent. Just be sure to do your research so you don’t get scammed.
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Look, it’s important to celebrate your victories. If you’ve earned a huge commission thanks to your hard work, then by all means, splurge a bit. Have a nice dinner at a fancy restaurant with your loved one. Go on a brief getaway. Get yourself a cool suit or bag. In short, do what makes you happy. Reward yourself because you definitely deserve it. Money is there to be used, after all.
That being said, don’t go too wild! Think about your future. Don’t party away all of your cash. Don’t burn through everything on a few off-the-rails shopping binges. There’s always a balance to be found. You never know: you might need that extra cash just to get by in the future if the economy gets worse.
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At the end of the day, true wealth lies in your relationships with people. Whether you have a swimming pool full of gold coins or you’re barely making ends meet, it’s the quality of your social life that matters the most. And that’s not just empty idealistic talk, either.
A study started by Harvard researchers back in the late 1930s found that what truly makes us happier and healthier are our positive relationships. They’re more important than money, our careers, our fitness, and even our diets. These relationships make us more resilient to the stress that life throws our way. The more socially ‘fit’ we are, the longer (and higher quality) our lives are bound to be.
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But those relationships can’t be left untended. You have to be very intentional and proactive in strengthening them. It also means being more selective with whom you spend time with. Try to identify the people already in your life who energize and empower you. Who makes you laugh? Who do you feel like you can be vulnerable around? Focus on those individuals!
What’s your philosophy on money, dear Pandas? Do you focus on maximizing your profits at the expense of everything else, or do you prioritize your relationships? What advice would you give someone who unexpectedly comes into a lot of cash? Share your thoughts in the comments if you happen to have a spare moment.
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