I’ve steered clear of the OWS debates on this blog for a variety of reasons–mostly because I am not as informed as I would like to be in order to take a clear stance.

I’m still not sure what “percentage” I’d best be classified given my financial history and where I am today. However, one thing I’m completely sure of is the following to-do list that I would live by if I had massive amounts of money at my disposal.

If I were part of the 1%, I would:

• Teach my children that it’s not all about them. Taking a page out of Kurt Warner’s playbook, I’d instill in my children an understanding that giving back to others/your community is what’s most important during any time of year–I love their tradition of having their entire family come together to stuff–and deliver– stockings for less fortunate children. This can (and should) be done with any income, but I’d want to Go Big or Go Home.
• Operate a network of soup kitchens, food banks, and shelters around the country. I’d use my (assumed) clout and connections to draw celebrities, politicians, etc. into helping the network because as much as I’d probably hate the blatant self-promotion that would ensue, I’d be sure to tap into their deep pockets to ensure the network was always growing, functioning, and providing assistance to anyone who needs it.
• Sponsor supply, curriculum, and staffing needs for entire school districts. Public schools, schools in other nations, schools in low-income areas. I’d help fund them all and not by “adequate” measures. I’d also work with Government officials to mandate early childhood education, and I’d fund tutoring programs for students who require additional instruction.
• Replace material/monetary gifts with experiences. I would of course give presents to those in my life, but I would favor experiences over lavishing expensive, material gifts. I’d take my children around the world to work for different missions, exposing them (as safely as possible) to the plights of others so they have a deeper understanding of the world at large as well as the many blessings they have at home. In my opinion, he who travels is far richer than he who has a fat bank account. If I were to have both, I’d be damn sure to inspire others.
• Fund scientific research. It makes me sick to read about young, brilliant scientists who work harder at navigating bureaucratic red-tape than they do at solving the greatest medical mysteries or taking the next giant leap of faith to move medicine and science forward. Cancer, diabetes, AIDS–I’d fund it all.
• Adopt. I’d adopt children, but I’d be more interested in adopting entire families. If my financial and educational assistance can help keep a family together, that is a great reward. I’d also adopt an insane amount of pets!
• Cut checks to charities left & right–and NOT write it off. Self-explanatory.
• Sponsor treatment programs for addiction. Substance abuse, shopping, gambling, etc. If people need help, I’d love to develop and fund treatment centers to help them get back on their feet.
• Assist the mentally ill. Funding research, funding therapeutic centers/outreach/group homes, assisting with job placement after hospitalization, providing living expenses, etc. One of my Masters degrees is in Psychology and I have experience working with the mentally ill during my clinical training–I will forever have a special place in my heart for those affected by these horrible conditions, diseases, and impairments.
• Buy groceries for the entire store. Much like my Operation Giving Back, I’d love to walk into a grocery store and tell everyone that their groceries are on me. Bonus points if this is during the weekend before Thanksgiving!
• Use my voice to instill conscience in politics.
• Provide clean drinking water & food to the world’s poor. Clean water shouldn’t be a luxury bottled with fancy labels or pouring from specialized taps. Every single person on this Earth needs to have access to clean water and enough nourishment to sustain a healthy existence.
• Ensure that school sports, music, and arts programs are fully funded. Children shouldn’t be denied all of the incredible benefits of being active, pursuing artistic/creative passions, or being able to explore hobbies. I’d work with schools, community programs, and private businesses to ensure there is access for everyone.
• Hold free financial literacy courses wherever possible. While I’d love to teach seminars on how to manage money, I also realize that I’m no expert. Instead, I’d work to ensure all communities have free financial courses for their residents that are taught by industry experts.
•  Share a smile each day. Above all, I’d strive to be a positive, happy example for anyone I meet. I’d live by example in that sometimes, all the money in the world means nothing if you don’t have a smile on your face. By sharing a smile, I would hopefully encourage others to do the same.

 

What would you do if you had an endless supply of money?