HOW WOULD YOU SPEND “HAPPY MONEY” FROM PCH?

I have witnessed hundreds of “winning moments” – when the PCH Prize Patrol knocks on some lucky person’s door and announces “You are a winner in the Publishers Clearing House Sweepstakes!” It’s an overwhelming event, especially for the winner.  In a rush to capture the story, reporters from local TV stations and newspapers often demand an immediate answer to the question “What are you going to do with the money?”

Most of the time the winners are so stunned by all the excitement that they can hardly think straight and usually say something like, “Phew, I don’t know.  I’ll have to think about that.”

Good answer!

Sure, paying off outstanding bills comes to mind.  But first it’s time to celebrate – maybe with a little bubbly, hugs and kisses, phone calls, dinner out or a party.  And what’s the rush?  For the winner of a Big Check worth thousands or millions of dollars it’s good to catch your breath and not go running off on a crazy buying spree.

Not too long ago I saw the authors of a book entitled “Happy Money” interviewed on TV.  They gave some advice with which I certainly agree.  Most important they say is this: If you come into a mega-bucks windfall, spend the money on experiences.  They add, material things like snazzy cars and fancy houses might offer short-term thrills; but they won’t provide the lasting happiness that — for example — a truly exciting trip or a really generous good deed or a memorable event with family will.

So dream away, but put an emphasis on the experiences you’d like to have.  You might jot some ideas down, then share them with other PCH Blog readers by commenting below. We’d love to hear them.

Above all, make sure you enter the Publishers Clearing House Sweepstakes today and every day at pch.com – and maybe your dreams will come true.

Wishing you the best of luck.

Dave Sayer
Prize Patrol Ambassador