Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?

photo by Jaime Kowal

When I was a TV news reporter, one of the most memorable pieces I produced was a series on “instant millionaires.” My assignment was to track down and interview six “regular” people who had won $1 million or more in the lottery—and discover how their lives had been transformed by this monetary windfall. (This was a number of years ago, when $1 million carried more clout than it does now; but, even today, it’s still a lot of money.)

What impressed me most was, categorically, how unhappy these people had become because of the money. Some told me outright that their lives were ruined and wouldn’t let me interview them. The six who did speak with me told stories of spouses taking the money and running, family members and friends angry that the winner wouldn’t give them money for this or that scheme, constant pestering from outside groups, and strangers who pleaded for money to fund their causes.

Probably the least remorseful was a bachelor in his 30s, an engineer, who was amazed and flattered at the number of women coming out of the woodwork to meet him. He was a recent winner so the attention was exciting, but even in his naïveté, he was slowly realizing the reason why he was such a hot property.

Oh yes, the winners would buy new cars, houses, and jewellery, take trips and such, but their relationships with the outside world sadly sagged under the huge weight of their new-found wealth.

I was stunned by their experiences but had little compassion at the time. After all, how hard is it to be wealthy?

Carol Newell, the fascinating and striking subject of our cover profile, offers remarkable insight around this. Carol, who inherited tens of millions of dollars, spent many years in relative obscurity before “coming out.” Writer Pamela Post, with her great gift for telling a riveting story, reveals Carol’s path to becoming a leader in asking other affluent individuals to “Play Big” in eco-sustainability. See The Secret Millionaire.

Power-Couple Visionaries
In the true spirit of Valentine’s Day, one member of our Power Couples has a life-changing proposal awaiting him in our pages this month. We’re anxious to hear the answer and will duly report back to you next issue.

Make Your Money Count
Please join SharedVISION this month for a pleasurable evening we’re calling “Do Good and Do Well,” when the Pinch Group, financial planners who specialize in socially responsible investments (SRIs), will show us how investing in green, ethical, and sustainable companies makes perfect sense. We’ve timed it just right—whether it’s for your RRSP contribution or an overall portfolio review.

Come, Be a Green Goddess
Minerva was the ancient goddess of wisdom. And the Minerva Foundation is all about empowering women and girls to reach their full potential. Early next month, this important B.C. women’s organization hosts a unique fundraiser called “All About Girlfriends,” with a theme of inspiring the green goddess in all of us to reduce our footprint on the planet. Since 86 per cent of SharedVISION readers are (smart and savvy) women, you, dear reader, may be very interested in this top networking event. Click here to register.

It’s all good. It’s all a SharedVISION.

In gratitude,
Rebecca