$ 1.6 billion (give or take a few million)

There is something to be said about what is happening today.  For certain, you will be unable to turn on the radio or television, or check your favorite on line news site , without being told about the Powerball.  The jackpot for Wednesday night should be about $1.6 billion dollars since it has increased by $100 million every day since the initial figure of $1.3 billion was set last weekend.

There will be countless stories about what people would do with that kind of money, how it would change their lives and what steps should be taken if late Wednesday night or early Thursday morning you discover that you are holding a winning ticket.

CNBC put together “10 steps to take” after you win the Powerball.  It has some whimsical suggestions and some serious ones.   If advice is what you need to have then maybe this New York Times article will be helpful. 

What would I do with $1.6 billion?  I would get into the practice of being philanthropic. The winnings would be more than I would ever need and I am certain it is more than anyone really needs.  But there are so many aspects of society where the need is great and after some careful consideration, there would be many areas would benefit because of the good fortune and pure luck that came my way.

So have fun buying your tickets.  There will be all kinds of time to play if you are holding the winning, or one of the winning tickets.  But the gift you will be receiving will be much greater than anything money can buy if you share the gift with those who would need it the most