Oh Christ I'm unexpectedly wealthy

[awesomekillick]

Not a stealth boast but a cry for help.

I'm a normal middle class person. I'm approaching 60, been retired 5 years.

Fuck knows how but my business has grown beyond what I ever anticipated. Like into what to me is stupid money. I'm talking millions.

What the fuck do I do?

I'm no wheeler-dealer. Never bought a stock or a share in my life. I buy clothes off eBay and material things don't make me happy but dopamine does ! (ADHD) so maybe stock market might be exciting for a while.

Do i set up a charity? Buy shit I dont want or need? My lovely adult kids don't want money. My financial advisor keeps telling me "pension", but honestly my business is my pension and it keeps growing.

Do I go round handing out cash?

I'm a normal m/c intellectual who never ever set out or expected to be, wealthy.

I’ll have some of it’s going!

@DragonLegs

I’ll have some of it’s going!

Same!

Yep in line too! Just joking but congrats OP, no idea what you should do with it but it sounds like you're doing really well 💗

Is there anywhere that you would like to travel to, bucket list type of place?

What a wonderful problem to have! Buy some land and rewild it 😊

Do you employ people? You could improve their terms and conditions.

Security for the rest of your life should be your priority. As you are not especially materialistic, I presume this won't involve a huge amount.
I'd create a pot of say £3m for this and invest it very sensibly and aim for an average of 4-5per cent pa.

On top of that have a fund for more exciting (but not totally crazy), growth oriented investments. I 'self-invest' a fairly significant amount and find it very intellectually rewarding.

Beyond that, charity sounds like it appeals to you.

Holiday home?

Your kids sound amazing to not want anything.

What do you want to do?
Local charity to sponsor two sixth formers through uni, to revamp an area, to improve access, to fund surgery for someone suffering, to fund holidays or apprenticeships. So much fun you could have supporting people. Can you link it to your business, be more ethical, more green with an automatic donation to charity? Can you tell us what you do so we can copy you😂

You could be one of those businesses that pays everyone hugely well and has amazing terms and conditions - that would be life changing for employees.

Me please!

Get security (pay off mortgage, get pension/ investment for old age)
Get a fun thing that you want
Give money away/ invest in something you want to happen (for me this would be environmental related)

Get a financial adviser. I'll be in this situation soon and it's a bit of a head fuck if you've not come from money.

Is it sudden? You sounds in shock. Is there a need to decide now?

With most things, you will benefit from sitting with it for a while. Get used to it. I would recommend some kind of counselling/life coach type advice as well as a financial adviser. Someone that can help you to adjust to your change in circumstances.

Could you speak to National Lottery or some other type organisation to ask how they advise their winners?

That's fabulous op, I can't help, but I love the idea about creating an amazing work place!

I can't think of anything better than starting (or getting deeply involved in) a charity that really resonates with your values. For me the biggest dopamine hit (as that is what you're after) would be helping animals or small children.

Sponsor a couple of medical students through uni. Operation Smile. Amazing terms and conditions for your employees.

I'll happily take a slice in the form of a small but new car..... my old banger is on its last legs..... pretty sure my ecstatic-ness will give you some dopamine 😂😂😂

In all seriousness tho..... enjoy yourself and do what makes you happy! And well done!

Look round your locality, Search local charities, see what needs doing and what you'd like to support.

Ignore childish jealousy.

Yes I agree with pension. Look at the last year, you never know what is around the corner and businesses can fail at any time for unexpected reasons.

You can always leave millions in your will to charities. You don’t need to get rid of it now. But if you want to pay towards my mortgage then I will DM you my bank details

Well done on your business success.

What a great position to be in. Having a pot to piss in is about the extent of my wealth so no practical advice. I would definitely focus on creating a great workplace and probably invest in some charitable projects that were important to me.

Pension is a good idea, like the idea of improving any employees terms and conditions, maybe a regular donation to charity and treat yourself and your kids?

Travel?
Help people as @TSBelliot suggested. Uni costs are horrendous and families struggle to support their children through those years. I imagine a fund to help would be so much appreciated - I know it would for my ds and his peers.
There’s also local (to you) scout groups who would be able to use a donation to benefit the children in such a positive way.
How about a donation to your local children’s hospice? Or to make a wish? Or whatever chosen charity you decide!!

It’s so nice you are thinking about what to do with the money and asking for suggestions. It’s lovely your adult children aren’t needing or wanting it either. You must be very proud of them and yourself too!

I hope you have fun deciding how to spend it and get great pleasure in helping others. What a fortunate wonderful position to be in.

@TSBelliot

What do you want to do? Local charity to sponsor two sixth formers through uni, to revamp an area, to improve access, to fund surgery for someone suffering, to fund holidays or apprenticeships. So much fun you could have supporting people. Can you link it to your business, be more ethical, more green with an automatic donation to charity? Can you tell us what you do so we can copy you😂

Great ideas here if I ever win the lottery!

I could name any number of charities that would appreciate your spare funds ...

What's something your passionate about? If it was me I would do as a PP suggested and buy land to rewild or dilapidated buildings to have restored.