What day is it?

By Nila Harris

If you’re totally honest, you have probably thought about what it might be like to have a million dollars (or even a couple of thousand, at least!).

Maybe you have thought about how you would spend money if you won the lottery — pay off your home, buy your kids homes, give money to your favorite charity, make a huge donation to your church or go on a European vacation.

According to apnews, “the odds of winning the Powerball Jackpot — no matter the size — stand near 1 in 292.2 million. Chances of taking home Mega Millions’ top prize are even lower, at about 1 in 302.6 million.”

So, OK, you probably won’t become a millionaire playing the lottery, but you can at least take steps to help you FEEL like a million bucks.

May 20 — today — is National Be a Millionaire Day — a day when you can act, talk, walk or think like a millionaire.

Started in 2021, the day’s creator is unknown but was probably inspired by the popularity of shows like “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” This is the day you might buy that lobster instead of eating a PB&J sandwich. Take a test drive in a fancy car. Go to the spa.

Sounds fun but unrealistic? Doing things like this would take planning (unless of course you are a real millionaire), but not impossible.

My daughter and her husband like to travel. They recently quit their jobs and went on the road for six months. They both made a huge commitment to save as much as possible for six months prior, which they did, and had a blast.

While I’m not suggesting quitting your job, I am saying that having a goal and working toward it is how many millionaires got their start.

My friend, Evan Meyer, minister at Antioch Mills Christian Church, once preached a sermon on debt and made the comment, “How’s that working out for you?”

That comment really resonated with me — how we tend to dig holes for ourselves by going into debt and feel like we are never able to dig out.

Some of the happiest people I know are those who don’t have a whole lot of material things, but their bills are paid, and they do not have major debt hanging over their heads.

Where are all the millionaires? Switzerland has the largest percentage of them at 16.45% of their population, followed by Australia at 11.25%, with the United States ranking third — 9.72%, yet the largest number of millionaires reside in the U.S., with China having the second largest number and Japan rounding out third.

Incidentally, the U.S. has the highest number of billionaires too — 735. China has 495 and India 169.

Most millionaires started with a goal or dream, then worked toward making that dream come true, usually through hard work, determination, and perseverance.

While my goal in life has never been to become a millionaire, I have realized that I am happiest when I have a goal and complete it and am the most unhappy when I don’t.

To become a millionaire (well, not really, just more financially stable), start planning your future today. Pay off credit card debt, especially those with high interest rates. Track your spending habits — where is your money going each month? Start a savings plan.

Through my research, I discovered that many wealthy people stress the importance of education, whether formal education, or self-learned education by observation or independent study.

“An investment in knowledge pays the best dividends.” — Benjamin Franklin.

Others talked about being disciplined. “Disciplined, consistent, and persistent actions are more of a determining factor in the creation of success than any other combination of things,” stated Grant Cardone, American entrepreneur, speaker, author and real estate investor.

“You can’t work three hours a week and make $100,000. Get rich quick doesn’t work. Crock-Pot mentality always defeats microwave mentality!” proclaimed Dave Ramsey, personal financial consultant.

But it’s also about having a dream and not being afraid to pursue it. “Fortune always favors the brave and never helps a man who does not help himself,” said P.T. Barnum, American showman, businessman and politician.

Go out and be a millionaire for the day today — or at least work toward those dreams and make everyone think you are rich, because of how content you are with what you have.