Ever wonder what it would be like to be a billionaire? How about a multi-billionaire? Personally, I can’t get through an episode of Succession without daydreaming about everything I’d do with all that cash (buy a treehouse mansion in Madagascar with little lemur butlers, obviously).
Apart from the lemurs, it would be nice to maybe end world hunger, or end homelessness — you know, the stuff we could already be doing if we actually taxed billionaires fairly. The fact that most get off scot-free is pretty disgusting. A system that allows people to exist in profound poverty, while others have more money than they could literally ever spend, is a broken system.
According to Oxfam, “the world’s 10 richest people are worth over $1 trillion. Taxing them fairly means we could afford to end poverty, with plenty of spare change left over for… literally anything.”
It’s absolutely insane how huge the wealth gap is and how cooked it is we are forced to live in a system that allows this to happen — it is almost unfathomable to have a million million dollars, and yet some people literally do. It’s almost impossible to wrap your head around — a billionaire could spend a million bucks a day for almost three thousand years. Insane.
It’s time they pay their fair share. In fact, Oxfam has set up a petition to tax the super-rich, which you can sign here.
While we’re on the subject, let’s find out what regular Joes would do if they were to magically obtain billions of dollars, shall we?
Rachel, 29
“First off I would buy a house — because let’s face it, getting on the property market is no easy task these days and if I’ve got a few extra dollars, I should probably buy a house. I would then likely go back home to the UK and see family (business class obvs…first is too fancy!). Then when I was home I would give my family a share of the billions and make sure they are set for life. After that, I’d look at the positive things I can do for the world and others with whatever is remaining. I would donate the majority to a number of causes but I think the main ones would be, education charities, homeless charities, environmental charities and a health charity. I’ve got billions so I would try and help as many people as possible — it would be selfish not to!”
Jayne, 24
“So many things and pets. All the stray cats in the world, all the salmon in the world, all the Bitcoin in existence, a private luxury island in the middle of nowhere that’s only accessible via a speedboat, and Sabrina Carpenter’s entire wardrobe. I love money and cats, and I want myself and my cats to live comfortably on an island, unbothered (yes we’re sharing the salmon).”
Jaymie, 28
“I’d buy myself a date with Pedro Pascal cos he’s hot as fuck — no matter the cost! I would also donate to a tonne of charities and contribute to doing some good in the world. How could you not with billions of dollars? There is SO much you could buy if you were a billionaire, so I would buy everything I’ve ever wanted and then also help out those in need. What’s the point in having so much money if you can’t share the love a little?”
Bec, 30
“Obviously, I’d be selfish and splurge on myself and my loved ones but I would 100% give a shitload of it away to those in need. Billions of dollars for just one person is pretty silly.
I’d pick my top 10 favourite charities and give $1 billion to each as a first donation. I’d then set up a monthly payment to each.
I definitely invest my money into companies that are actually making a difference in terms of sustainability. Side note — I’d also love to just be an eccentric rich woman who hands out cash and presents to strangers on the street.”
Lauren, 27
“Netflix (the whole company). So that I can stop them from cancelling all the shows I like.”
Ash, 34
“Pay off the debts of family and friends and then visit every country in the world. Might buy a house in Sydney but that would probably bleed my account dry. I’d also donate to charity — animal shelters mostly — but I’d probably go straight to them instead and ask what they actually need and get that organised. If I could, I’d make sure EVERYONE has access to clean water and shelter.”
Shantelle, 27
“I want a Tesla and a mansion for each member of my family. I would also build a little house for our dogs in the back of each mansion, like a granny flat, but for dogs. I would also buy a private jet so I could go anywhere I want. And I would buy a theatre in Melbourne because I love the arts here and want to be a part of it so I might as well buy it. Then, all the creative people are around me and I can just go to my theatre if I want to see shows being performed. I would definitely donate to charity. I would donate half of whatever I have to the Liptember Foundation.”
Nathan, 36
“First thing I can think of would be a venue/bar so I can have my favourite bands come and play. Also tickets to every heavy music festival. Basic I know but music is life.”
Tash, 30
“Besides donating a shitload of it to different charities, I’d definitely buy a house, a car and a holiday for each of my nearest and dearest (partner, family and best friends). I’d also probably get heaps of cosmetic procedures because I’m painfully vain.”
Shaunagh, 29
“Donate to support cancer research and treat kids who have cancer because how the fuck don’t we have a cure for this yet?”
Jas, 26
“Firstly, a house for myself and various family members, a few fun things like new clothes and a new car but then I’d probably invest the rest into various charities. Things that help climate change and feeding the hungry. It makes me feel ill that billionaires exist and they can’t create tangible change in the world. Being a billionaire is an exorbitant amount of money and for them to not be helping people is frankly disgusting.”
Now imagine what you could do with a trillion dollars? Well, for a start, you could buy everything mentioned above AND whatever else your heart desires.
The world’s 10 richest people are worth over $1 trillion. Taxing them fairly means we could afford to end poverty, with plenty of spare change left over for… literally anything. Check out Oxfam’s Trillion Dollar Bill page to see what else you could buy with a cool trillion.