Relative Wealth | Previous Challenge Entry

how it works

TITLE: Relative Wealth | Previous Challenge Entry
By Vince Martella
01/28/16
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John Latimer was nothing if not punctual. Even in death.

At precisely 10 am in the law offices of Putnam and Sons, his face filled the video screen in the tense conference room.

"Good morning. Most of you know I have been battling cancer. Some time ago, I decided to make preparations - thus the reason for your presence here today."

"I have a proposal for you. A challenge, if you will. I have bequeathed each of you a hundred thousand dollars. You can keep that sum as your inheritance, and walk away with a check today, or you can invest it. My executor, Mr. Smythe, will handle all the details. If you choose to invest, you will meet back here in 30 days. The one who has most wisely invested their money will inherit the entire estate. The rest will inherit a sum based on their transactions."

"Hot dog," said Clem, "a hundred grand! That'll buy a new tractor and then some on the farm!"

"I'm gonna buy me a new wardrobe," said Mitzi. "I haven't bought a new pair of shoes in nearly 3 weeks."

Damian swung around in his chair. "Hey, what did Uncle John do for a living, anyway?"

"I heard he was into oil," said Clem.

"Nah, commercial trucking," offered Mitzi.

"You're both wrong; real estate," stated Franklin.

After much discussion, the group conceded that they really weren't sure how the old man amassed his fortune.

"Doesn't matter as long as it's ours now," Jacob laughed.

"Dang straight," joked Nate.

"Hey, Sam, what about you?" asked Clara. "You gonna take the challenge?"

"Are you kidding? He's got no head for business," Carter quipped. "Take the money, Sam."

**********************************************************************

The meeting was just as tense 30 days later.

Carter arrived by limo at 9:45 am. Damian, Franklin, and Sam soon followed. No one else arrived.

At 10:00 sharp, John Latimer's face filled the screen again.

"Congratulations on accepting the challenge. I trust each of you has been a wise steward of my money. Mr. Smythe will hear each of your ventures and reward you accordingly. He has strict guidelines concerning the value of your investments."

Smythe began. "Ok, Mr. Decker, let's start with you."

Sam shifted nervously in his seat. "Well, I'm afraid I didn't make a profit. Truth is, this $100 is all I have left."

Sam's cousins winced.

"I trust you spent your inheritance well," said Mr. Smythe. "You are free to leave. My assistant will show you out."

"Who's next?" Smythe asked.

Carter cinched his tie and brushed the arm of his suit jacket. "I have doubled your money!" he exclaimed, standing. "I found a start up tech firm, backed it heavily for the IPO, and cashed out as soon as the public went all in. It was a risky play, but it paid off."

"Well done," said Smythe.

"Mr. Duncan, how did you fare?"

Damian brightened. "I did alright," he said. "I have a friend in the import/export business. We bought and sold for the month; ended up with about $50,000 profit."

Franklin shared a similar victory. "About $25,000," he said. "Creative finance."

"Wonderful," said Smythe. "I commend you all on a job well done. Please help yourself to refreshments as I deliberate the results."

**********************************************************************
"Please, sit," the assistant said to Sam. "We'll need you to sign some paperwork before you go."

Sam had just sat down when the door suddenly re-opened. "Sam?"

Sam looked up.

"Uncle John! You're alive!"

Latimer hugged his nephew and whispered in his ear, "Congratulations."

Sam looked puzzled. "But, what about ...?"

"… your cousins? Every one of their ventures was dishonest. Deception, fencing stolen goods, gambling..."

"But they turned a profit," Sam said. "I just..."

"...bought a car for your neighbor Jose, paid off your church's mortgage, purchased furniture for that single mom down the street... "

Sam's mouth hung open.

"Yes, Sam, I know. I had Smythe track you and your cousins the past month."

"Listen, Sam, I never said anything about making money. I challenged you all to make an investment.
I've made millions over my lifetime, but I realize I've never really made a difference."

"But lately I’ve met Jesus, Sam. You see, the cancer brought things into perspective. And from now on, investing in people is the new family business."

Sam smiled as his uncle continued.

"And I'd like you to take over the business, Sam."

Sam threw his arms around his uncle.

"So," said John...... "how about those papers?"

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