PHONE: 414-223-1099 TOLL-FREE: 1-800-236-1096
SEND US A QUESTION OR COMMENT FOR OUR NEXT SHOW

For What It’s Worth: Windfall

Money Tree blowing leaves
By Joel Dresang

Accumulating wealth requires solid values such as discipline, patience and balance.

But reaping a big bundle in a hurry often comes as the result of a windfall.

A windfall is a sudden – usually surprising – gain from circumstances largely beyond one’s control.

How to handle a financial windfall, a Money Talk Video from Isabelle Wiemero
Ask Money Talk: Windfall, Bob Landaas advises a questioner on what to do with an unexpected gain of $75,000

The expression “windfall” dates back to medieval England.

In those days, commoners were forbidden to chop down trees for fuel. They could, however, burn branches and twigs blown down by the wind. So if they needed firewood, they’d have to gather up what the wind had caused to fall.

With all the interest nowadays in wind power as an energy source, it’s curious that back 500 years ago, the British already were relying on the wind so they could heat their homes and cook their meals.

For What It’s Worth is an occasional look at the meanings and origins of words and expressions investors may encounter.

Joel Dresang is vice president of communications at Landaas & Company.

(initially posted January 18, 2011; updated September 28, 2016)

More information and insight from Money Talk

Money Talk Videos

Follow us on Twitter.

Landaas newsletter subscribers return to the newsletter via e-mail.


Text Size:  A  A  reset

No client or potential client should assume that any information presented or made available on or through this website should be construed as personalized financial planning or investment advice. Personalized financial planning and investment advice can be rendered only after engagement of the firm for services, execution of the required documentation, and receipt of required disclosures.
Landaas & Company performs investment advisory services only in those states where it is licensed, or excluded or exempted from state investment advisor licensing requirements. All responses to inquiries made by prospective customers to this internet site will not be made absent compliance with state investment advisor and investment advisor rep licensing requirements, or applicable exemptions or exclusions from licensing.
Please contact the firm for more information.
MEMBER FINRA MEMBER SIPC MSRB REGISTRANT

Powered By: mindspike design
ADDRESS: 411 E. WISCONSIN AVENUE, 20TH FLOOR MILWAUKEE, WI 53202
© 2024 Landaas & Company