It only took half an hour on the phone to splurge the lot.
The biggest ticket item was a family friendly house with privacy and wide sea views.
Bayleys Real Estate residential sales manager Tony Bender '"sold" us a 5-bedroom house on the Tutukaka coast, with a sleep-out for extra guests or income; asking price $890,000.
It left enough change to buy a nice boat, Mr Bender pointed out.
Warren Hay Marine salesman Alan Smith, agreed - it could buy a well set up 601 McLay Crossover fishing, family, pleasure boat for about $75,000.
Feeling flush with spending power, the Advocate visited Mark Cromie Holden to drive off in the priciest car in the yard, the SS V Redline Commodore, for $76,000.
Salesman Richard Johnston assured us that along with the rumbly 6.2 V8 engine and big exhaust, the SS V had all the bells and whistles.
Feeling something feminine was also called for, the Advocate got frocked up at Red Ruby, in a soft shell coloured, beaded, pure silk gown.
Shop owner Anne Clothier said at $829, it was not an item she would normally have on the rack, but was perfect for a ball, as a wedding dress, or similarly fabulous occasion.
Owner/director of JD Design, Gail Bowering said she often hears in her jewellery shop: "When I win Lotto I'm coming back to get that!"
'That' could be an investment stone or a jewellery item - unique, handmade, with a lifetime guarantee, for anywhere from $20,000 to $50,000.
Because, while dresses, cars, boats and even houses have finite life spans, diamonds are forever.
