Well here you are, after several years of hard work and saving, you’ve finally been able to afford that house you’ve dreamed about for years. You saved $35,000 for the down payment and now, the big day has come. The papers are signed and the real estate agent has put the “SOLD” sign out front - congratulations.

As you clean out the attic to remove some of the refuse left from the previous owner, you see empty boxes, a few scattered photos, old screen doors and a couple of coins (an old quarter and a dime) on the ground. You pick up the boxes and photos, and put the spare change in your pocket.

Later that day, you decide to take a walk around your neighborhood. Down the street a little girl has put up a lemonade stand, and her sign reads “Lemonade 25 cents”. She’s not exactly overrun with customers, but you’re feeling in pretty good spirits so you reach in your pocket and give her the quarter you found earlier. She hands you a paper cup with lemonade. You wish her well and she smiles back at you, thanking you for your purchase.

Two days later, you’re reading the paper looking through the world events when you happen across the local section. On the front page of that section is a picture of that same little girl you bought the lemonade from. She’s standing in front of her lemonade stand with a toothless grin holding up a quarter for the camera to see. The headlines read “Local girl makes amazing discovery”, it goes on to say that business was slow for her but a man came by to purchase a glass and gave her this quarter. A RARE coin that was minted incorrectly and only 3 are thought to be in existence. It is worth $55,000.

Tell me, how would you feel?

If you’re like me, I’d be having to call a handyman to repair the large hole in my wall from where I was banging my head.

In seriousness, the lesson for you is clear: it’s easy not to see the value of the things you happen to run across - so stay alert. Things like a recommendation on purchasing stock, running into an amazing real estate deal or finding an opportunity to start a business where nobody else would. Are you missing out on a chance to live your dreams? You won’t know unless you’re researching and educating yourself, because unless you’re prepared you won’t know the value of the opportunities that come your way.

Make sure you’re prepared - and keep your senses fine-tuned. Don’t lose that next quarter.

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