Inspirational
The Oracle of Buffalo
“Although adversity seemed to follow her, she eventually bounced back.”
I think everyone has probably heard of Warren Buffett, the Oracle of Omaha. His 
financial prowess is known the world over. But have you ever heard of the Oracle of Buffalo? No? Well you are going to now!
Meet Stephanie Mucha. This 100 year old lady is such an investment whiz that she has earned the nickname of the Oracle of Buffalo. Quite a compliment since it is a take on the nickname of the Oracle of Omaha himself. She has even had an article written about her in a premier investing publication.
Stephanie doesn’t give a lot of financial advice but she does have a wise word about facing life’s difficulties and challenges, “Keep a stiff upper lip.” I would also have to add, “and invest wisely”. I think these two things are truly the recipe for her success.
Remembering Our Heros
In honor of Memorial Day I wanted to honor one of our many Surprise Millionaires who served our country both during times of war and peace. Thank you to all of our servicemen and women and the sacrifices they make to keep our country safe!
Read All About It!
An Immeasurable Legacy
Here at the Surprise Millionaires, we often report on an individual who has recently passed indicating that their bequests will result in a lasting legacy. Today, we have the opportunity to see that legacy come to its fruition.
This past January, the final sum of Surprise Millionaire John A. Johnson’s twenty year trust was delivered to the Salvation Army of Chautauqua County, New York. Mr. Johnson, a quiet and frugal Swedish immigrant, had left an estate worth $7 million back in 1996 to the people of Chautauqua County and specifically to his hometown of Jamestown.
Mr. Johnson had been a factory worker and carpenter throughout his life and was also a shrewd investor. He was known to be a follower of the “buy and hold” strategy. Once he bought a stock, he never sold. That strategy certainly paid off for him!
For the past twenty years Mr. Johnson’s millions have stayed right in the community he loved and benefited the human services programs administered by the Salvation Army. The ripple effect of Mr. Johnson’s legacy cannot be measured! What a blessing he was to his community!
The Tip Of A Lifetime!
A struggling young waitress found a friend in the kindly old gentleman who frequented her restaurant. Little did she know how this friendship would change her life ..
Changing The World
“..individuals who put a few words in their wills and change the world.”
I recently came across an article involving a Surprise Millionaire I profiled a while back. What struck me about the article was the profound statement made by the community director of the foundation that received the bulk of the estate:
“The largest gifts (to the foundation) usually come from good people who lived quietly in service to family, church, and community,” Holmes said. “More and more the foundation is receiving large gifts from individuals who put a few words in their wills and change the world.”
This is true of every Surprise Millionaire that we profile on this blog. A few simple lines in a will causes a chain reaction that reverberates through peoples’ lives sometimes for generations. Whether it is fighting poverty, preserving history or protecting the disadvantaged, our Surprise Millionaires make a real impact on their communities and by extension, the world. What a wonderful way to live your life!
