The number of shares doesn't really matter - it's how it will improve your overall well being. I have 12000 shares. For most on this board, it's peanuts, but a 5$ + buyout will greatly improve my financial situation since I don't bring in a big salary (although I'm sure alot of people on this planet would give anything to trade places with me) but my wife (who makes about the same) and I accumulated debts when we bought last year. We have 2 cars and a nice comfortable sized land and a 1600 sq ft family home. I could then use whatever is left to invest without the worry of debts. Someone might have 1 million shares, but this person's lifestyle and salary might be up there to and this person could also be waiting to use it all on debts. JMO