Winning a jackpot comes with a desire to spend more. While that might not be a problem but it becomes one when you do so recklessly. You can satisfy that longing to spend more when you spend in a way that brings you returns.
Most times we become clueless on what to do when we have a lot of money at our disposal. This shows that we might need some piece of advice at such point in life. It is okay to ask questions, but it is best to know the right questions to ask.
This article deals with the top five things you must do when you win the lottery. Read on what to do when you will check the latest lottery results and you will find out that you won a fortune.
- REMAIN AN ANONYMOUS WINNER
The moment people find out that you’re suddenly rich, you’ll be disturbed by requests for support from everyone from charities to long-lost friends and relatives. Even all the financial “experts” will be vying for your business. You must check state rules to know whether you can stay away from being announced.
Different Rules on winner publicity apply to different states. For some states, winners’ names are publicly published. In another state, there exists a possibility to remain anonymous by introducing a trusted or limited liability company to be awarded the winnings.
When you will check the latest Eurojackpot results or any other lottery you want, and you will find out that you are a winner – keep calm and do not inform the world about your winning!
- CHECK FINANCIAL ADVICE BEFORE YOU CASH THE TICKET
You have the liberty to take the prize money all at once or have it given to you in 30 installments over 29 years in an annuity form when you win Powerball or Mega Millions in the United States. When you go with a lump-sum payment option, you pay tax immediately on the entire amount. On the other hand, with an annuity, you pay tax only as payments are received. People who lack some levels of discipline in spending might choose to receive the money as an annuity. But there are drawbacks to the annuity method of receiving payment. There will be a need for you to compare the advantage of an annuity with what you can earn if you take the money all at once, pay the taxes, and invest the proceeds.
Another issue to consider is whether taking an annuity will be favorable to your family if you die before the 30-year period is up. In situations like this, it is better to buy life insurance policies to take care of the unforeseen burden.
You have just 60 days from the time you redeem your lottery prize to evaluate the pros and cons. Within this time, you can ask advisors to crunch the figures and guide your decision on which type of payment you wouldn’t have to regret.
- MAINTAIN A SIMPLY LIFESTYLE
The tendency that comes with landing a large sum of money is that you improve your standard of living. Of course, it is good to give yourself the best of treatment. You might want to consider whether the lifestyle you have adopted promises a better future or one full of regrets. If you had a job before winning a lottery, it is not the best time to quit your job. It is also not time to blow off your spending just to prove a point or adjust to a lifestyle that you cannot maintain in the long run.
- PAY OFF YOUR DEBTS
While investing your money might look like the wisest thing to do when you hit a huge sum of money, uncertainties exist in investment. But when you pay your debts, there is a certain amount of money that you no longer owe. Whereas in an investment, you are not sure whether your money will grow or shrink.
You will experience a great deal of relief when you realize that you no longer owe anyone. It might not be applauded or celebrated like the fancy car you have in mind to cruise the city with. The best gifts you can give to yourself is the one that money cannot buy. That peace of mind is a priceless investment for a lifetime.
- SPEND ONLY YOUR INCOME
Winning a jackpot does not suggest that we spend aimlessly. You might not have been used to having much money and the first thing on your mind at the moment you claim your prize is to live the kind of life that having little has not permitted you to live. You might want to have a rethink to delay such gratification. To curtail the level of your spending, it is best to spend only your income. This means that you are required to spend the additional money your investment attracted while you keep back your principal. When you spend only your income, you will be forced to tailor your budget within the strength of your income.
If this article was interesting for you, read also the article about the TOP 3 Lottery Mistakes to avoid when you win Euromillions.
