Winning the jackpot is a dream come true for many of us, but it’s important to remember that it comes with a lot of responsibility. If you’re not careful with your newfound wealth, you could lose it all. That’s why it’s crucial to manage your finances wisely and plan for the future. By doing so, you can ensure that you’ll be financially secure for years to come and won’t have to worry about the possibility of bankruptcy.
Key Takeaways
- Winning the lottery is a dream, but it comes with responsibilities.
- Choose between lump sum and annuity payments.
- Professional advice from lawyers and financial experts can help in managing newfound wealth wisely.
- Plan for various aspects like debt repayment, emergency fund, retirement, and college funds.
Contents
- What to Do Before Claiming Your Prize
- What to Do with Lottery Winnings
- What Not to Do with Lottery Winnings
- The Top Statistics on What Happens to Lottery Winners After They Won
- What Do the Experts Say?
- Final Thoughts – Try to Maintain a Healthy Mind and Body
- What to Do Next?
- FAQ About What to Do If You Win the Lottery?
What to Do Before Claiming Your Prize
So you find out that you predicted the exact winning numbers. That includes following the lottery until the draw has been held or checking the winning numbers on the site. Here is one of the best videos of a winner who discovered that over the phone.
Before we say anything, we strongly advise that you watch every lotto draw for which you purchased tickets. Many stories about lottery winners discover that they don’t always watch the draw live, which is why they find out about the jackpot days or weeks later.
It’s vital to confirm that you are the lotto winner as soon as possible. That’ll give you more time to prepare to claim your ticket before the deadline. Here is what you should do before claiming the reward.
1. Find Your Ticket and Keep It Safe
The initial step is to find where your ticket is. Now, this is something you should take care of even before the session. We strongly advise having a safe place to keep all your tickets. You never know when you might become the jackpot winner. Otherwise, you risk becoming one of those lottery winners whose tickets were never claimed.
Ensure to store your tickets as soon as you buy them. You should consider getting a home lockbox or storing your tickets in a bank deposit box. Or better yet, convert them to digital copies and save them on your phone or the cloud.
Another convenient option is to purchase tickets online. If you stick to the best lottery sites, you can buy tickets for dozens of worldwide lotteries in seconds. When you play with Lotto Agent, WinTrillions, or theLotter, they save your tickets automatically on their servers and they will claim your reward.
2. Keep Your Mouth Closed for Now!
We know that you can’t wait to tell everyone that you won the lottery. Sharing the wealth with your close ones and your family members is probably one of the things that went through your mind seconds after you won the reward. However, the experts suggest that you should keep your mouth shut at first.
It is advisable to calm down and assess the situation realistically before celebrating with your friends. You will not have time to think about how to handle the prize if you start celebrating right away. It is critical to have peace of mind in the first few days after winning the lottery.
Additionally, some people are unable to keep a secret even if they promise to do so. As a result, it is preferable not to tell anyone about the reward. There will be plenty of time to celebrate later; your first priority should be to protect yourself.
3. Don’t Make Sudden Life Changes Immediately
Lotto winners usually think “I’ll never work another day,” or “I’m moving to a new country and starting over tomorrow.” Those are all options that the huge loads of cash allow. However, you must not make any rash decisions or sudden life changes immediately.
First, you should understand there is a whole process to claiming lottery jackpots. It takes around 10 to 15 days for the lottery organizers to process your winnings. It would be best if you familiarize yourself with the lottery rules guiding the jackpot. During the period before the money gets to you, you should think deeply about what to do with your winnings.
4. Decide Whether to Stay Anonymous
Winning the lottery will bring a lot of attention to you. You will start getting hounded by reporters, journalists, and news houses. Your friends and even random strangers may want their share of the lottery winnings. It may be better to stay anonymous after winning the lottery jackpot. However, some states require lottery winners to reveal their identities to the public. This is how they prove that they are transparent and demonstrate that anybody can actually win the lottery.
If you are unable to remain anonymous, you could consider relocating to a different zip code or town. You could also change your phone numbers, emails, and social media accounts. Remove your contact information from the internet or any other place where a random person could access it. While it may be impossible to remain completely anonymous, these actions will help to protect you from the public.
5. Gather a Team of Professionals
A small number of people have millions of dollars piled up in their accounts. That’s what happens when you win a lotto jackpot, which is why you might be confused about how to handle the new situation. It’s where a team of professionals comes into play. It will be an expense, but one that will be worth it because you’ll navigate the entire situation better.
Here are the professionals you’ll need:
- A lawyer – you’ll probably buy vehicles, properties, and other items when you become a jackpot owner. A lawyer can help to go through the papers and make sure everything is legal. Hire the best lottery lawyers to avoid any legal troubles in the future.
- A tax specialist – if your attorney specializes in taxes and you trust them, you can hire them for handling the paperwork. You don’t want the IRS coming because you missed paying for taxes, so having an expert always helps.
- Financial consultant – these advisors can assist in identifying the right investment opportunities. It’s not only about managing your wealth but looking for chances to increase it.
6. Calculate Your Prize and Decide on the Payment Option
You will need to decide how you want to receive your prize. The lottery organizers will have you choose whether you wish to collect a lump sum, which is the entire winnings at once, or annuity payments over several years. We advise you to make this decision before claiming your prize because it will help you (and your team) make wealth management and tax plans.
Both payout options have their pros and cons. For instance, people who choose the lump payout usually pay more tax than those who opt for the annuity payment. Our lottery payout and tax calculator can help you determine how much tax you must pay and how much money you will have left over.
The decision lies on you to choose which payment method works. You will need to consider them carefully to help you know which option might be the best for you.
- Lump Sum: The lump sum option pays their entire winnings at once. This is great for people who want their money immediately.
- Instalment Payment: This option pays a certain portion of the winnings annually. It is perfect for people who want a steady income stream over an extended period.
Once you are ready to collect your jackpot, head to the lottery office and tender your winning ticket and proof of ID. Some games may require other documents, so you must do adequate research before going to the office. After completing the paperwork, you will receive your winnings.
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What to Do with Lottery Winnings
Congratulations on your big win. A lottery jackpot will undoubtedly change your life and help you to live comfortably from now on. However, you will need to act smartly to maximize your win. You could set aside a small sum to celebrate with your friends and family, but learning money management skills is imperative. You would want to avoid joining the list of people who squandered their lottery winnings and went back to square one.
Here are some things to do after claiming your lottery prize.
1. Meet with Your Team
Remember the team you hired before claiming your jackpot, the attorney, tax specialist, and financial advisor. It is time to put them to work. Meet with your team to help you find good ways to spend your money. They will help you to create financial decisions like buying real estate, setting up funds, and anything you want to do with the money.
2. Pay Your Debts
Since you are rich now, you should consider paying any debt you have. Maybe you took a loan from a friend or a bank loan for your studies. Whatever your debts are, you can clear your credit history and pay everything you owe. Doing this lets you spend the rest of your lottery winnings with peace of mind, knowing you are free from your debts.
3. Create an Emergency Fund
Financial experts advise keeping some prize money for emergencies or unpredictable events. It could be a health emergency or to sort yourself out in precarious situations. You can respond better to unplanned expenses when you have an emergency fund. However, you should only use it as a last resort – only use it when you have no other means of resolving the situation.
4. Establish a Retirement and College Fund Account
Some lottery winners quit their jobs immediately after getting their prizes. Others choose to stay working. Regardless of your decision, you will eventually retire, and when that time comes, you will want to enjoy your wealth as best as possible. You should set up a retirement account. Set sufficient money aside that you can only access when you retire. It will appreciate and protect your financial security in the long turn.
For instance, you can open a traditional individual retirement account (IRA) if you don’t already have one. These accounts are sheltered from income tax, and you can choose any investment platform, such as JP Morgans, M1 Finance, TD Ameritrade, and Ally Invest. If you opt for the annuity payment plan, you can set a yearly annual contribution into the account.
If you have kids, you could open a college fund for them. A college fund will ensure that there are adequate financial resources for your children to go to college when they are ready
5. Invest, but Be Careful
Invest and grow your wealth. You can’t depend on your lottery win for the rest of your life. You should invest a portion of your funds to secure a constant income stream.
Your financial team should create a list of options for you to invest your money. You could invest in shares and stocks. You may also invest in startups or partner with existing companies.
6. Don’t Forget Those Who Aren’t That Lucky
Unfortunately, many people need help in society. Consider the less privileged and those struggling to make ends meet. You could become a philanthropist to impact the world by creating a charity organization or investing in charity funds. Find a charity organization you relate to and help with their finances. You could also make your charity fund and do whatever you feel will help people. You could donate free books, provide meals in homeless shelters, or help wildlife conservation efforts.
7. It’s Crucial Not to Give Away Money for No Reason
Don’t waste money. It is one thing to help the needy and another to give away money without a good reason. This is why you should practice restraint – learn to say no to money requests. You should only help people who have a proven financial need.
8. Pursue Your Dreams
Winning the lottery could potentially mean that you don’t have to work anymore, as your finances are sorted for the rest of your lives. That means you can pursue your lifelong dreams and live comfortable lives. You could travel, take a break from the hustle and bustle of life, and enjoy what life has to offer.
What Not to Do with Lottery Winnings
It is crucial to manage your new-found wealth wisely to ensure long-term financial security and happiness. Here are some things to avoid doing with lottery winnings.
- Don’t rush decisions. You need to take the time to consider your options and consult with your financial advisors and attorneys.
- Don’t tell everybody. You should not disclose the news of your win to many people. Lottery winners become targets for scams, frauds, and unsolicited advice.
- Don’t ignore taxes. Pay all necessary taxes are soon as possible. Failing to pay your taxes can lead to financial troubles down the road
- Don’t overspend. We know it is tempting to indulge in luxury purchases and finance your fantasies. However, overspending can cause financial burdens in the long run.
- Don’t neglect budgeting. Continue to budget and manage your finances wisely. This will help ensure your winnings last for a long time.
The Top Statistics on What Happens to Lottery Winners After They Won
According to a survey by the Camelot Group, the spending habits of lottery winners changed drastically after their big win.The figures are impressive and reveal some intriguing things about them. Here are some of them.
- 59 percent of lottery winners stopped working and 15 percent started their own business
- 82 percent of winners changed their homes
- 70 percent of lottery winners help their family by giving them money or buying them a home
- 5 percent of lottery winners donate to charity
- 76% of lucky players who won the jackpot confirm that they are happier than they used to be.
Important Note We collected the most shocking statistics about lottery winners here.
What Do the Experts Say?
Is there anyone better to consult you on how to manage your jackpot win than those who have millions and financial experts? Those are people who know how to handle money, which is why you should listen to their words. Here are their crucial tips!
“It’s Not an Endless Pool of Money” – Suze Orman
Suze Orman is the author of the famous podcast Women & Money, and the writer of the book of the same name. She is famous as an expert on personal finances, and she admits that finding the right investments for millions of dollars is a tricky business.
Orman advice taking the lump sum, but only if you have the guts to manage it without feeling guilty.
“You might have friends or family that make you feel personal guilt that you have so much wealth, and they don’t. If that’s an option, it might be better to choose installments.”
She also warns you shouldn’t go with a lump payment if you don’t feel experienced with money or life in general. The long-term option gives you an option to prevent yourself from spending all the winnings quickly.
“It’s incorrect that you’ll have an endless pool of money. You might run out of it, so if you don’t understand how the market or finances work – go for the annuity option,” says Orman.
“Play It Safely” – Kevin O’Leary
O’Leary is a famous Canadian investor who had both ups and downs in his career. He’s most famous as a participant of the business reality show Shark Tank, which is a huge hit in the United States. O’Leary recommends a different approach.
“You want to take the lump sum, but don’t waste it right away. Instead, make a deal with yourself for a yearly annuity. Use everything that remains for investments and utilize the money to increase your wealth.”
The investor says you should play it safe.
“You have the money that affords you to play it safe. It’s crucial not to waste that chance,” warns O’Leary.
“Beware of Taxes” – Elizabeth Glasgow
Elizabeth is a law graduate who specializes in working with clients that have a high net worth. She warns about the potential taxes that could arise from gifting large sums of money to family members.
“Any gift over $11.4 million is subject to 1% taxes. That means you could end up spending a hefty tax sum on a gift to your mom or sibling,” warns Glasgow.
As for the payment option, she says the crucial thing is to trust yourself.
“Can you manage so much wealth at once? Is it a better option to take a long-term payment and manage your affairs that way? You get a certain amount of financial freedom either way, which is why don’t want to spend the money too generously or quickly,” says this financial expert.
“Take Things Slow” – Farnoosh Torabi
Torabi is another podcast author, and her creation is the famous “So Money” program that shows insights on personal finances. According to Torabi, it’s crucial not to make rash decisions.
“The adrenaline will be at its highest during the first weeks or months. If your family and friends know about the win, they’ll probably offer their advice, which is not necessarily a good thing. That’s why it’s crucial to let some time pass to determine what’s truly the best thing to do with the money,” says Torabi.
It’s vital to note that your goal should be to utilize the full potential of your money. According to Torabi, that includes discussing things with your close ones, but also sitting down and thinking about what you want for yourself.
“The main goal should be creating a life that will be more fulfilling and impactful. Finally, make sure those winnings last,” says Torabi.
He agrees that you shouldn’t reveal you won the lottery immediately.
“If you keep things as private as possible, it will ensure you have time to come up with the best possible plan and gather the right team of advisors.”
“Enjoy Your Life” – Mark Cuban
The famous Dallas Mavericks owner earned a huge wealth with his smart investments. However, Cuban suggests you aren’t a wise investor just by winning the lottery.
“That’s why I’d advise against making investments. Go for the annuity option and enjoy getting your paycheck every year. You can live comfortably until the end of your life,” says Cuban.
According to the businessman, it’s a simple method that provides peace of mind.
“If you invest and make risky moves, you could lose all your money,” warns Cuban, indicating that you shouldn’t push your luck.
What Happened to the Most Famous Lottery Winners After They Won the Lottery?
A Jackpot win will definitely change your life. Many lottery winners have gone on to pursue their dreams and live comfortable lives. Their lives sure got interesting after winning the lottery. For example, Richard Lustig, a seven-time lottery winner, published a book on winning the lottery. He won severally, with the highest win of $842,000 in the Florida State Lotto. So he decided to share his knowledge of the lottery and lottery strategies. His book got massive publicity and was even featured on CNN.
Stefan Mandel has the most exciting story of all lottery winners. He employed the theories of mathematics to create a lottery strategy. He was successful and won 14 times. Today, he is a serial jackpot winner. He is now retired and living a comfortable life in his beach house in Vanuatu.
The lottery literally changed Marie Holmes’ life, but it is a pity she didn’t make the best of it. She struggled to make ends meet and raise four small children when she won the lottery. She moved from a trailer home to a five-bedroom apartment when she won. Ultimately, she squandered her winnings, paying millions to get her boyfriend out of prison.
We can see that some people went on to live comfortable lives after winning the lotteries. Others could have used their money more wisely. It depends on you and your spending habits. We advise that you make a solid financial plan and spend wisely.
Final Thoughts – Try to Maintain a Healthy Mind and Body
Winning the lottery is a big thing, and big prizes will undoubtedly change your life. It’s up to you to ensure they adjust your life for the better. There’s plenty of time to decide how you’ll spend your money. That’s why it’s crucial to show patience and come up with the right strategy.
You could listen to other people’s advice, but you don’t have to apply it. However, keep in mind that professional lawyers, financial advisors, and other specialists could help you to design the right plan for managing your new wealth.
What to Do Next?
Great, now you know what to do after you win the lottery, it’s time to try. You won’t win the lottery if you don’t play it. Get closer to winning with theLotter now!”
FAQ About What to Do If You Win the Lottery?
If you win the lottery and take the annuity, what happens if you die?
When you initially set up the annuity, you may have the option to designate a beneficiary. This is a person who would receive the remaining annuity payments if you were to die before the annuity period is completed. The person will be contacted upon your death for the payments. However, if you do not designate a beneficiary, the payement will become part of your estate and be sitributed according to the content of your will.
If you win the lottery how long does it take to get the money?
The time it takes to receive your lottery winnings depends on the specific lottery game, the amount you’ve won, and the procedures of the lottery organization or state lottery commission. For example, various US jurisdictions might have different deadlines for the same lotto game. You can learn more in our article on how long it takes to get the money after winning the lottery.The process can take from a few days to several weeks.
Why do you need a lawyer if you win the lottery?
You need a lawyer for legal and financial advice. They can help you understand the implications of your winnings, including tax obligations, estate planning, and contract reviews. This helps protect your financial interests and ensure your winnings have a positive impact on you long term.
If you win the lottery in another state where do you pay taxes?
If you win the lottery in a state other than your home state, you may be liable to pay taxes in both the state where you bought the ticket (the source state) and your home state. It depends on the lottery laws. Some states have special provisions for non-resident lottery winners. So it is important to stay updated with the current lottery laws.
Where to move if you win the lottery?
Where you choose to move if you win the lottery is a highly personal choice that depends on your individual preferences, financial goals, and lifestyle. For instance, if you want to stay anonymous, you can move to areas where people don’t know you.
What happens if you win the lottery while separated?
If you win the lottery while you are separated from your spouse or partner, the legal implications depend on the laws of your jurisdiction and the specific circumstances of your separation. For instance, assuming you bought the ticket while legally separated but not divorced, your spouse may still have a claim to a part of your winnings.
What happens if you win the lottery and owe back taxes?
If you win the lottery and have outstanding back taxes, the tax authorities can take steps to collect the taxes owed before or after you receive your lottery winnings. If possible, you may be able to negotiate a payment plan to settle your taxes over time.
What’s the largest jackpot ever won in a lottery game?
The largest jackpot ever won occurred on Powerball in January 2016. Three winners split the prize of $1.58 billion. As for the largest single win, a lucky winner took home $1.53 billion after winning the jackpot in MegaMillions in 2018. Our article on the biggest lottery wins mentions the highest rewards in different lotto games around the world.
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