The big lottery jackpot is well over $1 billion, but the odds of winning the big one are 1 in 292 million for the Powerball and 1 in 302 million for Mega Millions. But what does it hurt to spend a few dollars on a dream? Contrary to popular belief, if you do win, you shouldn’t sign your ticket and run right out to your local lottery office. We have the steps you’ll need to take first in this week’s Five for Friday:
#5. Secure the Ticket
The first thing you will need to do is protect that winning ticket. State Farm suggests making several copies and putting the original in a safe deposit box at the bank or a home safe. It would be a shame if the ticket blew out the window or ended up in a fireplace. That was the plot of many sitcom episodes in the ’90s.
#4. Build your Team
You’re going to need a dream team to navigate through all of the headaches that come with collecting hundreds of millions of dollars. You’ll need a good lawyer, an accountant and a financial advisor, all with experience handling large sums of money. It’s likely a bad idea to reach out to your brother-in-law that does your taxes as it could cause more problems than it solves. Winners in 2022 are subject to a 37% federal income tax on top of whatever your state collects.
#3. Protect your Privacy
It’s huge news when a mega prize is on the docket and that means the media will want to get your story. Long-lost acquaintances will also come out of the woodwork in an effort to siphon off some of your winnings. Only a few states allow winners to remain completely anonymous, so it’s a good idea to shield phone numbers and addresses before you make the trip to collect. There are states that allow you to collect under a trust or LLC, which won’t have your name on it. Again, this is where that crack team is crucial.
#2. Lump Sum or Annuity
Once you have taken the appropriate steps, it’s decision time: Do you take the lump sum or the annuity? Billionaire Mark Cuban believes annual installments are the best way to go, noting it offers security from yourself so you don’t blow all the winnings. The lump sum is equal to around 60% of the total jackpot before taxes, but Cuban’s fellow Shark Tank judge Kevin O’Leary likes that option best. O’Leary suggests paying yourself an annuity and letting the rest grow in safe investments.
#1. Prepare for the Future
Now you get to put some of that money to work. But hold off on vacations, yachts and mansions to start. You should immediately pay off any debt, come up with a sound retirement plan and figure out estate planning in the event of your death to make sure your family is all set. Once again, that team is going to come in handy. Then, enjoy your new life! Experts say you should probably hold onto that job until you have the money in hand, and even suggest getting a part-time job, volunteer work or pick up a hobby you love to keep you grounded.
