Top Five Things You Should Do After Winning the Lottery
However, to avoid becoming one of the embarrassing horror stories of lottery winners who blew it all, it’s a good idea to step back and do some planning before splurging on that brand-new Porsche or round-the-world trip. Doing so will allow you to make the most out of your lottery earnings.
Here are the top five things that you should prioritize after winning the lottery:
1. Sign the Back of the Ticket
The first precaution to take is signing the back of the ticket and keeping it safe. Taking a photo of it is also helpful. A lottery ticket is like a bearer bond, and this means that whoever signs the ticket and presents it with a legitimate photo ID is able to claim the prize money. There have been many stories of strangers, roommates, and even family members stealing winning lotto tickets, so having your signature on it will protect you in the unlikely event this kind of unfortunate thing were to happen to you.
2. Remain Anonymous if the Rules Permit It
If you are lucky enough to live in one of the nine anonymous lottery states or a region that doesn’t insist on making your win public record, then consider setting up a limited liability or lottery trust to accept your winnings for you. You have a certain window period before you need claim the money, and this will give you time to form one. In this way, you can escape the sudden barrage of long, lost relatives, “financial experts,” and needy hangers-on who want a share of your sudden extra cash.
3. Get Some Professional Advice
If your winnings are taxable, be sure not to neglect your obligation to the government in order to avoid penalties or being on the receiving end of a suit. Consult an accountant who will help you understand your options and aid you with all the paperwork associated with filing your taxes.
Depending on the lottery and region you played in, you might have the option of getting your money in a lump sum or in annual instalments, called "annuity payments". Getting all your cash winnings right away could require you to cough up as much as 40% of your prize. If you want to control your spending, choosing to get it in the form of an annuity will let you pay your lottery taxes gradually over time.
The bad side of the latter though is that taxes are subject to adjustments, so you might end up paying more than what you are supposed to back when you won the jackpot. This is the reason why you need a financial advisor to explain the benefits and repercussions of your choice.
4. Settle Your Debts
Having debt is like having a huge loading stone tied to your ankle, and debts can bubble out of control when left unchecked. It won’t be fun, but if you pay off all your debt from the get-go, you’ll immediately be free to spend the rest of your winnings as you please, without anything holding you back. If possible, pay all of them before they incur more interest.
This will be a great time for you to repair your credit score if you used to have a bad credit report prior to winning the lottery. Having a good credit history will put you on a good standing with financial institutions and to every transaction that you will have to deal with. Be sure not to miss out on this opportunity.
5. Invest Your Money
The best thing to do with your new money is to ensure it keeps making you more money. However, you have to do this in a right way, such as depositing your winnings in a bank for it to earn interest or putting some of it in bonds, stocks, mutual funds, insurance, and others. Whatever you decide, investing well can help you secure your riches for a lifetime and maybe even allow you to leave a hefty sum for your children or favourite niece or nephew.
Hire a lawyer and financial adviser from a reputable firm to help you manage your money properly. They can explain to you the pros and cons of the above-mentioned investment options as well as guide you along the way should you have any concerns regarding your decision later.
Priorities First
If you follow the above steps after you win the lottery, you'll be able to maintain a balance between enjoying the fruits of your prize and keeping some of them to ensure your financial security. That way, no matter what happens, you and your family will always have a backup. In the meantime, if you're wondering which lottery game to play, check out our list of the world's best lotteries. You never know—a life-changing fortune could be just one lotto ticket away.
