What would you do if you won the lottery? Would you spend it all or would you give it all away? For sure, I wouldn’t do what most expect and here’s why.
I discovered some interesting statistics about lottery wins of significant amounts. There is a myth that most people go broke after going on a spending spree and purchasing whatever their heart desires. The truth is, these types of dramatic stories make for catchy news. The reality is a bit different.
For example, you’ll find a statistic like this in USA Today: “Nearly one-third of lottery winners eventually go bankrupt within three to five years, which is more likely than the average American.” Stories about rags to riches and back to rags are like a tale warning us to stay away from excessive spending and unwise long-term planning. There is also conflicting research.
Studies have contradicted such dramatic myths. Researchers found that “all else being equal, money is associated with greater life satisfaction and well-being. Of course, money on its own may not bring happiness.” The studies found that winners did not throw away their wealth on “extravagant purchases.”
So before you win, ask yourself, “What’s your plan?” Do you want your life to change for the better after you win a huge sum?
Will there be a moment when the clock strikes midnight and your fortune disappears? If so, then indulge in all manner of extravagance! Buy mansions, buy luxury vehicles, like the $18 million lottery winner who spent all his winnings in ten years and returned to his old job. Your fortune will disappear quickly enough.
If not, spend wisely, learn about investing, and enjoy a whole new level of lifestyle. The research found that more money can mean a better life if you live within your new means. Certainly, if you don’t have to worry about everyday expenses anymore, life can be incrementally more fun and relaxing!
You might have watched the movie It Can Happen to You, which is based on the true story of a police officer who promised half his lottery ticket winnings to a waitress as a tip because he didn’t have enough change. In the movie, the characters became millionaires who had the time of their lives spending their winnings on making complete strangers happy.
For certain, if I hit the jackpot, I would do the same and buy things for people – paying it forward – as the expression goes.
If you won the lottery tomorrow, what would you do with all the extra cash?
Thanks for reading this blog! To make sure you don’t miss the next one:

Agree – “if you don’t have to worry about everyday expenses anymore, life can be incrementally more fun and relaxing.”
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for reading and commenting! Would be nice to stop worrying about upcoming bills for sure.
LikeLiked by 1 person
If I won the lottery I would first get out of debt. This means my credit cards and home mortgage. Next I would boost my saving, emergency fund and retirement. Then help family and friends. Last give some to charities I care about.
LikeLiked by 2 people
This sounds like a really good plan. A lot of people have mortgage debt. Thanks for reading and hope you have a great day!
LikeLike
Yeah – how much money does one person need? And if suddenly you can buy all you’d previously hankered for, what is there left by way of ambition, achievement and excitement? 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good question. How much money DOES a person need. Thanks for reading.
LikeLike
I think I would do something similar and buy stuff for those I love. I’d also invest the rest of it in property. I know that’s a boring answer but I’d rather play it safe lol.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, it’s my boring answer! I don’t see the need to buy a fancy car or gigantic house. I’d rather just buy stuff for people and give them happiness.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Exactly, I feel the same way! Material items won’t make you as happy as seeing the joy on the face of your loved ones.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes. Completely agree.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t buy lottery.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Smart decision!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great
LikeLike
I have never won a lottery. So now I have lost hope. Let others win.
LikeLiked by 2 people
The most I’ve won is $10… by picking numbers for someone else’s ticket.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good! You’ve won at least once.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was a theoretical win! I chose the numbers but it wasn’t my ticket so I couldn’t claim the prize!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Okay, I got it. Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
NICE 💚💓💖
Blessed and Happy day 🌄
Greetings from 🇪🇸 THANKS
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hope you have a great day too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
🫂
LikeLike
Yes I remeber reading this years ago. Many of them live HUGE lives and then hit rock bottom.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes. If I won, I would live just a little fancier than I do now.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Same!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha! Elon Musk asked a similar question on X. I answered, in effect, buy my own “Yellowstone” on Bear Creek or the Poudre River. And then, move forward with other ‘things’.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That sounds like a great plan! A recent Robb Report featured an own-your-own Yellowstone article.
LikeLike
I’d buy a lovely fuel-efficient home. I love that Nick Cage and Bridgit Fonda movie!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Wow, that’s a great idea with the costs of maintaining a home these days. I liked the message from that movie.
LikeLike