When you win the lottery jackpot, it is a life-changing experience. The money can buy a luxury home, a trip around the world and even help you close all your debts. But you have to be careful how you use the money and keep it safe from scammers. You should also protect your winnings by keeping a copy of the ticket and receipt in a secure location.
If you win a big prize in the lottery, you may have to decide whether to take a lump sum or annuity payment option. An annuity pays you annual payments over 20 or 30 years and you can bequeath the remaining balance to heirs in your will. This type of payment can be helpful for lottery winners because it helps them regulate their spending by receiving a small amount each year. It can also help them avoid lifestyle creep.
Lottery jackpots are getting bigger and bigger, but that doesn’t mean people are more likely to win. Humans have a hard time understanding risk when they’re presented with something so large and out of proportion to their own experiences, economist Victor Matheson says. “We’re really good at estimating the likelihood of something happening within our own experience, but we fail when it comes to things that are extremely rare,” he says.
Regardless of the way you choose to receive your winnings, it’s important to consult with financial professionals to ensure that you’re handling your money responsibly. You should also maintain your privacy to protect yourself from scammers and long-lost friends who want to re-connect with you after hearing the news of your success.