We didn't have a winner for the huge Powerball jackpot on Saturday night so you know what that means, right? You still have a chance to win. And for all the nay-sayers - somebody's got to win, so it might as well be you.

The Powerball jackpot is now estimated at $685 million for Monday, October 2, so there is a lot of talk about what we would do if we won around the office today.  Even if they took half out for taxes, I could still do everything I wanted to do for the rest of my life! And let's be honest, we've had a lot of winners around Louisiana this year, so it really could happen to you.

I got some great advice below from HuffPost and Forbes about what to do, and what not to do, if you actually win the big bucks. Good luck, y'all, and try to maintain your composure if the stars are aligned for you

  • Calm down, and don't make any quick decisions about what to do with the money. You don't actually have to cash your ticket in today.
  • Get a financial adviser. Right now
  • Make sure you get the annuity, or annual payments, instead of a lump sum. I have to disagree with this one because some states will not allow your heirs to inherit the balance of your winnings if you pass away before it's paid off. Check with your state Lottery officials if you win
dylan nolte on Unsplash
dylan nolte on Unsplash
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  • Give back to your community. Now is your chance to do something good for yourself and society
  • Don't tell anyone that you won. Or if you have to, make it as few people as possible
  • Pay off all your debts. Yes, you can finally do that
  • Avoid sudden lifestyle changes. Try not to go crazy with the cash for a least six months
  • Live within a budget. It might sound hard, but you can do it
  • Make sure you're not an easy target, protect your assets. Because everyone you ever looked sideways at or spoke to is now your BFF, or, wants to sue you

 

 

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