Hoping to strike gold this time around? Have you considered what you would do with your lottery payout if you hit the jackpot? Even if you play for years and never win, it’s a good idea to keep in mind your financial path once you’ve made millions. That much money at once can be overwhelming and your brain may start racing with plans of what to do with it once you’ve got it in your hands. If you spend too quickly or recklessly, you may find yourself in the same situation financially as before you received your lottery payout. You’ll first want to consider what form you’ll receive your payment in — whether it’s through structured settlement or a lump sum payment.
Lump Sum Versus Annuity Payment
As the term “lump sum” suggests, if you opt for a lump sum payment, you’ll be able to receive your entire earnings in cash. Now, remember that the government takes 25% of your lottery earnings, so it would be that amount after taxes and the government’s share. A lottery annuity payment would give you a set amount of money every year for 30 years, with the amount being raised a certain percentage each year.
Many people prefer the lump sum option for lottery payments because you have all of your money upfront and usually in cash. You can then invest that cash, pay off debts, splurge on some luxury items, or really, do whatever you see fit with the money you’ve won.
Annuities may also come with fees or other hidden costs that you weren’t anticipating, whereas receiving all your money upfront usually does not entail those fees and you won’t incur them as time goes on either.
If I Opt for the Lump Sum Lottery Payout, What Should I Do With All That Money?
The freedom of having so much money at your disposal can quite frankly be a little terrifying. However, your smartest options are to invest a portion, use a portion to pay off any outstanding debt you may have, and to of course, enjoy a portion now! The investing and saving part is crucial though — you want to be smart about having so much money and make sure that your future and that of any children you have is financially secure. While money doesn’t buy happiness, it sure can buy security, and you want to make sure you’re capitalizing on that as much as possible.
Getting out from under your debt — whether it’s paying for your education. medical expenses, or other sorts of debt — can also be a great way to start securing your financial future. If you’re not making debt payments, it means that money can be used for other things — and since almost half of people who win the lottery continue to work afterwards, that’s important! It means more money to put into savings and more money to have a good time with!
If you decide to go with a lump sum option, it may give you more investing opportunities and a chance to really grow your finances at your own rate under your own terms. After all, you know what’s best for your financial future and what fits your needs!