Looks like nobody won the jackpot and now it's about $230 million.

I think you have to take into consideration that those wanting the maximum that is possible are thniking beyond yesterday?  They might be thinking about a life of Luxury for generations to come? They might be thinking that there is more to life then sitting in the backyard and polishing their new extended-bed pickup truck. They might be thinking that with a hundred million dollars, they don't have to "retire", but can go on to become some one great, some one who can create company's, thus creating jobs for Americans who need employment. Some one who can employ parants, so their children can play around on the internet. Some one who might be thinking, gee, I could contribute a couple of million to the Make A Wish foundation, and bring joy to some one besides myself. It might be some one who wants to pay for multi-million dollar cancer care for their grannys and/or grandpa. Some one might be wanting more then $4M or $5M (after taxes) to buy more then a refrigarator or trackor with brakes. It is just possible, for those without limited imaginations, a hundred million, after taxes, would be a without limits!

In the real world, it is NOT even close to $230 million.  That is an imaginary number, dreamed up by accountants on some future interest rate 30 years from now.  Also, that is a number that does not take into consideration any taxes or other burdens. It is a pie in the sky, a flash of light that brings the fish to the lure.  The more light, the more fish.

Reality is almost every one, even the pig farmers who has no goals higher then a new pig pen for his piglets, will choose the cash value. BEFORE taxes that is $113.600M. Again, since those tickets have not been bought, there is no real cash. Then come the tax man, right after the kiss on the cheek and the at on the shoulder, you are down to around $80M. Remember, give to to the tax man, or give it to charity, you don't have it; some one else does. Then there is the imfamous tax advisers that will circle faster then sharks.  They tell you to get tax advise. Once because you don't know what you are doing. Two, they want their percentage. They WILL get their percentage. This is not a playground for joe down the street, this is the field for the big guns. Big guns, mean big expenses.

So, no it is NOT $230, at best, it will 25% of that.  That is closer to the real world.

I wasn't accounting for taxes or any of that. I was just stating what the jackpot is reported to be, which is 230 million. Of course if you take the cash option it won't be that.

Ahhh. That is precisely what the Lottery Directors want you to see.  They want you to see the $230M. They do not want you to even think about what the real amount will be.  The diamond doesn't shine as well when it is under a spot light. One winner in 2007, did not choose the cash option, and I am convinced their poor knowledge of the English language contributed to that decision. As soon as the lottery throws the lure into the lake, I immediately cut it down to 25%. That is what I plan to win. I do not plan to win something that I know does not, and will never exist.

It is also why their $15M jackpot, that really results in $6M take home is not enough for me.  I would settle for that ammount, but it is NOT my goal to win only $6M. I want, at least, a deposited amount of $40M minimum - after deductions. I have no plans for an extended-bed pickup. I will buy the car my chauffer wants to drive and has a comfortable backseat.

MeFirstYouLast, we're not stupid!  None of us are being manipulated by the lottery.  We comment on current jackpot levels using the published jackpot amount knowing full well that if we take cash that'll decrease the amount by half right off the bat.  And of course we're adults who file taxes every year, so we know what the tax burden will be.  WE KNOW WHAT THE REAL AMOUNT WILL BE.

Go to usamega.com, the sister site to this one, and find the game you're interested in and click on Jackpot Analysis for all the breakdowns of each jackpot if you really wanna know.  Good luck! 

Thank you Lilly! I am glad someone understands what I'm saying and knows that I'm not stupid. I was just stating the published amount not the detailed amount.

Tntea and Sirbrad,

You really can retire on $1,000,000?  To be truly honest, living in California I couldn't-but I could live much more comfortably, because I would then be able to put away enough for retirement but still work (at a job that i liked not one that income would force me to be tied to.)  The good news is, I would only need about 4 to 5 million to not work at all.  I still have a ways to go before I could even think about retiring.  but no I don't need $150 or even  $20 million.

God please let me prove to you that winning the lottery won't spoil me.

Never said you were stupid.  Maybe you're self analysing too much? 

What I did say was the annuity amount is a fanasty and never was and never will be. So why quote a fantasy?  Maybe because it is easier to dream about a fantasy then about reality? When you're dealling in hundreds of millions, the difference is major.

All over this blog are quotes of  retiring on the $10M or $15M, and people being folloish or crazy to want more.  That tells me that there are a lot of people looking into the brightness and acting like deer. Or to be blunt, fish going after the lure. They see $15M and their brain does not register $6M.  That is precisely why a lot of lottery winners go bankrupt. They don't deal in the real numbers, only the fantasy. When the real runs out, they are not prepared for it.

Tell your kid you are going to let them stay out of school all week, then only let them out one day. Even your kids know that 25% was not a true week.  The reality is what counts, not the fantasy. Unless you are blinded by the lure!

Self analysing? Whatever. Judging by your posts, you take things too seriously and are a downer. I'm done.

I haven't seen negativity like this in LotteryPost ever... This site is a very up beat community of folks expressing their interests, concerns, and wishes... Just an idea but you may want to take a look at this thread first (MeFirstYouLast): "Why are you here ??" - you can find it under active topics. Apologies all around if I'm off base here - Pogo

So disagreement is frowned upon? Everyone agrees with you or they don't belong? 

Thats not a lottery group, that is China.

I am here because I can be. To bring diversity. To not get in line and say Baaaah whenever some one speaks holy words. I commited a crime by being negative; by pointing out that there is no annuity and never will be! Because I point out the dream planned with $15M will never be $15M!  The truth is too serious, or is being corrected too serious? My thinks the ego can only handle those that agree with you.

Every one stand in a circle give love to each other. Every one agree Then, lets grab the sheets and place them over our head. It makes the mean boogy man go away! Love, love, love. Even when it is a fantasy. Have a happy life, Alice.

Of course nobody won, I didnt play on Saturday. When I play then I will win, I'm just takin it easy now, waitin for record levels. 

"Gee Brain, what do you want to do tonight?"
"The same thing we do every night, Pinky—Try to take over the world."

Yes one million and 5% interest I could retire EASILY and never touch the principal. $50,000 a year with the rest compounding. In PA that is A LOT of money. Of course I would prefer about $3 million and up. I don't even make $20,000 a year by choice, and I am doing great. I could make about $30,000 or more if I wanted to work more, but I prefer to enjoy life with more free time and less money. Which is why the lottery would truly be a dream come true, as it would allow me to do more work that I love and create employment opportunities for others.

The average income in my area is $10,000 to $35,000. So I would be doing pretty good. I have no need for 20 cars, boats, vacations, or a million dollar house. However I could still live VERY well, and A LOT better than I do now. $2 million and up I would be the wealthiest person in my area and with the most free time.

Even those who make about $75,000 a year are never seen outside, and their homes are completely dark after 9 pm in those wealthier areas. Get what I am saying? My home would be the only one to have lights on up until 3 am or longer.