I think I saw this story lastnight while looking around the PB site but good for them, it's not exactly life changing money especially because it's being split 14 ways but it's a nice addition to their savings accounts and potential retirement fund. Being public school employees I think they shouldn't even bother spending it on Harleys (even a cheap one) or trips because after the taxes it's going to be even less than the $28,571.43 the 400K splits up to. But I'm not a winner and it's not my money and thus my opinion doesn't matter.

the heading says 14 friends but the body says 15, which is it?

They are idiots to spend the money, which is less than a year's salary, on things like vacations and Harleys.   oh well, easy come, easy go. 

Whoops, typo there and I guess I didn't see this on the PB site, I should have reread and paid a little more attention to the story before posting, so that'd mean they'd get $26,666.67 before taxes. How would the taxes be figured? Would the taxes be on the full $400,000 or would each person's winnings be taxed individually?

I was confused too. Its 14 tickets with a power play with 15 friends or is it? either way its less than 30k per person.  After taxes it can be as "low" as 20k...that could wipe out someones credit card debt or car loan and renovate a bathroom with a radiant floors, toto toilet and a steam shower....or maybe that new smart car that give 35mpg like the toyota corrolla...so many choices

How can you call these people idiots because they want to have some fun with their money? Its a surprise windfall, and of this amount who cares what you spend it on, they all have jobs and have been surviving just fine on this earth so far in their careers, while playing PowerBall as a past time, it came back and they won and they all have a nice chunk of change to play around with, Congrats to them. But just cause they aren't doing with their money what you would do, doesn't mean they are idoits. Learn to respect other people..

I agree with you Exmechanic.

Wow, that's harsh. Just because they spend their money the way that they want and the way that works for them doesn't make them idiots.

.  With such a small amount, might as well have some fun with it.  My portion would be used to pay some bills.  Then me and the hubby would spend about $3k and take the cruise we've always wanted.  Nothing extravagant.

Each will be taxed on the amount of the individual winnings, assuming that they each make an individual claim on the prize.  In Missouri, withholding would be about 28%, but then they could owe more or less depending on their tax bracket and how they file a return.  That's take-home of a little less than $20,000.   I say spend away folks - the economy could use a lift! 

Excellent win - Congrats to all... ...hmmm... ...my turn yet??? Pogo

sorry i guess i'm just jealous; that much money would be just enough to get me out of debt and I could buy a house so my kids could have their own rooms, finally.  Makes me feel like others pee away opportunites that I would give anything to have.

If I was in that pool I would take several vacations.

I would treat it just like the candy NowLaters.

Spend some now.....and save some for Later!

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF THEM!

ENJOY YOUR MONEY!!!!

I agree with both points of view.  Like GamerMom, I believe it's important to save your money and/or pay debts.  On the other hand, it's none of my business what another person does with his/her money.  Once a woman told me if she ever won the lottery, the first thing she'd do is go to a plastic surgeon and get a face lift, a tummy tuck and a breast lift.  I said "Make sure you claim your prize before you go to the doctor, so you'll look like the woman in the surveillance video."   

LOL true!!!! that's a good idea to have plastic surgery AFTER so you won't be recognized