$540 MILLION: Mega Millions buying frenzy sparks another jackpot increase

I sure hope it does NOT roll-over anymore!  I'd sure like to get started on my plan this weekend.  And with a QUARTER of a BILLION, AFTER TAX!!!!....  I think my plan would be financed well enough.

Years ago, I designed a dream house in Google Sketch-Up and would like to start shopping lots and talking with architects.  It's not too extravagant, although I think it worked out to be about 17,000 square feet.  But it's a SMALL 17,000 square feet.     Actually, I just designed the rooms I wanted on one floor, and got a lot of excess space just filling in the upstairs.  A modest, 8-car garage... with the land option to build a second, unattached garage if we need more space.  I do have some kids after all.  And when they start driving, could get a little crowded.

With plenty of money to build it, my vision is to bring in all kinds of new technology to minimize maintenance and operating costs.  Maximize efficiency (insulation, heat pump, super-efficient appliances, LED lighting, etc), generate power (solar, maybe wind), capture rain water (so my yard won't die when we're under watering restrictions down here in Texas).  I'm wondering if it is technologically possible (YET!!!), to build a 17,000 square foot house with operating costs of less than $100/month.  Practically living "off the grid".

Put the excessive money in up front to build it, with the goal to have very little cost ongoing.  (Because property taxes -- one of the worst kinds of taxes because it taxes "existing" rather than activity -- could be $20k-$25k per month.  Need a trust fund set-up just to pay that each year.) 

Pushing the edge of new technology (which would be expensive) and changing the paradigms of how we build houses, my hope would be to help change the world.  Once you figure out the best way to build things, then costs can come down for others with increased production.  Working with an architect and builder, take the knowledge from this "prototype", and start building highly efficient neighborhood developments.  Neighborhoods that are capable of operating "off the grid".

I can dream, can't I?

the jackpot is so high that you could buy all 175 million combinations and even if another person including yourself won, you would still come out ahead.  i dont think it would be possible to do in reality, to print up 175 million tickets before friday.  im hoping only one person wins though, its a better story that way.

u guys are crazy talking that trust fund stuff and saving money listen yu guys including myself prob wont make close to that in your life time so skip me its a half billion dollars n not one person said take care of their family or give some to charity, if i win my whole family eating... we all go cutt the cake like newlyweds

You do realize that this conversation around this jackpot has been going on for over a week correct? Most have talked about taking care of family and loved ones and for people like me it's a given so it doesn't make me less of a person if I don't broadcast it over lottery post - lol. I like the angle we're focused on now as we're pooling as it were very helpful tips on money management that will assist any one of us who in time may win a jackpot. Managing the windfall well is paarmount to helping yourself, family, friends and charities in a more constructive way.

Thats nice of you Smithster....had to make that request  and agreement on this end too

$14,330,769 is a nice after tax annuity but next year the top tier tax rate goes up (unless Congress extends the Bush tax cuts once again).

You will have no certainty from future Fed tax rate increase. If the top Federal rate goes to 70% (it's been higher in past years) then your payment dwindles down to $4,984,615 and that's assuming the Ohio state tax rate stays at 6%.

The cash value after tax in Ohio is $292,500,000 . If it earned a measly 2% in perhaps a Municipal tax free bond then you would net 5,850,000 each year without ever touching the principal.

While someone taking the annuity would be collecting their last payment 26 years from now, the person who opted for the cash would have already been paid over $152,100,000 tax free while still having the original $292,500,000 left in their account.

Not trying to persuade your mind but just wanted to give you a different perspective

ii willllll be sicccccck to my stomach if one person wins

If I win I will get a t-shirt that says "I am the 1%".

Technological upgrades? Like an iPad controlling the showers, doors and pool? A house that can not only receive vocal commands, but also talk back to you? Gotta get crazy with it!

My house would be like the Jack's house from Eureka.