Couple wins $3M jackpot 27 years after wife's numbers last came up

Mar 7, 2014, 8:56 am (41 comments)

Maine Lottery

He's finally forgiven, because last time he forgot to buy tickets

MADAWASKA, Maine — In February 1986, Robert and Jeanne Gagnon had the winning Megabucks lottery numbers for the weekly drawing.

Not that it mattered.

"I had all the numbers," Jeanne Gagnon said Wednesday. "But my husband forgot to pick up a ticket that day."

"And I've been hearing about it ever since," her husband, Robert Gagnon, said, shaking his head.

Now it appears all is forgiven. Two weeks ago, the retired couple learned they held the winning numbers in the Feb. 19 Megabucks drawing worth $3 million.

On Wednesday, the local couple returned to Bob's Neighborhood Store, where they bought the winning lottery ticket, to talk about their newfound wealth and subsequent fame.

Jeanne Gagnon said she has been playing Megabucks since the state started offering it in 1985. In fact, she has her first ticket and the numbers drawn that week taped inside her special lottery wallet. She switches the numbers she plays each week based on a system she's developed.

"Every Wednesday night my son goes on his cellphone to find out the winning numbers," Jeanne Gagnon said. "Two weeks ago he gave me a piece of paper with the numbers and I said, 'Are you kidding? I think we have it.'"

The winning numbers were 2, 4, 11, 17, 18, 28.

Robert Gagnon had already retired for the evening and Jeanne said she really did not want to disturb him.

"My son told me to wake him up," Jeanne Gagnon said with a laugh.

The two were at Bob's Neighborhood Store bright and early the next morning to confirm their winning ticket.

"When I saw you pull in at 7:30, I knew you were the winners," store owner Pete Williams said to the Gagnons Wednesday.

For selling the winning ticket, the store receives $30,000.

After learning of their good fortune, the Gagnons said they had to wait a few days before going to Augusta to claim their prize.

"We wanted to go down that Thursday, but there were no hotel rooms because of the high school basketball tournament," Jeanne Gagnon said.

"I told her we could go and sleep in the truck," her husband said. "But she did not want that."

On Friday, the state was hit with a snow and ice storm, so it was not until Monday the couple finally made their way to the lottery office in Augusta.

"They took us from room to room," Jeanne Gagnon said. "Then we got to the person who asked us how we wanted to receive the money."

Lottery winners have the option of taking their winnings in a lump sum representing 50 percent of the overall prize or getting the total amount in annual installments over 30 years.

Before answering the official, Jeanne Gagnon said she whipped out her handheld computer and did some quick tax calculations.

"I don't think [the lottery official] was expecting that," she said.

In the end, the Gagnons determined they would be better off with annual $70,000 payments, for which they are establishing a family estate.

"If we had taken the lump sum we would have lost $700,000 right off to taxes," Jeanne Gagnon said. "I wasn't having that."

Robert Gagnon is a retired millworker and the two have one son who is disabled and lives at home with them.

The money, they said, will help ensure he is always taken care of.

As for other plans, the Gagnons are considering a new garage and maybe a tractor-operated snowblower to replace the smaller, hand-operated machine Robert Gagnon now uses to clear the driveway.

Beyond that, Jeanne Gagnon said, nothing much will change.

"I am still using my newspaper coupons," she said. "That will never stop."

Nor will her near constant knitting projects.

"I can't stop knitting," Jeanne Gagnon said. "I have too much yarn at the house, a lot of yarn."

Her husband just smiled and nodded.

"A lot, a lot of yarn," he said.

As the impact of winning the Megabucks begins to sink in, the Gagnons said they are consulting with a trusted financial planner and accountant on how best to deal with the influx of cash.

Not that they are lacking for suggestions for where to spend it.

"Have you met my mom? I'm her adopted son," one customer in the store joked.

"I am, too," Pete Williams shot back. "How are you doing, brother?"

Over the years, Jeanne Gagnon has come up with her own system for selecting numbers and said for the first several years of the lottery she tracked and analyzed every winning combination.

"I have my own little system," she said. "It's not collegiate, but it's a system."

They also purchase scratch tickets.

"She buys those to keep her husband busy," store co-owner Susan Williams said with a laugh. "Today she is getting the 'bingo' cards and that is going to take him time to play."

The Gagnons have been married 47 years and hold an upbeat outlook on life.

"You have to be positive," Jeanne Gagnon, a childhood polio survivor, said. "What else is there?"

Coming in to purchase his own tickets Wednesday, Ronald Cyr, who worked with Robert Gagnon at the Madawaska mill, was thrilled to learn of his friend's good luck.

"This couldn't have happened to a better person," Cyr said. "When you work all your life, you deserve a good break."

The Gagnons plan to continue playing Megabucks.

"I bought a ticket this morning," Jeanne Gagnon said. "I will keep buying them [at Bob's Neighborhood store], there is no need to go anywhere else."

It's a safe bet her husband is never going to forget picking one up ever again.

News story photo(Click to display full-size in gallery)

Thanks to truesee for the tip.

Bangor Daily News

Comments

mypiemaster's avatarmypiemaster

WTG. Congrats!!!

Teddi's avatarTeddi

This is a really cute story, but really weird that they opted for the annuity at their age.

RedStang's avatarRedStang

Great win and i bet she still plays.

DDOH937's avatarDDOH937

Big Congrats to the Gagnons. But not quite sure why they would opt for the annuity. With $3 million cash option after taxes, they'd net around $1.1 million or so. That could sit and generate  $50,000 + annually in interest. So both parents and son would benefit greatly as the principal could remain untouched, especially since they are retired. Hmmmm, happy for them but i think the annuity makes sense only if your winnings are $100 Million or above. Maybe i'm wrong but i think the math suggests that to be the case.

Good for them though!!!

psykomo's avatarpsykomo

Quote: Originally posted by DDOH937 on Mar 7, 2014

Big Congrats to the Gagnons. But not quite sure why they would opt for the annuity. With $3 million cash option after taxes, they'd net around $1.1 million or so. That could sit and generate  $50,000 + annually in interest. So both parents and son would benefit greatly as the principal could remain untouched, especially since they are retired. Hmmmm, happy for them but i think the annuity makes sense only if your winnings are $100 Million or above. Maybe i'm wrong but i think the math suggests that to be the case.

Good for them though!!!

I Agree!   Thumbs Up   YES>>>>>>BIG CONGRAT'$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ to the Ganon'$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

We must admit LUCK>>>>played her hand on these people. Bad LUCK the ole man forgot to play her number

back in 1986. Good LUCK>played her hand in March 3, 2014. REALLY, Psyko thinks she took the annunity this

time because, she trust it the best way they can keep money together for their disabled son. It appears that

she is the DECISION maker therefore, they will live off $70,000 a year and no more!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

when LUCK is on UR side, "what does it matter anyway"!!

                         Party Dance Party

MzDuffleBaglady's avatarMzDuffleBaglady

Happy Spending!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

DDOH937's avatarDDOH937

When its your time, its your time. Quick Picks, Birthdays, Randoms, Dreams, Cookies, One Ticket, 10 Tickets, 1000 Tickets. Doesnt matter one bit it seems. When its your time, you'll be in the right place at the right time facing the right store clerk at the appropriate second. You may let someone ahead of you, someone let you ahead, you may run out of gas and need to stop, feeling hungry and grabbing a bite, or simply a gut feeling when you decide to grab a ticket. Its seems that's all there really is to it. Manifest Destiny for winners maybe.

One day. That's all i can hope. One day.

maringoman's avatarmaringoman

Like that JG Wentworth commercial "it's my money and I need it now!" That's my philosophy when it comes to the lottery payouts.
Great story still.

DDOH937's avatarDDOH937

Quote: Originally posted by maringoman on Mar 7, 2014

Like that JG Wentworth commercial "it's my money and I need it now!" That's my philosophy when it comes to the lottery payouts.
Great story still.

Completely agree. No way i'm waiting for 30 years of payment. So much can change in 10/20/30 years. Most of these lotteries are not even close to being 30 years old. Who knows what the next 30 years will be like. I'm with you on this one maringoman, its my money and i need it now!!! LOL!!!

I'll think, only think, just for and in the name of due diligence of annuitized options ONLY when winnings exceed $100 Million. Give it a better look over $400 Million. And devote some real thought to it when over $600 Million. Doesnt make sense to me otherwise.

Real Happy for them though. They seem like nice, quiet, simply folks with their priorties in order. BUT..."its my money and i need it NOW!!! hahahhaha!!!!

maringoman's avatarmaringoman

Quote: Originally posted by DDOH937 on Mar 7, 2014

Completely agree. No way i'm waiting for 30 years of payment. So much can change in 10/20/30 years. Most of these lotteries are not even close to being 30 years old. Who knows what the next 30 years will be like. I'm with you on this one maringoman, its my money and i need it now!!! LOL!!!

I'll think, only think, just for and in the name of due diligence of annuitized options ONLY when winnings exceed $100 Million. Give it a better look over $400 Million. And devote some real thought to it when over $600 Million. Doesnt make sense to me otherwise.

Real Happy for them though. They seem like nice, quiet, simply folks with their priorties in order. BUT..."its my money and i need it NOW!!! hahahhaha!!!!

The federal government is over $16T in debt. This will not end well. The politicians can easily propose a special tax on lottery prizes to help fund research on moon-bats lol and guess what? It would sail through the house without much opposition. Gambling is considered a dirty business anyways.
No no not with my money...I'd take that money in a heartbeat.

Drenick1's avatarDrenick1

Quote: Originally posted by DDOH937 on Mar 7, 2014

Big Congrats to the Gagnons. But not quite sure why they would opt for the annuity. With $3 million cash option after taxes, they'd net around $1.1 million or so. That could sit and generate  $50,000 + annually in interest. So both parents and son would benefit greatly as the principal could remain untouched, especially since they are retired. Hmmmm, happy for them but i think the annuity makes sense only if your winnings are $100 Million or above. Maybe i'm wrong but i think the math suggests that to be the case.

Good for them though!!!

The cash option was actually $1.5 million and she was concerned about having to pay almost $700k in Federal and state taxes.

Interest on $900k would be lucky to hit $9k a year considering most banks pay less than 1%.

Drenick1's avatarDrenick1

Quote: Originally posted by maringoman on Mar 7, 2014

The federal government is over $16T in debt. This will not end well. The politicians can easily propose a special tax on lottery prizes to help fund research on moon-bats lol and guess what? It would sail through the house without much opposition. Gambling is considered a dirty business anyways.
No no not with my money...I'd take that money in a heartbeat.

I Agree! I wouldn't put it pass Congress to implement a "special tax" on lottery prizes. We are already well over $17 trillion in debt and likely to surpass $18 trillion later this year.

I would have taken the lump sum as I have no faith in what happens in 30 years.

DDOH937's avatarDDOH937

Quote: Originally posted by Drenick1 on Mar 7, 2014

The cash option was actually $1.5 million and she was concerned about having to pay almost $700k in Federal and state taxes.

Interest on $900k would be lucky to hit $9k a year considering most banks pay less than 1%.

She would only have 25%+ state tax witholding for this year. That would leave them with $1Million +.  The remainder in taxes are due next April. With over $1 million in the bank, even the most conservative portfolio would yield over 5%. Especially with their age, disabled son ect,  they'd be tax benefits to capitalize on. Good for them either way, but there is no way on earth i'm leaving that much money on the table in the hands of a government/state run agency for 30 years.

sully16's avatarsully16

Congrats to the very patient couple.

DDOH937's avatarDDOH937

Quote: Originally posted by maringoman on Mar 7, 2014

The federal government is over $16T in debt. This will not end well. The politicians can easily propose a special tax on lottery prizes to help fund research on moon-bats lol and guess what? It would sail through the house without much opposition. Gambling is considered a dirty business anyways.
No no not with my money...I'd take that money in a heartbeat.

During WWII, tax rates on the 'rich' went up to as high as 90%. There will DEFINITELY be a time in the future when special taxes will be assessed. I am sure of it. To make it worse, citizens would gladly vote on any referendum that would allow lottery winners to be taxed up the hilt. They wouldnt care. The first thing they would highlight is that lottery winners didnt really work for their money. Again, no way annuity is attractive to me, unless its over $600 million, then i might be crazy enough to think of it, but that's just as far as i'd go, just a thought. Definitely wouldnt do it.

Drenick1's avatarDrenick1

Quote: Originally posted by DDOH937 on Mar 7, 2014

During WWII, tax rates on the 'rich' went up to as high as 90%. There will DEFINITELY be a time in the future when special taxes will be assessed. I am sure of it. To make it worse, citizens would gladly vote on any referendum that would allow lottery winners to be taxed up the hilt. They wouldnt care. The first thing they would highlight is that lottery winners didnt really work for their money. Again, no way annuity is attractive to me, unless its over $600 million, then i might be crazy enough to think of it, but that's just as far as i'd go, just a thought. Definitely wouldnt do it.

I Agree! The Top federal rate was 91% in 1963 and even as late as 1981 stood at 70%. I have no doubt we will witness several severe tax hikes in our lifetime.

maringoman's avatarmaringoman

Quote: Originally posted by DDOH937 on Mar 7, 2014

During WWII, tax rates on the 'rich' went up to as high as 90%. There will DEFINITELY be a time in the future when special taxes will be assessed. I am sure of it. To make it worse, citizens would gladly vote on any referendum that would allow lottery winners to be taxed up the hilt. They wouldnt care. The first thing they would highlight is that lottery winners didnt really work for their money. Again, no way annuity is attractive to me, unless its over $600 million, then i might be crazy enough to think of it, but that's just as far as i'd go, just a thought. Definitely wouldnt do it.

I am curious to hear from those who are for annuities. I agree with you and Drenick1 on lumpsum payouts.

DDOH937's avatarDDOH937

Quote: Originally posted by maringoman on Mar 7, 2014

I am curious to hear from those who are for annuities. I agree with you and Drenick1 on lumpsum payouts.

This is why Annuities are a HUGE gamble on the future and really makes no sense. Look at these historical tax rates. We are sure to return to one of these sky high ones at some point. Whether due to a war, financial crisis, weather realated crisis/disaster, whatever the case might be. Even if its short lived, some of these rates are simply BRUTAL!!!! And you know that lottery winners would be the first targets with the bulls eye on their winnings..

 

LottoMetro's avatarLottoMetro

I'm with the majority. Her mistake in the tax savings calculation was assuming that rates will remain at or below their current levels for the next 30 years. All you have to do is look at the national numbers and realize that with a limited population capacity and rising costs, taxes must go up at some point.

Of course, every winner must make the decision on their own and based on personal outlook of their situation. Hopefully this couple consulted a financial advisor before claiming, since they are particularly interested in estate planning and their son. If not...well, I'm sure they'll still "manage."

As should anyone who receives a nice payout. Wink

CDanaT's avatarCDanaT

Kudos and congrats to them !!!

May they enjoy their win and take a few trips over to Moosehead Lake

Piaceri

Congrats to this lovely couple. Their story brought a smile to my face this evening. Smiley  Yes Nod

TheGameGrl's avatarTheGameGrl

Enjoyed how their time arrived and they chose well in the annuity. For some folks the Vested "security" is more important then the short term lump. All it would take is one lawsuit to dry them up. Instead they are perservering and savoring the income. Lets face it, most of us would be happy to live on 70k a year. 

I support them in what the real goal is, guaranteed income for them and the family.

Teddi's avatarTeddi

Quote: Originally posted by TheGameGrl on Mar 7, 2014

Enjoyed how their time arrived and they chose well in the annuity. For some folks the Vested "security" is more important then the short term lump. All it would take is one lawsuit to dry them up. Instead they are perservering and savoring the income. Lets face it, most of us would be happy to live on 70k a year. 

I support them in what the real goal is, guaranteed income for them and the family.

What in the world are you talking about? You do realize that a lawsuit can dry them up regardless of annuity, don't you? They lose a lawsuit and they will have to fork over or relinquish their rights to future payouts. I really wish people would get that annuities are not the be all and end all of preserving lottery wins. Do you have any idea how many annuity takers have ended up broke or bankrupt? Annuities aren't protected from lawsuits. If they really wanted to protect that money and preserve it for their son, they would have put it in a trust. That way no one could touch it including them. There is no greater security in annuities than in lump sum payouts.

dallascowboyfan's avatardallascowboyfan

Woo Hoo congratulation to Mrs./Mr Gagnon Hurray!

DDOH937's avatarDDOH937

Quote: Originally posted by Teddi on Mar 8, 2014

What in the world are you talking about? You do realize that a lawsuit can dry them up regardless of annuity, don't you? They lose a lawsuit and they will have to fork over or relinquish their rights to future payouts. I really wish people would get that annuities are not the be all and end all of preserving lottery wins. Do you have any idea how many annuity takers have ended up broke or bankrupt? Annuities aren't protected from lawsuits. If they really wanted to protect that money and preserve it for their son, they would have put it in a trust. That way no one could touch it including them. There is no greater security in annuities than in lump sum payouts.

I Agree!.......I agree COMPLETELY teddi. One of the things i find fascinating since joining LP is not only the vast array of opinons on here,  but also how little people know about the lotteries/options should they win. I often read these opinons praising/critizing winners choices and it blows my mind that some on here even if they were lucky to win, they would fall victim or remain ignorant to the realities of claiming their prize. I have learnt so much from being on the LP. Not just from what people post, but more importantly, after reading their post i do my own research to verify/explore what's really best. I am very happy for this lovely couple, kudos to them. But it boggles my mind that ANYONE could possible agree that an Annuity of such a small amount over such a long period makes any financial sense whatsoever. Again, to each their own and that's what makes the world go round, but come on guys, spend an extra 45 seconds with a calculator before making a decision please.

Very very happy for them, especially since their numbers came back around so many years after. Quite rare indeed. But very very bad decision with the annuity. tax rates in 5 years will certainly not be less than it is now, not to mention 10/15/20/25 years from now. There have been soooo many times since the 1930's when our top tax rate exceeded 70%. I'm sure there will be a time in the future when special taxes will be assessed again Whether it be for war, a natural catastrophe, some special program, the debt, whatever it is.. And you know who will be the FIRST targets???? Big Lottery winners!!! 90% of Americans would vote to support such a tax because they will all claim the money wasn't earned anyway.

Drenick1's avatarDrenick1

Quote: Originally posted by Teddi on Mar 8, 2014

What in the world are you talking about? You do realize that a lawsuit can dry them up regardless of annuity, don't you? They lose a lawsuit and they will have to fork over or relinquish their rights to future payouts. I really wish people would get that annuities are not the be all and end all of preserving lottery wins. Do you have any idea how many annuity takers have ended up broke or bankrupt? Annuities aren't protected from lawsuits. If they really wanted to protect that money and preserve it for their son, they would have put it in a trust. That way no one could touch it including them. There is no greater security in annuities than in lump sum payouts.

I Agree! Not only will a lawsuit attack their annuity payments but the temptation to cash in some of those payments will be looming as well. Cash option were not available until the late 1990's and many jackpot winners prior to that point still went broke.

DDOH937's avatarDDOH937

Quote: Originally posted by Drenick1 on Mar 8, 2014

I Agree! Not only will a lawsuit attack their annuity payments but the temptation to cash in some of those payments will be looming as well. Cash option were not available until the late 1990's and many jackpot winners prior to that point still went broke.

I Agree!....right there with you on this one Drenick1. You know what i was thinking recently, i wonder if in the coming years these lotteries will evolve to where they would offer 10/15/20/25 year annuity options. Of course the cash option would yield the least amount but increase gradually to varying degrees with the 10/15/20/25/30 year option. I think the percentage of people opting for annuity would be much higher.

Drenick1's avatarDrenick1

Quote: Originally posted by DDOH937 on Mar 8, 2014

I Agree!....right there with you on this one Drenick1. You know what i was thinking recently, i wonder if in the coming years these lotteries will evolve to where they would offer 10/15/20/25 year annuity options. Of course the cash option would yield the least amount but increase gradually to varying degrees with the 10/15/20/25/30 year option. I think the percentage of people opting for annuity would be much higher.

I think the only issue with offering 10/15/20 year annuities would be the diminished jackpot number. The current $309 million annuity could very well be $500 million if it was offered as a 50-year annuity. While that amount sounds nice, I would still take the cash option.

JonnyBgood07's avatarJonnyBgood07

"... She switches the numbers she plays each week based on a system she's developed."

 

awesome!

mightwin's avatarmightwin

Quote: Originally posted by Drenick1 on Mar 7, 2014

I Agree! The Top federal rate was 91% in 1963 and even as late as 1981 stood at 70%. I have no doubt we will witness several severe tax hikes in our lifetime.

Quick question....so say back in the 40's someone who was in the top tax bracket had $100,000 left over after taxes, which would be alot back then, what would that amount ($100,000) be equivalent to today?

OldSchoolPa's avatarOldSchoolPa

Well, my numbers for Mega Millions came up about 12 years ago. I had them written on a sheet of paper in front of me on my desk. I was going to play them even though the jackpot had been hit the previous draw. We were going to be headed to a Christmas party that night, so my ex-wife would pop into my office from time to time. She was dead set against playing the lottery and she saw me looking at the lottery website and the numbers written down in front of me and she ripped into me about how playing the lottery is a sin, that it is gambling away God's resources and how it is from the pit of hell to be placing hope in winning the lottery. The one time I should have been like, "that is your opinion and we will just have to agree to disagree" should have been that time. I let her words weigh on me and did not make it out to the store to buy tickets before we had to head for the party. I had thought to stop on the way, but she would have none of it. We had a decent time at the party, but imagine my horror when I listened to the radio announcer on WBBM give the winning lottery numbers for Mega Millions. I knew that at least 5 of the 6 sounded familiar, so my heart sunk knowing I had at least missed out on winning $10,000.  It absolutely crushed me when I got home and compared my number sheet to the lottery website...an exact match. I was pissed. That is why I just hope to win soon. The first person I will call will be my ex-wife!

And no, I will not be sharing since she believes lottery money is ungodly money. I will be happily flying first class to tropical locations, staying in nice villas and the occasional 5 star hotel, sipping bottled water on the beach (yeah I am not an alcoholic drinker), going scuba diving around the world, and making my address whatever flight number I happen to be on (so good luck to all those beggars out there chasing after every lottery winner).  So have I forgiven her? Yes I forgave her long ago as I never allowed her guilt trips prevent me from purchasing lottery tickets again. I even started just leaving lottery tickets I had purchased lying on my desk just so she could see that fact. Of course, I have not forgotten!

Now these folks are over 50 so it is puzzling why she would select annuity vice cash value given that our tax rates can only go up. I have a feeling Peachtree Settlements may be in their future.  I would much rather have a large lump sum available from which to plan than an annuity stream that will likely lessen due to tax hikes and inflation.

Drenick1's avatarDrenick1

Quote: Originally posted by mightwin on Mar 9, 2014

Quick question....so say back in the 40's someone who was in the top tax bracket had $100,000 left over after taxes, which would be alot back then, what would that amount ($100,000) be equivalent to today?

Using inflation as a factor $100k in 1940  is worth almost 1.7 million. Spending power does however differ. The  average price of a movie ticket was .24 now it's over $8.00, the average car was $800 now it's over $20k so spending power of 100k in 1940 is closer to $3million.

mightwin's avatarmightwin

Quote: Originally posted by Drenick1 on Mar 9, 2014

Using inflation as a factor $100k in 1940  is worth almost 1.7 million. Spending power does however differ. The  average price of a movie ticket was .24 now it's over $8.00, the average car was $800 now it's over $20k so spending power of 100k in 1940 is closer to $3million.

I was wondering if being in the highest tax bracket now (around 40%) is close to being in the highest tax bracket back then (around 90%). Maybe theres too much to factor in, don't know. Any thoughts anybody?

Drenick1's avatarDrenick1

Quote: Originally posted by mightwin on Mar 9, 2014

I was wondering if being in the highest tax bracket now (around 40%) is close to being in the highest tax bracket back then (around 90%). Maybe theres too much to factor in, don't know. Any thoughts anybody?

The only thing in common with the highest tax bracket from past years is you are subject to paying the most in taxes when compared to the overall population. Income and wealth are not even close to being comparable unless you adjust for inflation.

TNPATL

This is my favorite part right here

 

 

"Before answering the official, Jeanne Gagnon said she whipped out her handheld computer and did some quick tax calculations.

"I don't think [the lottery official] was expecting that," she said.

In the end, the Gagnons determined they would be better off with annual $70,000 payments, for which they are establishing a family estate.

"If we had taken the lump sum we would have lost $700,000 right off to taxes," Jeanne Gagnon said. "I wasn't having that."  "

 

LOL  Congratulations!!!!

Drenick1's avatarDrenick1

Quote: Originally posted by OldSchoolPa on Mar 9, 2014

Well, my numbers for Mega Millions came up about 12 years ago. I had them written on a sheet of paper in front of me on my desk. I was going to play them even though the jackpot had been hit the previous draw. We were going to be headed to a Christmas party that night, so my ex-wife would pop into my office from time to time. She was dead set against playing the lottery and she saw me looking at the lottery website and the numbers written down in front of me and she ripped into me about how playing the lottery is a sin, that it is gambling away God's resources and how it is from the pit of hell to be placing hope in winning the lottery. The one time I should have been like, "that is your opinion and we will just have to agree to disagree" should have been that time. I let her words weigh on me and did not make it out to the store to buy tickets before we had to head for the party. I had thought to stop on the way, but she would have none of it. We had a decent time at the party, but imagine my horror when I listened to the radio announcer on WBBM give the winning lottery numbers for Mega Millions. I knew that at least 5 of the 6 sounded familiar, so my heart sunk knowing I had at least missed out on winning $10,000.  It absolutely crushed me when I got home and compared my number sheet to the lottery website...an exact match. I was pissed. That is why I just hope to win soon. The first person I will call will be my ex-wife!

And no, I will not be sharing since she believes lottery money is ungodly money. I will be happily flying first class to tropical locations, staying in nice villas and the occasional 5 star hotel, sipping bottled water on the beach (yeah I am not an alcoholic drinker), going scuba diving around the world, and making my address whatever flight number I happen to be on (so good luck to all those beggars out there chasing after every lottery winner).  So have I forgiven her? Yes I forgave her long ago as I never allowed her guilt trips prevent me from purchasing lottery tickets again. I even started just leaving lottery tickets I had purchased lying on my desk just so she could see that fact. Of course, I have not forgotten!

Now these folks are over 50 so it is puzzling why she would select annuity vice cash value given that our tax rates can only go up. I have a feeling Peachtree Settlements may be in their future.  I would much rather have a large lump sum available from which to plan than an annuity stream that will likely lessen due to tax hikes and inflation.

That is the nightmare scenario I have heard so often from those who play their own numbers. They never want to miss a draw in case the stars line up in their favor.

I am sorry to hear this happened to.

I agree with you as well on the puzzling annuity selection.

Jill34786's avatarJill34786

Quote: Originally posted by Teddi on Mar 7, 2014

This is a really cute story, but really weird that they opted for the annuity at their age.

Didn't make any sense to me either.

Drenick1's avatarDrenick1

Quote: Originally posted by Jill34786 on Mar 13, 2014

Didn't make any sense to me either.

I Agree! Cool avatar btw! I don't golf but have tried and failed miserably.

michaelsullivan's avatarmichaelsullivan

if you dont have a ticket you dont have a chance.

Jill34786's avatarJill34786

Quote: Originally posted by Drenick1 on Mar 21, 2014

I Agree! Cool avatar btw! I don't golf but have tried and failed miserably.

Glad you like my avatar as that is actually me hitting my tee shot.

Drenick1's avatarDrenick1

Quote: Originally posted by Jill34786 on Mar 22, 2014

Glad you like my avatar as that is actually me hitting my tee shot.

Nice! You look like a pro! Wink

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