Second of three winning tickets claimed from $564 million jackpot draw
Includes video report
RALEIGH, N.C. — The North Carolina woman holding one of three winning tickets for the Feb. 11 Powerball drawing has cashed in her ticket.
Marie Holmes' lottery ticket matched all five white balls and the Powerball in the drawing. The winning numbers were 11, 13, 25, 39 and 54, with Powerball number 19.
(See Three tickets to split massive $564 million Powerball jackpot, Lottery Post, Feb. 12, 2015.)
She was presented with a $188 million check, but opted for the lump sum payout which is worth $127 million.
The single mother has four children, ages 7, 4, 3, and 9 months.
"I scared my kids because I was jumping up and down. They were running away from me," she said at a news conference Monday afternoon.
She says some of this money will be used for her children's educations.
"This is a going to make a huge difference for them," she said. "They will be able to go to school and not have to pay for it. "
Holmes says she also plans on continuing her own education in the nursing field.
Some of her friends and family will be taken care of as well.
The mother of four has been living with seven other people in one home.
"It wasn't comfortable but we made do," she said.
She says she is going to make sure those people are taken care of.
"Everyone in that household is going to have their own place," said Holmes.
While the woman says winning "still doesn't feel real" she says one thing is for sure: "It's not going to change the person I am."
Holmes said that before winning the jackpot she had worked at McDonald's and Walmart, but recently had to quit to care for her young children.
She is one of three people who won the $564 million jackpot. The winner from Puerto Rico claimed their prize anonymously a week after the drawing, while the Texas winner has not yet come forward to claim their share.
VIDEO: Watch raw interview video
She seems like a lovely person and from her other interviews it seems like she's getting everything squared away with her financial advisers. Congrats to Marie Holmes!
I agree, lovely is the word that came to my mind too. A big congrats for a winner who needed the money, and seems to have a good head on her shoulders and a wonderful perspective on life.
One thing that stands out and I do commend her for is that she keeps her children central in her life before and after the win.
If she was to spend $1M a year, which I don't know how anybody can, she will need more than 60 years to spend it all. She has a job that most of us would love.
Congrats Marie, enjoy!
I feel good that a winner is someone who really needs the money. We all hope to win, but if I can't win, I really like seeing someone that has a tough life win.
Congratulations Marie.
In her first interview, Marie stated that she gave her uncle money to purchase her ticket with. Then in a later interview with ABC Network, the anchor asked if her mother purchased the ticket and Marie said yes. Perhaps Marie is distracted by her big win, and isn't hearing/focusing ... I want to enjoy being in that position this month.
I believe her mother had purchased the ticket from her uncle at the store he worked at.
Oh, thanks Drenick1.
Wishing this lady nothing but the Best in life- had we won, we would be hoping others would be saying the same for us..
We can fool ourselves all day that she is a great person and at face value she seems nice and is saying all the right things, but the reality is she is very young, only worked at Walmart for poverty wages yet thought it was a good idea to have 4 children already and if I was a betting man I would bet there are multiple fathers involved. The fact is she makes bad choices in life and that probably is not going to change anytime soon. When people tend to get a lot of money at one time, like pro-athletes do, they seem to think that also makes them financial geniuses and subsequently they think they can make even more money and replicate the success and are easy prey for those in the financial industry and other charlatans in general. The church, her family, friends, boyfriends, lawyers and lawsuits, financial advisors, casinos and everyone else will pick away at that money until it is all gone. I mean look at her, she came out right away and wanted everyone to know she won, not bright at all, not a good sign.
How many people have we watched that made $50 million a fight or had 9 figure contracts that still went broke? The amount of money is irrelevant, you can hand some people a billion dollars and they will still lose it all. I have seen firsthand how a $100 million plus contract gets eaten away, it's not nearly as hard as you think to blow through that kind of money, especially when you are taking care of 20 plus people and their families. Right off the bat her church, specifically her reverend is going to get a nice fat check for probably 10% of her money for doing nothing but being in the right place at the right time. He'll probably buy a gold plated Rolls Royce and about 10 mink furs.
It always amazes me how people are fooled by the personas people exude at press conferences and believe what people say as the truth, but I shouldn't, the amount of awful politicians out there that were elected show that the average person isn't that bright.
I would love to believe that the 26 year old Walmart worker, single mother of 4 children will all of a sudden become a financially savvy person, but I am not naive.
The youngest is 9 months, that means she continued to make bad decisions but this is
nothing new, there are many, in fact too many females living the same way
When your in your 20's those are the best years of your life and they shouldn't be wasted on
out of wedlock children. Congrats and hopefully things will work out for her.
she could be a member here, and reading some tips for years. living in a house with 7 others wasnt easy, well try looking after 7 FOR THE REST OF THEIR LIVES! a modest , like the one you all shared each should do. and then say your obligation is fulfilled,. the rest is upto them.
I hope she sees your post or hears someone else say the things you said. Sometimes when people think the worst of a person it motivates the person to do better. I pray that God keeps her safe and in the company of honest advisors.
Another great story. Blessings to this young mom & her children. Happy to see she no longer has to worry about the future of her child with CP. My Granny used to day-sit a neighbor's CP daughter during harvest. It's an all hands on deck disability. Also glad to see she realized her first mistaking in that unofficial announcement. No telling how much trouble that caused her.. hence the security that I read about in another article. Plus she was flanked by a lawyer and financial adviser.
You know, we all make mistakes when we are young. That is why youth is wasted on the young. The culture that we live in today tells us there is nothing wrong with having multiple babies out of wedlock by even multiple fathers. But we don't know that is what her situation was. Maybe she is a widow who lost a husband and father of her children in Afghanistan. Don't be so quick to judge to the negative. That this young woman has taken responsibility for her children and was trying to do what was best by staying home with them (one with cerebral palsy), living with relatives, etc to me says a lot. Maybe having that disabled child has opened her eyes to the things she has been doing wrong if indeed that was the case.
WE DON'T KNOW THE TRUTH BEHIND HER CIRCUMSTANCES. I'd prefer to see the good, and that is not being naive.
If she manages the money right that may last generations
Some look for the good, some look for the bad.
I hope she has good counsel and follows it.
Hopefully, the NC lottery put her in touch with the other lottery winner who lives in the next county over. (The female prison guard who took two months getting her affairs in order before coming forward.)
Her financial future squarely rest on the team of attorneys, advisers and CPA that she retains. They all must have compassion and integrity in guiding her while not looking to line their own pockets by taking advantage of her.
This mother is ripe for crooks and even though I really hope she did her due diligence in venting these professionals, I highly doubt it. Her team of professionals should not be buddies with one another as that would present a conflict of interest. Her hometown is relatively small so it's doubtful she had many choices to choose from.
She needs to get a strict and solid financial plan which clearly outlines to where and to whom her funds are being disbursed. Her future is not only dependent on her but the group of financial experts that she has assembled.
She will also owe close to $20 million when she files her taxes so that brings her net payout down to less than $70 million. Her tithing should be based on the net amount and not the annuity value of $188 million. I pray that she has good quality support because I can easily see her money evaporating if she gives in to her family and friends every needs.
You got to be kidding....is this right ?. I didn't even think of this. The government gets close to $20 million each year from her winnings on top of the huge amount they already took out before she got the money. So in 3-4 years they would have taken most of her money.
" The Govt gets close to $20 mil EACH YEAR from her winnings?- where did you get that information from- State your Source Sole?
Venom- Give the gal a break.
At what age did you make your first Million? Do tell!
The Biblical tithe was only crops, livestock and Abraham's war loot...never money. Additionally, only the Israelites were required by law to tithe (crops/livestock) to the Levites who then in turn tithed to the Priests (Malachi 3:7 was actually directed at the priests who oversaw the storehouse where the tithe was kept). So she should not feel coerced nor compelled to pay 10 percent to any religious organization.
For Solewinner, you only pay federal and, if applicable, state taxes on jackpot winnings once, not every year as you stated. If you invest or give gifts exceeding the IRS limit, then you will pay taxes on any interest, dividends, capital gains or excess gift amounts.
When she files her tax every year. I assumed her winnings also get taxed again, depending on the tax rate.
I wonder OSP what the Church would say if she bought a Farm, dropped off her "Tithe" of crops/ livestock at the Church Door: would they refuse it?
Then why does she have to pay $20 million in taxes (according to Drenick1). I thought the govt/ state already took out the tax before she got the money.
For the love of Ella! The lottery withholds 25% an additional 14% is due when she files. Uncle Sam is just eager to get most of it upfront.
The Govt takes their 25% off the Top BEFORE you get your cheque Sole- they then come back for their 2nd bite at that Apple the following year for a Total of 39 plus % Total..so they get about 40%..After that you clear and free unless as stated, investments etc etc etc..
***Check out the explanation on lottery taxes at the bottom of Usamega FAQ. It's all there.
^Ok thanks for clearing it up. I must have gotten the numbers mixed up. Part of the confusion might have been because USAmega jackpot analysis has 25 % federal tax withholding when I know it's around 39 %.
Bottom line is if you win you need to hire a tax attorney.
There are circumstances where you may also have to pay the 3.8% Obamacare vigorish on top of the 39.6% so you may wind up having to pay 43.4% to the feds because of the Obamacare vigorish.
http://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/news/11309896/reality-bites-the-new-38-net-investment-income-surtax
The vigrorish applies to annuities but I don't know if that is prize annuities or investment annuities. If it applies to lottery annuity winnings then I don't see why anyone would ever take the annuity option ever again.
The lottery is only required to withhold 25% up front. That is what is reported on USAMega. You, as the winner are required to report your winnings on your tax return, and pay the balance owed up to that 39% top tax rate.
Example:
You win $1,000,000 cash:
When you pick up your check (or get funds wired), you only get $750,000 unless your state has income tax - then you get less.
The lottery sends $250,000 (25%) to the IRS for federal taxes.
THEN, when you file your income tax return in April following the year you win your jackpot, your taxes owed will be much more, coming close to 39% with you owing more or less than an additional $140k.
Explained very well.
I really can't understand why so many still don't understand how the tax thing works.
OldSchoolPa you are 100% correct about biblical tithing! I'm impressed!
Not many in the Christian faith are aware of this. They're wrapped up in their denominational doctrines often times making themselves victims of their congregations. They are being held captive to the confusion of deliberate error. Only the Levites were allowed to receive the tithe; it was against the Law for anyone else to receive the tithe. It was forbidden! Tithing does NOT go to your greedy pastor and has no place in the Body of Christ. It never involved money! You get an A+, OldSChoolPa....
Hopefully she found some "good" advisors in that short amount of time.......
Congrats again Marie Holmes,its great that in order to win a jackpot,or a substanial a amount of money.All you have to do is buy a ticket.Doesn,t matter who you are.Black,white,hispanic,rich,poor,xcon,just buy a ticket.Glad its like that,because if some of the haters on this site had their way a person like Marie Holmes,wouldn,t be allowed to win. Its your money Marie do what you want with it.
That was kind of you, Think, to carefully explain all to Sole! Plus, explain about the newish additional 3.8% Federal Medicare Tax that has been going to our Federal Treasury Department's Trust ... instead of Federal Medicare Department Trust [what/why?]! Folks on this site (or any lottery site) rarely write about that biggie federal tax.
Consequently, very few lottery ticket gamblers have trained their brains to look at the advertised multi-millions "annuity amount" and simply divide that number by 3; to give an approximation of what cash they'd be getting to keep.
She'd have to pay extra for the year in which she won because when the lotteries only withhold 25% for federal taxes when her actual tax burden is going to be closer to 39.6%. That's only for the year she won, though. Any years after that are only going to be looking at interest/investment income she (hopefully) makes off the lump sum for that year.
Since there is no tithing mandate for New Testament Christians (actually there were no OT Christians since Christ had not come in that era so there is no tithing mandate for Christians, PERIOD.), it is likely most church pastors, reverends, bishops and apostles would reject tithe of crops since they are only interested in your money. Don't believe that? If you go to church, please note the frequency and duration they spend talking about tithing and giving (the two are not the same so you will have to listen carefully...be critical and objective). Then compare that to the time spent talking about Christian virtues. You will be enlightened by this and by reading the entire Chapters of Scripture covering the issue of tithes, offerings and giving.
Speaking of taxes. I wonder if there is any loop hole to get around the tax on gifts. Lets say you win some money, and a friend/ family ask you for a car or money to pay for it. And the car price is over $14, 000. The limit before you have to pay gift tax on it. What if you buy the car and then sell it to the friend/ family at cheap price that they can afford. I wonder if that would work since you are actually selling it to them and not giving it away.
Marie Holmes's win can finally put to rest once and for all the conspiracy theory MYTH about the lotto being "racially rigged". The other winner is from Puerto Rico. If these wins don't silence the conspiracy theories nothing will, their just stuck on stupid. Anyways congrats to all the winners and especially Ms Holmes. She definitely needed the money, and I hope she and her family have a great life enjoying it. She definitely has her head on straight.
I think they keep a close eye on those type of transactions. What you can do if you have a spouse is each of you can gift $14,000 in a single year. Or if your friend or family member has a spouse you could give each of them $14,000 in a single year. However, if you and your friend/family are both single. In December you can gift them $14,000 they cash the check and put in the bank and then on January 1st you can gift them a second check and they go buy their car.
Conspiracy theories are borne out of Sore Loser syndrome. People grasp at any argument to make the lottery some big bad monster because Lady Luck didn't favor them. Follow their line of thinking Lady Luck is probably a racist prude who favors the white elderly and rich casual players.
I like posts from conspiracy nuts. They liven up the threads - lol.
Well said, I couldn't agree more
Yeah NC you pay 25% federal and then 7% but I think on whenever you win you could end up and probably will pay what you win and your earned income throughout the year as well...but seeing as how you won way more than you could and would ever earn legally in your lifetime, who cares what you pay in taxes just give me what's left LOL
I noticed that the above story only mentions the Trust opting to receive a cash valve of $127 million but has no mention of any taxes with held.
Also the same with the lady in North Carolina.No mention of federal and state taxes being with held.
And yet I read anything about who came forward in Puerto Rico claiming their check.
Did anyone here read anything claiming the Puerto Rico prize I might have missed?
Seems awful strange to me, don't you think.
The winner in Puerto Rico claimed anonymously as permitted by lottery rules there. The winner in Texas claimed anonymously via trust. The North Carolina woman appears determined to let the entire country know who she is, having appeared recently on national television via Good Morning America. The North Carolina lottery withholds 25% federal and 7% state taxes by law.