Marshfield, Wis. — A Marshfield, Wisconsin, man is a million dollars richer, at least before taxes, after winning the Powerball lottery.
Rafael Ruiz Jr., 28, is also Wisconsin's first Power Play winner.
"They called me at work. I couldn't believe it. I didn't wanna leave right away cuz I thought she was playing a joke on me," Ruiz said.
He matched all five Powerball numbers, which typically means winning $200,000. But since he chose the Power Play option, his winnings multiplied by five.
Coming to Baltus Car Wash, where the ticket was sold, is part of Ruiz's weekly routine.
"Every Friday I come here and get gas and play the lotto, get whatever I need real quick."
And now that he's won, supporting his family is his number one priority.
"I'm just relieved I don't worry now," Ruiz said. "I've slept like a baby for two days. I don't have to worry. This is a big part of my life that I don't have to worry about now."
"Basically I just wanna take care of my immediate family. My old lady, my kids...get a nice house, some reliable vehicles. I still gotta work. I still gotta find a way to make money. This isn't gonna last forever," he said.
But the thrill of winning just might.
Ruiz won using Powerball quick pick. "The hope of winning something was always on my mind. Even if it was $2,000," Ruiz said. But he's determined to win even bigger using numbers he chooses.
"I'm gonna still play til my numbers hit though. I want my numbers to win," he said.
And he's not the only winner. Baltus Car Wash received $20,000 in commission.
Even the cashier who sold the ticket gets a piece.
"I did. I got a small percentage," said Daniel Baltus, who pocketed $500.
And now customers are filing in, hoping to make their dreams come true too.
"It's very exciting for our store, especially for our winner," said Donna Manicke, manager of Baltus.
Ruiz will take home $682,000 after taxes.
Congrats Ruiz!
Way to go Ruiz,
Best of luck on your good fortune.
Congrats to him!
CONGRATULATIONS Ruiz, Well done.
"Basically I just wanna take care of my immediate family. My old lady, my kids...get a nice house, some reliable vehicles. I still gotta work. I still gotta find a way to make money. This isn't gonna last forever"
35% federal and 6.75% Wisconsin taxes would leave a balance of roughly $580,000. That amount invested in a High-Yield Corporate Bond Fund would provide in the neighborhood of $3,500 monthly income BEFORE federal and state taxes. All comes down to personal preferences and financial obligations.
Is it only me or have you guys also noticed that a lot of guys in their 20's are winning the lotto jackpots a lot more than they used to afew years ago?
i aways thought it was 25% federal... and whatever state is which in Tenn it is 0 so it is just 25% i could be wrong though
Google . . 2009 tax rates
Also Google . . budget proposal 39.6
That's so awesome! Way to go!
The guy is senseable to realize it wont last forever....remain employed and use the money wisely for future needs. The economy right now is not meant for big time investment.
Not a fan of a gentleman calling his fair lady his "Old Lady".