Lottery winner demonstrates the right way to claim a big jackpot

Comment #87

DC81 — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 03:23:53 GMT

3% is kind of low, safe but low. With decent investing they potentially lost a lot more than that. Just look at the commodities market these days to get at least a small idea on what kind of money could've been made in that time. *Deletes his ramblings about the price of corn.

Comment #86

MeFirstYouLast — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 22:45:50 GMT

Why is it that lottery winners should hide in the shadows, find strangers to evaluate how they should spend the money, and then loose the interest for the period of their worrying? How long does it take to make a decision? 30-days? 60-days? 90-days? Why so long? Isn't 30 days long enough? I think I could make initial evaluations much shorter then that. You can, and will, always change your investment posture in the future! It is not like any decision made is there in concrete, impossible to chan... [ More ]

Comment #85

GamerMom — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 19:58:08 GMT

You know, i'm glad you posted that. It never crossed my mind that even my checking account was only FDIC insured up to 100,000. What DO people do w/ all that $$$??

My aunt is a pharmacist but she's a penny pincher, outlet shops, drives a used Lexus and lives in a modest neighborhood. smart woman

Comment #84

GamerMom — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 19:26:05 GMT

exactly. I wonder if sometimes you aren't better off on your own, really.

Comment #83

DC81 — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 00:11:05 GMT

Ugh, I forgot to check that quote box before the previous post to show what/who it was directed to..

Comment #82

DC81 — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 23:45:21 GMT

I haven't finished reading this topic yet and maybe someone else has said something but I had to stop and respond to this.

If you're referring to the case I think you are, you have absolutely none of the facts or the circumstances surrounding it. Feel free to do a minute's worth of research on Liebeck v. McDonald's Restaurants, P.T.S., Inc.

Comment #81

cixelsydruos — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 13:43:59 GMT

That's it. So I was off by $2 million.

Comment #80

colthmn — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 01:03:39 GMT

Well, I'm looking at the Powerball site right now and it lists a 97mil. dol annuity hit on Jan 16, 08 as unknown

cash value $48,478,863.05. perhaps this is the one you're referring to. Won in Louisiana

Comment #79

cixelsydruos — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 00:14:11 GMT

I haven't read this entire thread, but isn't there a Powerball ticket worth $95 million that hasn't been claimed

Comment #78

KY Floyd — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 19:58:05 GMT

If I choose to respond to a post I simply give it the response I think it deserves. I didn't see that you said anything useful about legal entities in this thread, but you felt it necessary to whine when appreciation was expressed for somebody else's answers. I thought your whining deserved a response.

If you think my comment was genius, then you obviously see some difference. I thought it was a relatively simple assumption, which means I could be completely wrong*, but thanks, anyway.

* I... [ More ]

Comment #77

rubberbandman — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 13:43:26 GMT

Dude, why are you hatin on me, I didn't do anything to you?

and ps Ive stated the first part or your comment about legal entities multiple times

the second part on the other hand about generalization, i didnt know, your comment was GENIUS, I would've never thought of that, thanks,

Gee Brain, what do you want to do tonight?

The same thing we do every night, Pinky- try to take over the world.

Comment #76

KY Floyd — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 07:00:07 GMT

Then perhaps you're having trouble reading it, understanding it, or both. I suppose it could also be confusion about what you've said, which wasn't much, and wasn't very informative. Go figure.

Comment #75

rubberbandman — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 12:58:07 GMT

I suppose,

I can't see how it is any different from what i've been saying.

Comment #74

mylollipop — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 09:02:29 GMT

KY Floyd, your answer is the best I have read by far as to how to remain anonymous. Thanks

Comment #73

psykomo — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 01:05:15 GMT

BUTT, she or a member of HER family>>>>>>>

need's, to tell >>>>>Todd>>>(pronto)^

>>>>>>>>>>>>>

of the >>>>>>>>>>>Lottery Post>>>>>

PSYKOMO

Comment #72

delS — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 00:41:08 GMT

I agree KyMystikal-

I would bet they have LP connections; but more importantly, they show any potential our time and work through all issues, and breathe as the money begins to make the better life for you. As opposed to you * ^%#$%)_ it all up!

This is the way I have planned my big Jackpot pay off

Comment #71

KY Floyd — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 20:10:05 GMT

A good rule of thumb is that the creation and existence of a legal entity is a public record. How many details about that entity are considered a public record will vary from state to state. Generally it would be wise to figure that there will be at least one person that is the representative of an entity, and the name and address of that person will be public. That person can be the attorney representing the actual owner(s) of the ticket. It would be wiser still to consult an attorney when the

Comment #70

rubberbandman — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 19:26:47 GMT

I suppose.

So, even if you make the legal entities and they are exposed to the public, your name and assets are safeguarded from them via the ENTITIES.

Comment #69

JustFrozen — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 17:17:28 GMT

Doesn't that also depend on the state? Don't some states require the legal entities to be disclosed in public records

Comment #68

rubberbandman — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:00:56 GMT

What a minute, this woman won this in IL where they DON'T allow you to remain anonymous, I didn't know you could still make legal entities, so it turns out that in a way you can still remain anonymous, that's cool. Everybody's been sayin that when you cant remain anonymous you also cant create legal entities and it turns out that it's the opposite.

In the immortal words of Barney Stinson - Awesome

Comment #67

JackpotWanna — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 11:31:38 GMT

Smart lady! WTG! Enjoy your millions

Comment #66

spy153 — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 11:22:33 GMT

Comment #65

doctortalk — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 18:47:30 GMT

tax free municipal bonds is a good way to skirt taxes.

if they formed a business/partnership, chances are they could live off the interest, but still have to claim income on that.

Comment #64

CCHS13 — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 17:09:55 GMT

One has to weigh the cost of a team of professionals vs how much money they are actually

saving you. I could be wrong but lawyers tend to charge what they want even sizing up

their customers so if they get wind of a big lottery winner I know their fees will change

accordingly. The only person I think I would consult is a CPA or someone who could properly

inform me how to duck some of those nasty tax laws. Dont think Ill need a team for that,

although I would get about 3 to 4 diffe... [ More ]

Comment #63

rubberbandman — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 16:30:37 GMT

wow thats a pretty good idea, i wonder why i never thought of that.

Comment #62

Piaceri — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 15:03:28 GMT

I'm impressed! I love how this winner set things up. I don't think I will take 3 months unless it takes a full 3 months to get all this down airtight. Who knows, maybe it did take this long to hammer this out.

If I read this right, the winner has a limited partnership that claimed the lottery winnings, but then also legal entities to protect the LP. Each entity would have to have papers drawn and tax IDs created. Before they even start creating the entities, they have to create the master ga... [ More ]

Comment #61

rubberbandman — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 15:00:49 GMT

i havent been on in a while so sorry for the gap in time but your statement is SO deep, thank you for that.

Comment #60

OldSchoolPa — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 13:00:22 GMT

Perhaps I could have been more grammatically correct in starting a new paragraph. Also, in an effort to be concise, I don't expound fully on every point (if you want detail to the nth degree, go to the New Mexico lottery website, click on faq, and read the critique of lottery critics segment). But as I and my friends reread what I wrote, we don't arrive at the conclusions you do. Give it a rest...I made my point and you want to dream up new ways to have a beef with what I wrote. You obviously wo... [ More ]

Comment #59

Stack47 — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 02:53:15 GMT

You say that you are poor now...hmmm, take a look at the people with which you surround yourself...take their incomes and divide it by the number of people involved to arrive at an average. If the average income is just about where you are now, I highly recommend that you change your circle of friends...IMMEDIATELY!!!

The topic is Lottery winner demonstrates the right way to claim a big jackpot and your opening sentence was Actually it is a misconception that wealthy people manage their mone... [ More ]

Comment #58

sfilippo — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 22:26:16 GMT

That IS a smart lady! I honestly doubt that the lady pictured is actually the lady that won.

Comment #57

dphillips — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 16:39:50 GMT

Remember, each individual is different. For the pharmacist, waiting three months to claim her prize -- was right for her.

New Mexico has a 90-day window -- if you do not claim your prize within 90 days, you forfeit your winnings because there is not a six-month waiting period, here. However, I am not sure if you can form a LIMITED PARTNERSHIP in New Mexico. Nevertheless, New Mexico does not require a press conference (although the lottery personnel would like you to do so), but you are requi... [ More ]

Comment #56

OldSchoolPa — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 15:16:21 GMT

I said in an earlier post in regard to someone who said they were poor: If the average income is just about where you are now, I highly recommend that you change your circle of friends...IMMEDIATELY!!!

Stack 47 replied: Somebody spends a lifetime making good friends and your suggesting your friends are no longer good enough for you because you hit the jackpot. Good luck with making new friends at the Country Club that has a group of people that accumulated wealth. Ever hear of the Jed Clampe... [ More ]

Comment #55

OldSchoolPa — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 14:56:45 GMT

This was the point I was trying to make (thank you Perfect Timing and KYFloyd as you were right on point). Have your advisors available AND utilize them, but in the end YOU make the final decisions and the actionable decisions.

Comment #54

hearsetrax — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 14:43:16 GMT

wishes thar was more like her

Comment #53

gagirl — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 14:31:29 GMT

Smart to wait and get things in order befor claiming prize. I know a lot of people who say that they would be at the lottery office the next day to claim their money (before the office is open). It would not be smart to think you can just stick all that money into a checking and savings account; that's as far as most folks assets are right now. Your money is only FDIC insured up to a max amount. Trust me, if this lady had a credit card back in college that she did not pay off, I assure you credi... [ More ]

Comment #52

Kidzmom — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 09:02:00 GMT

BRAVOooooooooooo!!!!!! for being a very smart lady

Comment #51

BazookaJoe — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 07:29:37 GMT

Comment #50

mylollipop — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 06:29:13 GMT

IF YOU ENTER MY HOME BY FORCE, I DEFINITELY CONSIDER YOU A THREAT TO ME!!! Now let's do this for those sickos who think that we should flee. Let the intruder flee from my rabid pitt bulls!!!!!!!!!

I am assuming that the attorneys schooled her/him on how to skirt the requirements to divulge her information. Does anyone know of anyone who was able to do the same thing and not reveal who they were to collect their winnings in states that do not allow annonymity

Comment #49

KY Floyd — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 05:59:43 GMT

I'd love to see a legitimate reference to a law in a single state that says you have to flee so as not to harm an intruder. Self defense laws in some states do prohibit the use of deadly force when you can safely avoid danger by fleeing, but that's very different than your claim. Some states allow deadly force almost any time there is an intruder in your home, while others only allow deadly force when you have a legitimate reason to believe that you are in danger and must use deadly force to pro... [ More ]

Comment #48

KY Floyd — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 05:53:07 GMT

Most stars who have filed bankruptcy did so because they allowed a team of experts to handle their funds, and skim in the process.

There's no question that people with money are often taken advantage of by those with access, but what really matters is the likelihood of that happening. If 90% of people with money have advisors then 90% of people who had money and file for bankruptcy have advisors, but that doesn't mean that a lot of people with advisors are victimized. Most rich people have u... [ More ]

Comment #47

KY Floyd — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 05:49:37 GMT

I don't recall ever seeing anything that said that the funds are earning interest that will increase the amount paid to the winner when they get around to claiming it. The Ohio lottery website has some detailed info on the cash amount here:

http://www.ohiolottery.com/howtoplay.stm

At least with MM, the annuity appears to be purchased immediately, and the cash value comes from the sale of the securities that have been purchased. The site linked specifically says that the risk of loss in val... [ More ]

Comment #46

Perfect Timing — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 05:10:22 GMT

When the woman who won the $91 million while still living at the Econo Lodge was on Oprah, she was told on camera (by Oprah) Don't let anyone sign your checks but you. I took that to mean that she should have the final say on anything regarding her money....period.

But she still should have someone helping her....Yes, Oprah does sign her checks...and nothing gets done without her permission..............but she STILL has advisors.

Comment #45

dumars798 — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 04:57:37 GMT

WTG

Comment #44

Stack47 — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 00:58:44 GMT

Probably the type of lawsuits where they hope the defendant will offer them a settlement that is less than the cost of going to court. It sounded like a frivolous lawsuit when that woman put a hot cup of coffee between her legs while driving her car so she could answer her cell phone, but look at what she got.

It said some taxes and the limited partnership was formed before they cashed the ticket. If Uncle Fred had a 1% share, he might not have to pay a gift tax.

Comment #43

MaddMike51 — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 00:05:58 GMT

In some states you have up to 3 months to decide how you want to claim your jackpot,annuity or cash option.Thats probably where you got the 3 month figure.

Comment #42

justxploring — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 23:56:19 GMT

JWBlue - I also thought about that statement. People are very litigious so who knows what someone might think up after finding out she won all that money? She's a pharmacist, so I assume she has insurance anyway. But I can just see a pregnant woman in court insisting she didn't know the birth control pills she was prescribed are to be taken by mouth. Yes, I wore that diaphragm every night. It looked strange and didn't quite fit my big toe, but I thought I was protected.

The GameGrl writes: .... [ More ]

Comment #41

LuckyLilly — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 23:26:29 GMT

And other states have Make My Day laws aka Stand Your Ground where a person is not required to flee but may inflict bodily harm up and to and including death in order to protect persons or even just property in some states

Look it up at Wikipedia, I'm using a browser that won't allow me to paste links.

Comment #40

JustFrozen — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 23:22:10 GMT

Ya for some reason i thought it was 3 months. I stand corrected.

Waiting 3 months is more than reasonable

Comment #39

Stack47 — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 23:21:28 GMT

There is a huge difference between accumulated wealth and over night wealth. People accumulate wealth by making smart business decisions and hire financial advisers to protect their personal wealth. They don't just hand their personal wealth over to a team of financial advisers and say have fun .

That it took three months is a rarity. She spent the time to work with lawyers and financial advisers to maintain anonymity and protect assets

Maybe it's just me, but if wanted maintain anonymit... [ More ]

Comment #38

Coin Toss — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 23:18:50 GMT

Feadogger

Massachussets and some other states (what are they thinking) have Forced-to-flee laws, i.e., if an intruder enters your home you are forced to flee so as not to harm them.

Comment #37

MaddMike51 — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 22:58:55 GMT

I couldn't find out how long it takes to collect your check from Mega Millions,but Powerball checks ARE cut in two weeks from the time you show up at the lottery office to collect.You can find this information on the Iowa Lottery website.It's in adobe acrobat format and I can't seem to pull up a link to it.I can't imagine that it takes Mega Millions 4-6 weeks to do what Powerball does in 2 weeks,but I suppose its possible.

The rest of your post makes sense to me.I wouldn't trust many people t... [ More ]

Comment #36

TheGameGrl — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 21:11:21 GMT

It takes two weeks? Please.

It takes four to six weeks to: 1- validate the tickets authenticity 2- Verify the ticket claimants information with a full background check. (Past taxes due, any outstanding warrants, child support, you get the jist) 3- Collect the funds 4: setup proper dispersement to the claimants 5: Initiate the bank check for deposit or guarantee of funds.

The point of the story is two fold: THe lady followed sound advice and she did things in a manner that safe guards her f... [ More ]

Comment #35

MaddMike51 — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 20:33:11 GMT

She didn't wait until the last minute to collect her winnings.She waited about 3 months so she could get her ducks in a row .Most states allow you a year to collect your winnings,some only allow you 6 months.I don't know of any that only allow 3 months.

Rushing to the lottery headquarters the very next day won't gain you anything either.It takes up to two weeks to verify a MM or PB ticket and you'll have to wait to get your money.

Comment #34

Feadogger — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 20:18:51 GMT

Being in a health professions occupation you are always a target. Joe Schmoe finds out his pharmacist is a few million dollars richer, and decides to sue him just to see what he can get. People make stuff up all the time.

I've heard that you can be sued by a burglar if he gets hurt by things on your property while he is trespassing. But maybe that's an exaggeration.

Comment #33

JustFrozen — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 19:47:57 GMT

True but the whole point of waiting months is for security of your winnings, and I'm just saying waiting till the last minute doesn't sound very secure to me

Comment #32

JWBlue — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 19:30:46 GMT

What frivoulous lawsuits are they referring to?

Is it a fact that taxes can be saved by claiming the jackpot as a partnership

Comment #31

UmBrook — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 14:54:10 GMT

What if you get in a fatal car accident on the way to claim the jackpot? If you live your life based on what ifs , ultimately, no amount of money is going to make you happy. You are going to be constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop . That ain't livin'.

Illegal immigration is a bad thing.....ask any Indian.

Comment #30

sweetie7398 — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 13:56:26 GMT

Comment #29

Trained2beRich — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 13:13:37 GMT

it may have cost them 450k in short term but think of how much they saved with potiential frivilous lawsuits and the peace of mind that comes with anonymity.

Comment #28

reddog — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 12:50:47 GMT

Where does it state that at? I'm sure it is collecting interest while sitting in the bank but where does it say that the winner also gets accured interest from it

Comment #27

OldSchoolPa — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 09:49:40 GMT

No, I don't think that was the case. That only typically happens in the area of lawsuits because of the amount of work that has to be done to be successful in court, and the likelihood that they may not win or get the judgement amount they were seeking. When it comes to using lawyers for business, tax, estate, and patent planning, you can hire them by the hour. Just be sure to review and endorse the compensation contract beforehand...after all, you are dealing with lawyers. But on the real, don... [ More ]

Comment #26

OldSchoolPa — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 09:41:20 GMT

FYI: You can purchase up to 15 advance draws in Illinois. The only place I know of that is much better than that is Virginia. I don't know about Michigan, but I don't make the drive to MI unless I have some other business to do in that state, so I prefer to just play locally here in IL for MM. Yes I know you can claim the prize anonymously in MI, but I would handle it just like the lady did in this case...disguise included

Comment #25

OldSchoolPa — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 09:35:19 GMT

Actually it is a misconception that wealthy people manage their money on their own. Most all truly wealthy people...people who run businesses, long time successful celebrities and athletes, entreprenuers, and inventors utilize a team of advisors that include lawyers (for the specialized areas of need), financial and estate advisors, CPAs, and business advisors to help them make sound decisions with regards to their wealth. The do it yourself fad that swept over us in the 90s largely was taken up... [ More ]

Comment #24

Coin Toss — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 06:28:25 GMT

So much for Illinois not being an anonymous state

Comment #23

ThatScaryChick — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 04:32:12 GMT

I am also one of those who would try to get things together, but I would also not wait 3 months to do it.

Comment #22

KyMystikal — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 04:04:27 GMT

Original Post by ConstantlyB

Now I feel like she's an LP FAMILY MEMBER if she's not a member she is indeed the spouse of a member. She has exhibited some strong LP family member traits ya'll.

I thought the same thing when I read the article.

Comment #21

spy153 — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 02:49:29 GMT

WTG lady! Wish you the best!

And I am a professional of desguises. No. She isn't disguised.

Comment #20

gocart1 — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 02:17:59 GMT

I wasn't aware of that Destined .thanks for that information.

Comment #19

JustFrozen — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 01:34:37 GMT

I'm not waiting 3 months, what if something happens the last week or two and you can't make it in time

Comment #18

Destined — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 01:21:13 GMT

Not true. The money earns interest if you wait to claim it. They lost nothing by waiting.

Comment #17

Destined — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 01:19:05 GMT

Sorry Im not taking 3 months to claim my money. Im so poor I could use that NOW. If I ever won Id be at the headquarters the next day. If you dont know how to manage money like that on your own, you dont deserve it IMO.

Comment #16

Raven62 — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 01:02:20 GMT

Were they really that smart?

$80,000,000 minus 25 per cent for Tax=$60,000,000

Invested at 3 per cent yields: $1,800,000 per year!

So waiting 3 months to claim the prize money cost: $450,000

Comment #15

chasingadream — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 00:59:01 GMT

Lmao!!!! very funny and i thought the same thing.

I can honestly say that I would have taken the same approach they have taken. I am so glad to see someone finally take time and get all ducks in a row b4 takin a dive into the money ocean .

I was thinkin about driving up to Illinois to play my Mega Millions numbers but decided against it after learning that you have to do the press conference. So I went to Ohio instead. I have been waiting to see how this person would be treated and how the... [ More ]

Comment #14

gocart1 — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 23:51:14 GMT

but it could be a guy in drag ......that would really throw everyone off

Comment #13

gocart1 — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 23:45:55 GMT

o....sorry .......and congrats to the lucky lady .....wtg

Comment #12

gocart1 — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 23:44:25 GMT

I think i'd go into hiding and form my dream team.

Comment #11

BevsPicks2 — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 23:25:21 GMT

Looks like a wig to me! LOL

Comment #10

ConstantlyB — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 22:56:59 GMT

I can't tell from this angle....if it were a frontal view I could tell better. She may have extensions...lol...for added fullness.

Now I feel like she's an LP FAMILY MEMBER if she's not a member she is indeed the spouse of a member. She has exhibited some strong LP family member traits ya'll.

NOW THAT'S APPLYING WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNED

Comment #9

Jack Pot — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 22:36:19 GMT

Very, very smart move. She had a good make-up artist too. I think the nose and the chin were fake, but the smile was real. Congratulations

Comment #8

lotterywannawin — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 22:23:18 GMT

Very smart and responsible lady. I am very happy for her.

Comment #7

Littleoldlady — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 22:19:28 GMT

I wonder if they took 1/3 of her winnings.

Comment #6

MaddMike51 — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 22:02:07 GMT

I saw this on the 9pm news on WGN last night and wondered if it was gonna be on this website today.A very,very smart lady,indeed.

I wonder if the winner of the January 16th (?) Powerball drawing in Louisiana is doing the same thing.

Comment #5

MADDOG10 — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 21:48:09 GMT

Very smart indeed...! Potential winners could learn a lot from this lady...

Congrats to her and the family.

Comment #4

mil0724 — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 21:38:13 GMT

Very smart lady. This is something that I said I would do when I WIN big but now, seeing that someone really did it, I know that I am really on to something. Maybe it is fate or something. I'm Next

Comment #3

ThatScaryChick — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 21:29:52 GMT

Congrats to her! It looks like she really did her homework.

Comment #2

MissNYC — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 21:25:10 GMT

Much more responsible than those others who recently claimed winnings within days of winning. Hats off to people who use their heads

Comment #1

Todd — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 21:15:37 GMT

Awesome story about a smart lady - congrats!

I wonder if that's a wig...

Lottery winner demonstrates the right way to claim a big jackpot

Lottery Post — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 21:14:47 GMT

The Illinois woman knew on Dec. 18, the winning lottery ticket she held would change her life.

On March 19, she was claiming an oversized check from the state and answering questions from news media.

That the winner picked up the $81.5 million prize, her half of a $163 million Mega Millions jackpot drawing, is a big deal.

That it took three months is a rarity. She spent the time to work with lawyers and financial advisers to maintain anonymity and protect assets something the state lo... [ More ]