Retired Illinois couple share $656M lottery jackpot

Comment #78

sully16 — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 13:06:44 GMT

Congrats to the lucky winners.

Comment #77

pickone4me — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 04:06:25 GMT

3 bucks....and hits the jackpot.

Comment #76

dpoly1 — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 01:06:43 GMT

I read the story that Todd wrote!

And I certainly don't need any lectures from you!

I haven't earned anything less than a 4.0 in very technical College level course work since 1980, so my reading comprehension is more than adequate!

Take a hike

Comment #75

Arrowhead — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 23:46:38 GMT

Fairly accurate about what? Picking which winners are going to blow it all, have difficulty investing their windfall, get fleeced by leeches and scammers? Sure, they just won a bundle of dough, and there's some work involved now in what to do with it all. It's the same problem you and I would have, or anyone else who might have won. It's not a recipe for disaster. Everything that's been made public about these people indicates they're likely to be just fine, no matter where the hell they choose... [ More ]

Comment #74

Simba774 — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 22:45:07 GMT

There's no way in hell I'm staying in my old neighborhood after I win. We're going to be gone before we claim and we will be in disguise when we claim.

Comment #73

Cletu$2 — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 18:56:53 GMT

Thats the same thing that majority of beggars say when they beg for cash.

Comment #72

rock_nc — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 18:00:46 GMT

hey, If I had won that much money,I would be long gone,never be heard from again. Traveling all across This great land of AMERICA...If the Butlers would like to share a small amount of their winnings send me a message....you will never spend that much money in your lifetime...not begging/just asking

Comment #71

DC81 — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 10:41:57 GMT

What story did you read? The first sentence in this story states he's a retired computer systems designer and his wife, a computer programmer of course they could retire at 62 though it only says he is, they both probably were paid well, retiring at 62 is not some great achievement. Neither of those have anything to do with finance and if they worked for either a insurance or finance company in those roles it still doesn't qualify you in the least bit to handle this and a team of financial advis... [ More ]

Comment #70

DC81 — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 10:31:17 GMT

Or are you a clown who thinks someone not immediately jumping on the bandwagon must be jealous? No... First, the idea that they're going to stay in the same place, yeah that's not going to happen... Second, your previous profession has nothing to do with preparing you for this sort of windfall, even with those advisers, just because they've hired a real good set of financial advisors doesn't mean you're going to be all set. Yeah, they said managing the money is going to be a new full time job an... [ More ]

Comment #69

dallascowboyfan — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 02:37:26 GMT

Comment #68

dpoly1 — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 23:25:18 GMT

That $70,800,000 wire transfer (no State or Local tax on lottery wins here) will look mighty fine after Saturday's Powerball Drawing!

They will get name town, but there is no requirement for a dog pony show like the crooks in Illinois impose on winners!

I will talk to Todd, because he is our fearless leader, Todd Vader

Comment #67

mediabrat — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 23:06:45 GMT

Why do you say that? Is there something about their story that set off a red flag, or are you the jealous type that likes to wish misery upon jackpot winners

Comment #66

mcginnin56 — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 19:44:06 GMT

Well said Arrowhead. Bully for you.

Comment #65

Arrowhead — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 19:09:54 GMT

These people will do just fine. I doubt they re-locate, even short-term until this 'blows over'. I'll bet people let them be in Red Bud now and in the future. Maybe they'll buy a beach vacation home in Fla. or Carolinas, but they're grounded, mature, educated, retired professionals who know who they are and know what they want. As far as I'm concerned, people like this can win the big jackpots every single time. Bully for them.

Comment #64

Uff Da! — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 17:54:24 GMT

And how do you suppose you'll look at that age if you don't keep playing the lottery

Comment #63

dpoly1 — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 17:29:03 GMT

THANK YOU

Comment #62

Jill34786 — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 15:03:15 GMT

With what has been disclosed about this couple, I feel they are well grounded and have no doubt they will do just fine. They just need to relocate at least temporarily to let this frenzy subside.

Comment #61

dpoly1 — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 14:14:00 GMT

I strongly disagree with you about not getting a positive update about the Butlers in the future!

He worked for an insurance company, and she worked for a financial investment company, and neither one of them strikes me as being a spendthrift!

They worked and saved enough to retire at 62, that should speak volumes about their financial savvy ...........

This is how the American dream works, you work hard and save for your future , while not whining like a grammar school child about wha... [ More ]

Comment #60

DC81 — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 12:28:53 GMT

Nah, they'll move...

Something tells me we'll be hearing about them again within a few years and it won't be a positive update.....

Comment #59

NightStalker — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 11:54:59 GMT

Congrats to the Butler's!! I'm sure they will continue to live in Red Bud, but they will probably have a couple other vacation homes to escape to for some peace and quiet. I'd head out on at least a month long vacation to avoid some attention for a while.

I know a nice little place in central Ohio you can stay if you want to just be anonymous for a few weeks. Just throwing it out there in case they read this thread.

Comment #58

savagegoose — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 10:55:41 GMT

if it was easy money, we'd all be doing it.

Comment #57

Halle99 — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 09:09:45 GMT

Congrats Mr. and Mrs. Butler.

Comment #56

mcginnin56 — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 07:46:23 GMT

Actually it was basketball's Wizards Rookie Chris Singleton who dropped $10,000 on MM QP's.

Comment #55

HaveABall — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 06:27:12 GMT

Kudos, MississippiMudd, I'll do some investigating on the Federal IRS website, searching under this 120% or so, to see if I find any recent modifications.

Comment #54

HaveABall — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 06:23:21 GMT

The article reads: Butler describes managing the money as a full-time job right now, and laughs: I'm not looking for sympathy, adding, There could possibly be a vacation.

Yes, I think there WILL be a vacation this year, and I think it could even be a first class, all-the-way-around vacation for this couple and a few of their favorite people

Comment #53

Luffy — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 05:39:19 GMT

If I was them, I would invest in technologies that can extend life by ten or more years.

One thing that irriates me about winners are the ones like 70+ years old.

I see all these older winners winning big jackpots and I think to myself is that how I am going to look if I keep playing the lottery

Comment #52

golfer1960 — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 05:11:40 GMT

Thanks mcginnin but I only had the Powerball ($4.00).

I hope you faired better.

Comment #51

Seattlejohn — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 04:38:22 GMT

Congrats to them! Too bad they live in a state that REQUIRES a press conference (the #1 thing winners should avoid like the plague).

Comment #50

Piaceri — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 01:59:41 GMT

Congrats to the lucky couple.

Retiring at 62 is not easy these days (unless you are union), so I'd say these folks have planned well in the past. And I agree that the small town will close ranks where these folks are concerned. Everyone knows everyone's business in a small town, but they are the quickest to be closed mouthed to folks who aren't one of them.

Comment #49

Simba774 — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 01:22:19 GMT

They are old, but in 2012 old doesn't mean life is over anymore. Funny, I joked about it being some old people before these folks claimed their share.

Comment #48

steph219121 — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 00:56:02 GMT

Happy for them. Jealous but happy! Cangrats

Comment #47

mcginnin56 — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 00:30:05 GMT

I stand corrected LottoNick56. Since you put it that way.....what's the big deal? I'll start winning this evening with Powerball, Mega Millions+,

and Hot Lotto! (Already got my number in).

Comment #46

LottoNick56 — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 23:57:56 GMT

I'd say it's pretty EASY to do... once you purchase that winning ticket, all you need to do is sit there and watch the numbers. Just not many are capable of accomplishing it. No actual hard work necessary

Comment #45

mcginnin56 — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 23:55:28 GMT

Much easier SAID, than done.

Comment #44

THRIFTY — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 23:42:27 GMT

$3 MEGA MILLIONS QUICK PICK TICKET TURNED INTO $218.6 MILLIONS BEFORE TAXES.

Comment #43

hsvscubaski — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 23:29:45 GMT

Is it an invasion of privacy to make them be named? Didn't realize the requirement to participate in news conference. Can you say F Bomb city.

Comment #42

Artist77 — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 22:42:42 GMT

I agree! People may know who they are regardless of where they move. So they will get things in order. Sometimes small towns can be protective of their residents. There will be deadbeats asking for money wherever they are. Might as well stay where they are happy. I am sure they can afford some security.

Comment #41

dallascowboyfan — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 22:28:18 GMT

Thanks for the update Todd...

Comment #40

Todd — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 22:26:51 GMT

Right you are, I was working too quickly. I have updated the story with more accurate prize payout info.

Comment #39

MississippiMudd — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 22:14:24 GMT

I had knowledge of how the estimated tax penalty worked a few years back. It could have changed, but then, there was a safe haven that if you had more withheld than 120% (I believe that is the right number) of your tax liability from the prior year withheld in the current year, there would be no penalty. Because the Butlers will have millions withheld, they would meet the safe haven. They would still owe the extra taxes next April, but no penalty would apply.

Comment #38

HaveABall — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 21:45:37 GMT

Thanks, dpoly1, this is one way to solve!

Now, accountants who are into 'Federal IRS code research,' what are a couple more ways to prevent additional Federal Income Tax % tied to winner's new Marginal Income Tax Bracket being charged

Comment #37

helpmewin — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 21:40:17 GMT

Congrats!!

Great story,always the old people that win,

Comment #36

OldSchoolPa — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 21:38:49 GMT

And in a related news report, the small town of Red Bud has experienced a population boom over the past two weeks as long lost relatives and supposed friends have come from near and far to knock at the door of the town's wealthiest and luckiest couple.

Comment #35

HaveABall — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 21:37:21 GMT

I have noticed that NO previous jackpot winner, from both Mega Millions and Powerball, has won via a row of #s that had the 'added insurance' thru megaplier or powerplay option!

Perhaps only MM and PB players with the I'm only playing for the jackpot win mentality are the people that can win the jackpot

Comment #34

dpoly1 — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 21:27:45 GMT

When I win, I will find out how much in charitable contributions I have make to be able to tell the current Marxist-Socialist Regime in DC to go pound salt!

caution, Barry Sorrento at work

Comment #33

HaveABall — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 21:26:33 GMT

LOL, that famous football player was probably joking so he could get easy, free, professional media publicity

Comment #32

tntea — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 21:24:26 GMT

Fantastic Story.. I am very happy for them..

Comment #31

HaveABall — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 21:20:42 GMT

Thanks, Jill34786, I realized that Todd must have written the article too quickly, and that is why he referred to the annuity amount as the lump sum amount ... then all the math went down hill from there!

I wonder if the winner's accountant [experienced accountants, here is your chance to chime in your research results] is going to be a helpful hire by recommending that this winner pay some additional Income Tax % to the Federal IRS this year, before April 2013; so that no penalty % will... [ More ]

Comment #30

dpoly1 — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 21:20:10 GMT

Comment #29

dpoly1 — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 21:17:24 GMT

I am not sure why it would piss me off for them to enjoy their small town.

Them getting all of the crybaby mail from the Greed of Envy Crowd that have the right , will PISS ME OFF!

And yes, screw you, they have their's

Comment #28

Kumo — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 21:09:36 GMT

Congrats to the Butlers!

Watched the taped version of the press conference, noticed that they are keeping their plans for the future ambiguous, a very smart move

Comment #27

Jill34786 — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 20:52:55 GMT

Comment #26

imagine — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 20:52:51 GMT

$3.00

Quite a return on the investment.

Comment #25

maringoman — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 20:33:19 GMT

I am glad that they didn't buy $10,000 worth of tickets like that football player and they still won.

I am glad that they bought quick pics and still won.

I am glad thay they didn't play in a lotto group and still won.

One ticket is all you need. Thats the minimum requirement folks. Sswwweeeet

Comment #24

brees2012 — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 18:42:36 GMT

I have my QP Powerball Ticket ..........I'm ready to win and I'm 1/2 packed .

Comment #23

CDanaT — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 18:25:05 GMT

Is an Oracle the one who samples the newest batch from the still ???? Cause that story even makes Billy Graham want to knock down a few

Comment #22

rdgrnr — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 18:11:07 GMT

Now it all becomes clear.

In my official capacity as an Oracle, I occasionally consult the Ancient Ones to see who won a jackpot here and there to avoid the drudgery of going into a deep trance. Deep trances and channeling can drain you both physically and emotionally so I took the easy route for this record jackpot and called on the Ancients.

Though I still need to descend into a light trance to consult with the Ancients, it's not as incapacitating as a full trance with the rigors associa... [ More ]

Comment #21

CDanaT — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 17:57:45 GMT

Kudos to the 2 middle agers ..........Hope they have great experiences for the rest of their lives.....Course, if he bites the bullet I am on her like white on rice !!!!........yeah, I know......Gonna get punished for that one....it was just too tempting

Comment #20

Jill34786 — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 17:47:44 GMT

If you are capable of enjoying life at that age then why not? I have seen people who are in their 70's and were struggling physically/mentally just to live a normal life.

Science and medicine will keep advancing and who knows what we will encounter in the future. Our life expectancy will most likely jump up another 10 years within our generation.

Comment #19

brees2012 — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 17:41:43 GMT

They could of done more .......who knows ..........I just say , congrat to the winners ........

Comment #18

mcginnin56 — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 17:38:27 GMT

Freshen up the landscaping, new bushes.......Wow big spenders

Comment #17

brees2012 — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 17:34:20 GMT

Lottery officials , Media , and whoever else were there at the conference. Outside were all

the citizens standing outside waiting on the winners.

The local newspaper had everything ready on there part , to make sure they've the name and pictures

of the winners. These poor winners will be swamped with people around them .

There's NO Privacy in that town or anywhere in the world .

The city officals freshen up there landscaping , put in new bushes , to make the city look bette... [ More ]

Comment #16

Cletu$2 — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 17:26:38 GMT

Why would ANYONE want to live to be 100

Comment #15

mcginnin56 — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 17:24:20 GMT

Nice poodle golfer1960! Maybe 2nite will be your night.

Comment #14

golfer1960 — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 17:20:56 GMT

Good for them but sad for me. Come on Powerball

Comment #13

mcginnin56 — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 17:12:56 GMT

By today's standards, this is a young couple. Why should they let all the gloom and doom naysayers influence their staying in Red Bud?

They should park their ass's right where they are now. This will piss off all the pro anonymous people. They'll get over it

Comment #12

dallascowboyfan — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 17:10:19 GMT

Congrats to Mr Mrs. Butler.....

Comment #11

rad242 — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 17:03:02 GMT

I agree 100%

Look at how long Royalty thrives

Comment #10

Littleoldlady — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 17:00:53 GMT

They're not old, they are experienced! With modern medicine doing it's thing, they can live to be at least 100.

Comment #9

Jill34786 — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 16:57:36 GMT

After taxes on a lump-sum payment of $218.6 million, the Butlers will take home $158 million

Actually the lump-sum cash payment is $158 million and the take home after 25% federal and 5% state taxes are witheld is just a tad over $110 million.

This couple may have enjoyed living in this small town but all that will soon change

Comment #8

sendmedamoney — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 16:45:14 GMT

Old

Comment #7

Cletu$2 — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 16:34:11 GMT

Congratulations to Merle and Pat!Enjoy your millions.

Comment #6

LottoGuyBC — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 16:27:34 GMT

Quick Pick again

Comment #5

manali — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 16:23:33 GMT

Congrats to the winners. Good thing that an old couple not some young 20 yr won it.

Comment #4

VenomV12 — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 16:22:57 GMT

That's cute, they really think they are going to be able to stay in that little town and everything is just going to go on being the same. We all know better. They will have moved out within two to six months.

Comment #3

dpoly1 — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 16:21:47 GMT

Congrats to the winners!

Hurray for the old

Comment #2

petergrfn — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 16:17:45 GMT

These sound like a couple of real nice people. Hopefully they don't get too many townspeople and relatives begging for money. They seem like down to earth people.....

Comment #1

dk1421 — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 16:13:31 GMT

Congrats to them!!!

Sounds like they have their stuff in order. I feel badly they couldn't choose to be anonymous. Yet, I wish they could have said something along those lines at the press conference.

I hope they don't become the poster-children for why all states should allow anonymity! I always worry about what has to happen for all states to wake up to the dangers of not allowing people to claim large jackpots anonymously. It should be an option - especially for large jackpots... [ More ]

Retired Illinois couple share $656M lottery jackpot

Lottery Post — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 15:57:55 GMT

By Todd Northrop

Updated 6:24 pm: Prize payout information

A retired computer systems designer and his wife, a computer programmer, have claimed the final share of the March 30 $656 million Mega Millions lottery drawing.

Merle, 65, and Pat Butler, 62, claimed the jackpot at the Red Bud Village Hall in the small southern Illinois town of Red Bud. The winning ticket was sold at a nearby Motomart in the town of 6,000 people.

Their share of the record-setting $656 million jackpot was $21... [ More ]