California nail technician wins $228M Powerball jackpot

Comment #57

txn0002 — Sat, 01 Nov 2014 21:36:23 GMT

Yes. Nguyen is my last name too! But I didn't win. It could have been a Nguyen Nguyen situation.

Comment #56

JackpotWanna — Tue, 14 Oct 2014 19:17:52 GMT

WTG!!! Very smart.

Comment #55

haymaker — Tue, 07 Oct 2014 16:01:53 GMT

Yea ! it could happen in Cali.

But would it happen in the middle of the night and be retroactive ?

Or maybe it would be by I R

Yeah, I like to see that billboard on the freeways. LOL

Comment #54

dognabit — Tue, 07 Oct 2014 03:55:15 GMT

Thankfully, my name is Rusty Shackleford. A very common name in these parts.

Comment #53

PrinceRene — Mon, 06 Oct 2014 23:01:54 GMT

No one even knows what he looks like and Nguyen is a common surname for Vietnamese people. He'll be able to blend in and live a normal life if he wants just as long as he isn't driving around in flashy cars and wearing expensive clothes.

It would be like if your name was Steve Smith and you won the lottery and no one knew what you look like. Someone could ask, Are you the Steve Smith I read about in the newspaper? and you could always say, No. That's another Steve Smith not me.... [ More ]

Comment #52

Get paid — Wed, 01 Oct 2014 16:30:20 GMT

Congrats Mr. Nguyen,your life will now be forever changed. Normal is out the window.Again congratulations.

Comment #51

Skibunnylk — Tue, 30 Sep 2014 18:25:33 GMT

Lol! with the size of the jackpot that he won, he probably wasn't too concerned about a few extra dollars.

Comment #50

Skibunnylk — Tue, 30 Sep 2014 18:23:42 GMT

Thank you for the update. I didn't realize California had a state income tax and was shocked to see that at 13.3% it is probably the highest in the nation. You are absolutely correct about California possibly changing their guideline in the future on not charging a state tax on lottery winnings as that state is in dire straits financially.

Comment #49

Skibunnylk — Tue, 30 Sep 2014 18:19:16 GMT

Thanks for the clarification as I took the assumption that just 25% federal tax was withheld because the media keeps touting after tax numbers and I thought it was the final figure. Just goes to show you how manipulative the media is in distorting the true facts.

Comment #48

Prob988 — Tue, 30 Sep 2014 11:04:18 GMT

Well, if I were a conspiracy theorist, and I wanted people to think that I wasn't out of my mind (even though most people would see through it and realize that I was in fact out of my mind), I would certainly argue for anonymous prizes. This was I could claim that Obama was winning every prize in California.

Comment #47

PrinceRene — Tue, 30 Sep 2014 06:18:31 GMT

California does indeed have a 13.3% top tax rate.

http://www.bankrate.com/finance/taxes/state-taxes-california.aspx

12.30 percent on taxable income of $508,501 and above.

1 percent surcharge, the Mental Health Services Tax, is collected on taxable incomes of $1 million or more, making California's highest marginal rate 13.30 percent

Currently, the state of California does not tax lottery winnings but that could all change. New Jersey went from having zero income tax on lottery wi... [ More ]

Comment #46

RedStang — Tue, 30 Sep 2014 05:35:51 GMT

Not sure if i would ask but I wonder if got paid for the 1+1 and the 3 other pb hits on that ticket.

Comment #45

dpoly1 — Tue, 30 Sep 2014 02:11:13 GMT

That 25% is just the initial withholding. The tax rate is still 39.6%. You still owe the difference unless you mitigate your tax burden.

Comment #44

LottoMetro — Mon, 29 Sep 2014 21:34:03 GMT

The top federal tax rate may very well be 39.6% but that doesn't apply to lottery winnings as that is subject to a flat 25% federal deduction.

Lottery winnings are taxed as regular income. The lottery deducts 25% upfront for Federal withholding, but in all likelihood you will pay much more because the added income will push you into a higher tax bracket. A lot of players don't realize this and that is where they get into trouble. It's better to just assume you will only net ~60% of any prize... [ More ]

Comment #43

Skibunnylk — Mon, 29 Sep 2014 20:25:28 GMT

I would too! No one can predict the future so SHOW ME THE MONEY

Comment #42

Skibunnylk — Mon, 29 Sep 2014 20:21:12 GMT

The top federal tax rate may very well be 39.6% but that doesn't apply to lottery winnings as that is subject to a flat 25% federal deduction.

Not sure where you got the 13.3% California income tax rate but according to USA MEGA California doesn't have a state income tax. How can they even contemplate implementing a future state income tax when there is none to begin with

Comment #41

Drenick1 — Mon, 29 Sep 2014 18:10:01 GMT

The annuity isn't paid out in 30 equal payments. It is based on a graduated scale with the bulk of the payment amount coming towards the end.

His first year payment will be roughly $2.4 million after the current top tax rate of 39.6% is factored in. His future payment will be larger initially but the tax rate may dictate what he eventually nets which may be less if the tax rate is increased.

FYI, California also has a 13.3% income tax rate which has yet to be applied to lottery winnings. T... [ More ]

Comment #40

dpoly1 — Mon, 29 Sep 2014 17:15:51 GMT

30 year annuity

ROTFLOL

Comment #39

Piaceri — Sun, 28 Sep 2014 17:41:48 GMT

I'm too old for the annuity, AND I like to spend. I'd have to take the lump sum, and have a trust dole out an allowance.

Congrats to Vinh Win on the win

Comment #38

music* — Sun, 28 Sep 2014 16:40:24 GMT

Age and health are factors in the Lump Sum v. Annuity choice.

Comment #37

Scratch$ — Sun, 28 Sep 2014 02:15:22 GMT

Depends on your age, IMHO. Those 50+ might be wiser to take the lump.

Comment #36

sully16 — Sun, 28 Sep 2014 02:05:40 GMT

lol

Comment #35

Coin Toss — Sat, 27 Sep 2014 23:50:47 GMT

Sully, you are very quick witted!

Sidenote:

In Vietnamese the name Nguyen is pronounced Win.

So I guess we can say Vinh Win wins

Comment #34

gjon — Sat, 27 Sep 2014 22:42:29 GMT

That is my powerball number and I am glad for this person to win. Maybe one day powerball 26 will come with all of my numbers.EEnjoy

Comment #33

luckyladie — Sat, 27 Sep 2014 22:35:25 GMT

I'll take the lump sum. I might drop dead the next day.

Comment #32

noise-gate — Sat, 27 Sep 2014 22:12:52 GMT

l think it all boils down to choice. If one knows that you pretty reckless with money, then the annuity is the perfect present.If you blow through your stash in the 1st year, you have time to push the rest button the following year and make changes. Many of those who have ended up in bankruptcy have not been truthful with themselves about their spending habits.

First and foremost though is to factor in your current age. If you in your 30's- NP with the annuity, 50's-60's- chances are your mon... [ More ]

Comment #31

Goteki54 — Sat, 27 Sep 2014 21:49:23 GMT

If the jackpot is big and I hit it, I would also take the annuity. Getting 4.3 million a year after taxes for 30 years is fine by me. I would never have to worry about being broke. for 30 years. I can blow through $4.3 million and still have another $4.3 million deposited in his account the next year and the following year and on and on and on.

Comment #30

Igamble — Sat, 27 Sep 2014 18:58:20 GMT

am happy for V. Nguyen win ,now he can go to a nail salon himself and say - Do my nails b...h

Comment #29

golfer1960 — Sat, 27 Sep 2014 17:55:47 GMT

Comment #28

golfer1960 — Sat, 27 Sep 2014 17:48:05 GMT

Nice Sully

Comment #27

rock_nc — Sat, 27 Sep 2014 17:45:25 GMT

Number of Winners

on 9/24/2014 Non-Jackpot Prizes

Won on 9/24/2014

932,812 $18,736,570

Comment #26

pickone4me — Sat, 27 Sep 2014 15:45:03 GMT

First thing you did wrong, was assume again...You know what they say about that. Second, everyone should have an option of claiming anonymously, no matter what state.

Comment #25

PrinceRene — Sat, 27 Sep 2014 15:39:39 GMT

It's funny you'd agree with him to allow people to claim anonymously. If someone from California ever claimed the jackpot anonymously, I'm sure you'd be the first one to cry foul and demand a full investigation.

Comment #24

pickone4me — Sat, 27 Sep 2014 15:32:27 GMT

Comment #23

dallascowboyfan — Sat, 27 Sep 2014 13:40:37 GMT

Lol I know right

Comment #22

One-Day — Sat, 27 Sep 2014 13:34:29 GMT

I just want to be a normal man, Nguyen said.

That's what they all say. Congrats anyway, Viet.

Comment #21

dallascowboyfan — Sat, 27 Sep 2014 13:24:21 GMT

Lol good one....

Comment #20

dallascowboyfan — Sat, 27 Sep 2014 13:23:45 GMT

Congratulation Mr. Vinh......

Comment #19

maringoman — Sat, 27 Sep 2014 12:30:31 GMT

All systems/strategies have one thing in common, the winner did buy a ticket. Playing fortune cookies numbers or receipt numbers or quick picks or mistake tickets or cutting in line strategy aka the Gloria Mackenzie strategy all mean the winner did buy a ticket.

I'm still going to play tonites powerball. if you're playing

Comment #18

pickone4me — Sat, 27 Sep 2014 12:19:11 GMT

Comment #17

Saylorgirl — Sat, 27 Sep 2014 10:58:31 GMT

Who tip$ their nail tech with nickels and dimes? I am way over tipping!

Congratulations on your big win! Enjoy your new life.

Comment #16

CDanaT — Sat, 27 Sep 2014 10:57:05 GMT

Came forward already and selected the annuity ??? Hmmmmm, might be interesting to find out how this winner is doing in another 5-10 years.

Comment #15

haymaker — Sat, 27 Sep 2014 10:56:09 GMT

whatever numbers came into my head

Seems I've heard this from others, including David Lee Edwards.

Hmmm... maybe a method worth trying.

Congrats to the winner. as for remaining normal, good luck w/that. now look for your new normal

Comment #14

hearsetrax — Sat, 27 Sep 2014 10:30:40 GMT

now if he can avoid the scam of selling his future payments for lump sums , he should do well

Comment #13

helpmewin — Sat, 27 Sep 2014 09:11:42 GMT

Congratulations to the Winner Spend Wisely

Comment #12

PrinceRene — Sat, 27 Sep 2014 06:49:18 GMT

If someone from California was able to claim the jackpot anonymously, the conspiracy folks would claim no one got the money and MUSL, aka the Illuminati, was keeping the money all for themselves. That is why MUSL is rigging the drawings in California's favor, so they can keep the money and use the cash to buy chemtrails which they can spray on the unsuspecting public.

Comment #11

noise-gate — Sat, 27 Sep 2014 06:09:48 GMT

..especially reading about him counting nickels and dimes hoping to make it big. l wonder how long it took him to come up with $30.00

Comment #10

noise-gate — Sat, 27 Sep 2014 06:02:34 GMT

Congratulations....

Good Luck with trying to lead a normal Life .

l must say that l admire his stance in having his interview over the phone , no cameras flashing in your face, none of that cardboard cheque crap they want you to hold...In fact one could ask and answer your own questions..

Example : How did l pick my numbers ?- let me see, oh yeah on page #1 ... It says l wrote down the numbers of my neighbors license plates.

Do l intend to take the cash lump sum or annuity? -page 3 s... [ More ]

Comment #9

myturn — Sat, 27 Sep 2014 05:41:03 GMT

The winner should be allowed to remain anonymous. If I won that much I would not want my identity published.

Who would want every nutcase knowing they had that much

Comment #8

RedStang — Sat, 27 Sep 2014 05:32:13 GMT

Tried this so many times. Can't imagine it actually working.

Comment #7

ThatScaryChick — Sat, 27 Sep 2014 04:38:19 GMT

Yes, Congrats to him

Comment #6

user71926 — Sat, 27 Sep 2014 04:37:46 GMT

Congrats Vinh! My friend's name is Vinh too I may get lucy now LOL

Comment #5

Shelby Mustang — Sat, 27 Sep 2014 03:40:56 GMT

Awesome quip.. the nail guy nailed it for real LOL.

Comment #4

Toronto — Sat, 27 Sep 2014 03:35:10 GMT

Congrats to him. and he chose the annuity

Comment #3

maringoman — Sat, 27 Sep 2014 03:33:00 GMT

The life changer is right here. Is he 26 years old? Congratulations Mr Nguyen.

Also nice is the fact that the store that sold the life changer will get a cool $1M. CA lottery you rock

Comment #2

rcbbuckeye — Sat, 27 Sep 2014 03:22:30 GMT

I like to see folks like this win.

Nice story.

Comment #1

sully16 — Sat, 27 Sep 2014 03:21:08 GMT

He nailed it! Congrats to the lucky guy.

California nail technician wins $228M Powerball jackpot

Lottery Post — Sat, 27 Sep 2014 03:17:14 GMT

Wants to remain normal man

A nail technician who has played the lottery over the years by scraping together nickels and dimes from tips at the salon is now a multi-millionaire several times over.

Vinh Nguyen claimed his $228.4 million jackpot late Thursday afternoon, after buying the winning Powerball ticket at a family-run chain, Key Market on Sourth Norfolk Street in San Mateo, according an announcement on Friday by the California Lottery.

Nguyen was the the sole winner in Wednesday