Actually, it has been discussed here many times, but it's always fun to bring it up again every now and then. You never know when a new member will offer a fresh perspective on this topic. It doesn't hurt to dream, first I'll answer your questions.
1. Would you tell anyone you just hit it big?
No I wouldn't tell anyone. When the word gets out that you have money, everyone will try to get some of it. In fact, I'd do what I could to deflect suspicion off of myself. I'd try to find a way to claim the money as anonymously as possible. I would also hold off on buying anything extravagent, but I would pay off my debts. If it was a big enough jackpot which would allow me to quit my job, I'd probably wait until the furor of a local person winning died down. Then I'd resign my job and move to a new place and start my new life.
2. What bank would you pick for all your financial needs?
To be honest, I hadn't thought of that. Different banks do business in different areas of the country. I'd probably do business with more than one bank, especially since the FDIC will only insure deposits up to $100,000 in the event of a bank failure. Some of it would probably be in my credit union, and there are a couple of other banks in my area I'd consider. Not sure about Wells Fargo but if they are good to deal with, I'd use them. I'd also buy some good mutual funds and jumbo CDs, along with some tax free municipal bonds. I'd have the money in more than one place like I have my present money, since I don't like putting all my eggs in one basket.
3. Do you get an attorney?
I would get an attorney to represent me, mostly for privacy and asset protection issues.
4. How much do you keep for yourself and how much do you give away to family, friends, and charities?
I'd probably keep 70-80% of it or so, giving away some to charities I consider worthwhile. I don't consider that being greedy. After all, I'd want to be set for life and not have to work ever again, so I can enjoy myself and pursue the things I want to pursue.
5. and the final question what are some of the first things you would buy?
I'd probably keep my present car, since it's only 2 years old and only has 15000 miles on it. I might get my wife a new car though, since her car, even though it isn't very old, has given her problems. If I were to buy a new car, it wouldn't be something flashy, probably something nice but not to extravagant. Something like a Taurus or a Sonata.
Since I would want to move to a new town, I would of course buy a house. I'd like to have a nice kitchen, media room, and a jacuzzi. I'd also like to have a radio room with some state of the art equipment for one of the hobbies I plan to pursue more since I wouldn't have to work, ham radio. I'd also have to live where I could put up antennas for my ham activities.
At present, I play Louisiana Lotto by myself, which is in the hundreds of thousands but rarely ever gets to the $1 million range. Me and a coworker also play Powerball together and I sometimes buy my own tickets as well. Who knows, maybe I'll get there.
PrisonerSix