Winning Big: Lottery Pitfalls
Winning the lottery is a dream of most working class citizens, but behind closed doors, it may not be as perfect as it seems. Past winners reveal their troubles after winning big, such as losing friends and becoming spectacles.
Winning big may be great, but everything has a black cloud to the silver lining. Here are 10 scenarios which you should watch out for if you strike lucky in the next draw.
1.Disappearing act
Whatever the prize amount, around 70% of winners spend all their money within the first 5 years or sooner. Having a good time celebrating is a must but remember to be fairly wise with your prize.
2.Exploitation by your friends (maybe even family)
Wonder why you’ve miraculously gained a tsunami of new Instagram followers and Facebook friend requests? Probably because they all want your newly found money. Even long-term friends might decide to try their chances with a sob story. Watch your backs!
3.Relativity
You may have won the $10 million jackpot and start hanging out with people who can afford expensive cruises and holidays just like you. However, they might be 10 times richer than you and make it obvious. Don’t forget your morals.
4. Impulse purchases
After winning, you buy a Ferri, a 10-bed mansion, and book 5 holidays for next year; just because you could. Now you are selling the 10-bed as its the least practical home for a family of 4.
4. Being looked down by the true wealth
The top end of society may not believe you are worthy of your money. At the end of the day, you didn’t earn it like they did, did you?
5. Money questions
Where do you keep the cash? How do you spend it? Do you still have a lot left? People are nosy gits.
6. With lifestyle change comes friend change…
You will need friends to be able to keep up with your new adventures. Most of your old friends will not be able to afford this. Will you keep paying for them to fly over to the Maldives with you for the weekend? We don’t think so.
7. Lights, Camera, Money
With winning comes a great responsibility…to the media world. Your status, especially in your hometown will be on high alert. You will be recognised by strangers and read about yourself in the regional paper for some time. Would you be ready for that?
8. Sharing is caring
You can have anything you want. Now what do you do? Maybe help others who need it more than you do…or buy another Ferri?
