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You’ve Won the Lottery: Now Make it Last!

Date: 6th October 2009 Time: 16:24:39 GMT + 1

Everybody knows one of the big pleasures of playing the lottery is thinking about how easy life will be after you’ve won all that money. After all, the allure of the lottery is that there’s always a chance that the next big winner could be you.

Not everyone wins multimillions, but every winner can benefit greatly by planning out how to handle the windfall cash. Fun as it may be to imagine blowing scads of money on cars, yachts and mansions, a win is still an occasion for some strategic financial thinking.

Everybody knows one of the big pleasures of playing the lottery is thinking about how easy life will be after you’ve won all that money. After all, the allure of the lottery is that there’s always a chance that the next big winner could be you.

Not everyone wins multi-millions, but every winner can benefit greatly by planning out how to handle the windfall cash. Fun as it may be to imagine blowing scads of money on cars, yachts and mansions, a win is still an occasion for some strategic financial thinking.

A win should be enjoyed for many, many years. With some basic planning, you can make certain your win lasts.

Here are some simple guidelines to help you make the most of wins of up to €200,000, €3 Million and €15 Million.

You’ve won up to €200,000 – a ‘nice little win’!


A win of this size is the proverbial ‘pleasant surprise’ – the kind that can really enhance your life. This is the sort of cash that might come your way should you win, say, the second category of British 6/49 or Spanish Primitiva – provided there are few people sharing the category win with you.

A little planning now can make all the difference. It’s easy to spend an amount like that on things that won’t provide lasting value to you. You’ll find that it really pays in the long run to consider how best to put the money to use.

Paying off debt is a good place to start. You might also make some home improvements so that you can enjoy the benefit of your win for a long time to come. Setting aside a chunk for retirement can provide peace of mind – which in itself is invaluable! And it’s often rewarding to gift small sums to family members.

But have some fun while you’re being wise. Skim off 10 percent to make some crazy purchases, knowing that you’ll put the remainder to work making your life better.

You’ve won €3 Million: Face it – you’re rich!


You could be lucky enough to snag €3 Million by winning just one of the numerous first prizes available in Spain’s massive El Gordo draw, held each December.

And yes, now you’re rich – but you have to plan to ensure that you stay rich. This kind of money doesn’t just enhance your life – it changes it, and that means you’ll have some choices to make.

You can easily buy a home – perhaps more than one, or even a house in an exotic location in a sunny part of the world.

But… by investing the money conservatively, you can free yourself for life from the need to work and can ensure you live a comfortable lifestyle.

And you can probably buy yourself some wonderful toys, like a fancy car or two or a boat – but make sure you plan for maintenance costs. World travel – lots of it – may also be on your agenda.

With €3 Million, you’ve got more than enough money, certainly, to hire a professional financial advisor – someone who can help you make wise financial decisions to ensure your win continues to work for you. Many of those who’ve won and then lost a jackpot wish they’d done just that! Learn from them and get advice before you spend. Make certain your win can support the lifestyle you’re dreaming of before you start living it, because even this kind of win has its limits.

Lastly, be aware that a win of this size can have unexpected consequences. Be prepared for people – sometimes even strangers – looking for loans or handouts. Decide in advance exactly who you’ll share your windfall with and how much you’ll give – and stick to your resolve.

You’ve won €15 Million: You’re ultra-rich!


EuroMillions jackpots start at €15 Million. With one single win, you’d be in the very exclusive club of the ultra-wealthy.

You can now have any kind of life you dream of – which is why it’s important to think carefully about what kind of life you really want to have!

World travel? Naturally – and first class all the way. Houses? Why stop there? You can think in terms not just of houses but estates. Fancy toys? You can probably buy more than you can ever use.

€15 Million can also be serious ‘make a difference’ money. You can give lavishly to any of your favourite causes. You might even start your own charity or foundation, if you wish.

Nonetheless, professional financial advice is a necessity.
Tracking, maintaining and protecting your wealth will be a big job – but now that you’re unbelievably rich, you can have others do it for you! You’ll need to hire people with specialised knowledge to manage a fortune of that size and ensure that it lasts as long as you need it to.

Winning a jackpot is just the beginning of living happily ever after. There’s no substitute for planning to make your win last a lifetime. No matter how much you win, it pays to be careful with it so that you get the most from it.

Why not secure a chance to win a jackpot today?
Our specially trained lottery agents can advise you on the best bets in Europe’s greatest lotteries – and find a play that suits any budget. You can contact us at any time – click on the Live Support button to chat with one of our agents, or click “Play Now” to call or email.


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