What to Do If You Win the Mega Millions Lottery

💼Safeguarding the winning ticket and making photocopies is crucial to ensure you can collect the prize.

🤫Keeping the win a secret is essential to avoid unwanted attention and potential safety risks.

📝Seeking professional advice from a certified financial planner and a CPA is important for tax planning and managing sudden wealth.

🏦Consider placing the winning ticket in a safety deposit box to protect it and prevent loss or theft.

⚖️Create a team of professionals, including an attorney, to help you develop a comprehensive plan for handling the money.

Should I tell others about winning the lottery?

—No, it's best to keep the win a secret to avoid unwanted attention and potential safety risks.

What should I do with the winning ticket?

—Make photocopies of the ticket and place the original in a safety deposit box to protect it from loss or theft.

Who should I seek professional advice from?

—Consult with a certified financial planner and a CPA to plan for taxes and manage sudden wealth.

What steps should I take to manage the money wisely?

—Create a comprehensive plan with professionals, including an attorney, to ensure responsible financial decisions.

Is it better to take a lump sum or monthly payments?

—This decision depends on factors like your age and financial goals. Consulting with a financial planner is recommended.

00:01Introduction by Nestor Mato, news anchor for Fox 35 News Orlando.

00:09Nestor introduces certified financial planner Joe Bird to provide advice on what to do if you win the Mega Millions lottery.

00:15Joe Bird highlights the importance of safeguarding the winning ticket by making photocopies and protecting it from loss or theft.

00:36Joe Bird emphasizes the need to keep the win a secret to avoid unwanted attention and potential safety risks.

01:14Joe Bird suggests seeking professional advice from a certified financial planner and a CPA to plan for taxes and manage the sudden wealth.

01:58Joe Bird recommends placing the winning ticket in a safety deposit box to ensure its protection and prevent loss or theft.

02:26Joe Bird advises creating a team of professionals, including an attorney, to develop a comprehensive plan for handling the money.

02:57Nestor thanks Joe Bird and concludes the interview.