5 Things You Should Never Do If You Win the Lottery

🔎 Disclosure: Heads up, babe: some links here are affiliate links, which means you might throw a tiny commission my way if you buy (zero extra cost to you). Only things you’d actually use and love get shared on this site.

1. Don’t Quit Your Job Right Away

You might feel like storming into work and doing the dramatic “I’m outta here!” moment, but slow down.

Quitting too fast can leave you without structure, purpose, and a long-term plan.

You have:

• Financial stability for a few months if you stay employed.
  
• Employer benefits that you’ll lose instantly after quitting.
  
• Time to make a calm, strategic plan instead of acting on emotion.
  

So keep your job. at least for a little while. until your money plan is solid.

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Stay at your job for 3–6 months while you work with a planner to organize your money goals.

Make It Easy: Consider a premium leather planner notebook to map out your new financial strategy and track your progress daily.

2. Don’t Tell Everyone You Won

This might sound harsh, but the more people know, the more problems you’ll have.

When word gets out, long-lost “friends” suddenly pop up, and random acquaintances might start asking for help.

You’ll protect your peace when you:

• Keep it private. Only share with one or two trusted people.
  
• Avoid posting online, even “hint” posts (someone will notice).
  
• Stay anonymous if possible when you claim your prize.
  

Money attracts attention fast, and you want control of the narrative before others do.

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Tell only immediate family or your financial advisor, and say you’re “handling some personal finances” if anyone asks.

Make It Easy: Consider a small home safe to keep your ticket and paperwork secure while you get your plan together.

3. Take Time Before Spending

The rush of excitement after winning can make you want to buy everything in sight.

But the fastest way to go broke after winning is spending before you even understand what you have.

Here’s what smart winners do instead:

• Wait 3–6 months before making big purchases.
  
• Hire a tax expert to understand how much you actually keep.
  
• Write down your dream buys, then revisit the list after the high fades.
  

The delay helps your brain cool off so you don’t blow a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Create a “cooling-off” list. Write down every purchase idea, then review it after 30 days.

Make It Easy: Try Betterment Cash Reserve to safely hold your money while you plan how to invest it wisely.

4. Get Professional Financial Advice

You’re suddenly rich. But that doesn’t mean you suddenly understand taxes, trusts, or investments.

A financial advisor is like a GPS for your money. They help you avoid the potholes that ruin other winners.

Here’s what good advice gets you:

• A realistic plan for saving, spending, and investing.
  
• Tax guidance so you don’t lose half your winnings to mistakes.
  
• Protection strategies that keep your money safe from scammers.
  

Winning is exciting, but keeping that money is the real challenge.

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Meet with a certified financial planner to create a 5-year spending, saving, and investing roadmap.

Make It Easy: Pick up a document organizer binder to store your advisor’s notes, contracts, and receipts in one place.

5. Avoid Lavish Purchases Early On

The biggest trap for new millionaires? Lifestyle inflation.

Suddenly, your car, house, and clothes don’t feel “good enough”. But buying luxury too fast can bury you in long-term costs.

Here’s the smarter move:

• Upgrade slowly, not all at once.
  
• Buy quality over status, focusing on what improves your life.
  
• Plan for long-term costs like maintenance, taxes, and insurance.
  

Remember, it’s not about impressing others. It’s about creating financial peace that lasts.

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Spend on one meaningful upgrade that adds daily comfort instead of splurging on multiple luxuries.

Make It Easy: Consider a minimalist wallet to remind yourself to carry less and spend smarter.

📌 SAVE IT FOR LATER! 📌