Are you one of the millions of people across the country just hoping and praying that you hold the winning $550 Powerball ticket? If your dreams happen to come true Wednesday night, there are five things you absolutely need to do.
We asked consumer attorney Howard Stopeck, how has successfully handled lottery cases before, to give us a must-do list for any lottery winner. Here's what he said:
1. First—and maybe the hardest for some--- keep quiet. Don't tell anyone you've won. That means no Facebook posts, no tweets, and while you're at it—change your phone number.
2. This one is important: Sign the back of your ticket. Then make a copy of it. Then, take that coveted ticket to the bank and put it in a safety deposit box.
3. Hire a good financial advisor that you pay a one-time fee. Ask that person what to do, pay him--- and then go get a second opinion from a second financial advisor.
4. Indulge yourself. With $550 million, you're entitled to a modest shopping spree.
5. When you go to Lottery Headquarters to claim your prize, make arrangements to get annual payments, and not a lump sum.
A federal court has struck down Fayette County's at-large method of electing members to certain county offices, saying the method was a violation of the Voting Rights Act.
A federal court has struck down Fayette County's at-large method of electing members to certain county offices, saying the method was a violation of the Voting Rights Act.
Two Clark Atlanta University students who call themselves brothers despite being from opposite sides of the world have graduated as valedictorian and salutatorian.
Two Clark Atlanta University students who call themselves brothers despite being from opposite sides of the world have graduated as valedictorian and salutatorian.
Gov. Nathan Deal says he believes in the right of atheist groups to donate literature for use in cabins and lodges in Georgia's state parks just as Bibles are allowed.
Gov. Nathan Deal says he believes in the right of atheist groups to donate literature for use in cabins and lodges in Georgia's state parks just as Bibles are allowed.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:44 PM EDT2013-05-21 22:44:17 GMT
A Jasper County teen was reunited with an EMT who helped save her life 13 years ago.
A Jasper County teen was reunited with an EMT who helped save her life 13 years ago. FOX 5 viewers provided information that led Alyssa Haskew to the moment she's waited more than a decade for: to say thank you to Scott Thomas.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:34 PM EDT2013-05-21 22:34:58 GMT
Parents are asking about the safety of the schools in the event of a tornado after the devastation suffered in Moore, Okla.
Parents are asking about the safety of the schools in the event of a tornado after the devastation suffered in Moore, Okla. School and emergency officials insist having kids sheltered in school buildings rather than being picked up is the best solution.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:22 PM EDT2013-05-21 22:22:14 GMT
Tea party groups and Georgia Republican leaders are gathered at the state Capitol on Tuesday to protest the targeting of conservative groups by the Internal Revenue Service.
Tea party groups and Georgia Republican leaders are gathered at the state Capitol on Tuesday to protest the targeting of conservative groups by the Internal Revenue Service.
