I won the lottery (a few years ago) AMA

[NCuserer]

NC for this as I remained anonymous, which was fairly pointless as I did tell some family and friends and it spread from there.

Congratulations

How did they pay you ? Wasnir one lump sum ?
You said you are a single mum if you met the right person would you tell them ??
Congratulations 🍾 on your win. It is something we all dream of so good on you.

Why are people asking how much the op donated to charity? What does it matter?

Congratulations op, I hope it's all you dreamed of.

This is so interesting, I would definitely stay anon too but there are a few loved ones I’d like to help without them knowing it was me. Is there a way to do that? I wonder if the NL advisers covered that?

And where do you shop for clothes and furniture now? Did you keep anything from your pre-lottery life?

@TheSaucepanMan

Why are people asking how much the op donated to charity? What does it matter?

Congratulations op, I hope it's all you dreamed of.

Because people hate anyone getting anything without giving it away. The number of times people say on MN that anything gained should be given to someone else is incredible.

Is there anything you would like to buy but think it's too expensive or too frivolous?

Where do you do your weekly food shopping?

thanks for sharing, I’ve had a lovely few mins imagining winning. How do you stop yourself from wanting to fix things for everyone?

I’m sorry some of your family were bums about it. I secretly always wish my sister would win. She’s a single mum and it would be so good if she could stop for a bit. Be happy, it sounds fun.

@MaloInAnAppleTree

A private bank for those who asked is one which is specially geared up to the needs of high net worth individuals and will give them specialist advice and services, for a price.

Thanks very much for the info.

Do you get to keep a copy of the ticket or do the lottery people whisk it away, never to be seen again?!! Was it nerve wracking waiting for the confirmation phone call and then waiting for the money to arrive in your account?!! I’m green with envy 😂

@AGirlCalledJohnny

This is so interesting, I would definitely stay anon too but there are a few loved ones I’d like to help without them knowing it was me. Is there a way to do that? I wonder if the NL advisers covered that?

I would want to do the same! There must be a way you can instruct a solicitor to contact people on your anonymous behalf to dish it out.

Where do you go food shopping? I'm not sure I could bring myself to.do the weekly shop in Selfridges just cos I was minted

Congratulations OP!

How did you fill the rest of your work day when you found out? Did you actually get anything done?
What volunteering work do you do?
Which charities did you benefit with your win?
What did you say when you called up the NL people??
What does your son want to do when he's older?

Such an interesting thread.

Whats a private bank account ?

Does your son's father (still) pay maintenance?

Or if he isn't involved, does he know?

Do you think it’s true to say that people generally spend to match the amount of money they have - and therefore once the novelty wears off, your ‘baseline happiness’ is the same as ever ? I earn twice as much as I did four years ago, but I just got used to it and it still all gets eaten up and I’m no richer than I was before ! I do spend more on the children.

How long did it take to get used to your new lifestyle - before the wealth just became normality ?

@NormaSnorks

Did you give any big donations to charity - if so, how much?

I gave a medium 5 figure to a large charity once and i would never do that again. They hounded me for months for more high donations.

How long does it take to actually get the money? (I need to embellish my fantasies with a little fact!)

Ah OP fair play to you, well done.

I love to indulge in a bit of lottery win daydreams but I think in reality I would be one of those silly sods who would somehow end up spending it all!

Do you take luxury holidays? (And where ?)

And what’s been your biggest splurge?

What’s your story if someone asked what you do “for a living”, or if the neighbours wonder where you get your money from?

So are you saying that there was a choice to have the money in something other than a lump sum? Also, was is an essential requirement to have a private bank account? I’ve seen quite a lot of lottery winner videos on YouTube and they all say that they had the money within 72 hours.

No questions.
Just really pleased for you. It always makes me smile when someone wins.
And how lovely you are volunteering - good on you! I'd stay anonymous, too!

@Vikingintraining

Oh I have another question please! Do you feel physically and mentally healthier?

That's how I imagine my life would improve if I didn't have to worry about money, I could relax, sleep better, etc.

Yes and yes! Especially the sleep. I used 3 - 4 hours a night when I worked but I get a good 7 - 8 now

Btw thank you for all those who wished me well. I hope you all win the lottery too

@Sometimesfraught82

Get a lot of professional expertise in contracting your will, especially around charity donations

This. Don't leave a percentage amount to charities either, they'll fight tooth and nail to squeeze every penny out of your estate if it's listed as a percentage.