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.
Thursday, May 23 2013 12:56 AM EDT2013-05-23 04:56:30 GMT
The FOX 5 I-Team has learned that Douglas County District Attorney David McDade is personally asking the GBI to investigate how money is spent in his office.
The FOX 5 I-Team has learned that Douglas County District Attorney David McDade is personally asking the GBI to investigate how money is spent in his office.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:55 PM EDT2013-05-23 03:55:59 GMT
A local woman says she's trying to rebuild her life after storms hit this past weekend and destroyed her home.
A local woman says she's trying to rebuild her life after storms hit this past weekend and destroyed her home. Just one day later, some of her family members were in Oklahoma near where the tornado hit.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:50 PM EDT2013-05-23 03:50:14 GMT
FOX 5 has learned that two Newton County elementary school students are being treated for injuries after they were bitten by a fox while they were playing on a playground.
FOX 5 has learned that two Newton County elementary school students are being treated for injuries after they were bitten by a fox while they were playing on a playground. Both victims are 6-year-old boys who are in kindergarten at Rocky Plains Elementary School, where the attack happened.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:42 PM EDT2013-05-23 02:42:27 GMT
What do major hotel chains, the IRS, and the business partner of a top rapper have in common? Court records show the National Conference of Black Mayors owes all of them money. Big money.
What do major hotel chains, the IRS, and the business partner of a top rapper have in common? Court records show the National Conference of Black Mayors owes all of them money. Big money.
