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LogDog75

(1,121 posts)
Mon Dec 22, 2025, 12:55 PM Dec 22

Would you take a lump sum or annuity lottery winnings and what would you do with the money [View all]

With the Powerball Lottery sitting at $1.6 billion dollars, which would you take, the lump sum or annuity payment?
A lump sump would reduce the amount of the lottery and the remainder would be subject to federal and state (where applicable) taxes.
An annuity would be paid over a 30-year period

I would take lump sum even though it would mean losing over half the amount of the money. I'm 75 and I doubt I'd live to collect the full 30-year payout. I could set it up to so after I die I could leave it to one or more persons. What I would do with the money is to give half the after tax money to charities and good causes but not to political parties, candidates for office, political issues/causes and the like, nor to any religious organizations because they receive the bulk of donations. I'd prefer to give the money to smaller charities and good causes that don't get the support they need. The money I'd won in the lottery would be more than I'd ever need for 10 lifetimes.

With the remainder of the money, I give my three siblings, three nieces, and nephews enough money to take care of them or set them up to live comfortably for the rest of their lives. For my nieces and nephews, I'd set up trust funds for them where they could withdraw $100,000 a year for the first 10 years, $150,000 the next 10 years, and $200,000 the next 10 years. Once they reach age 60, they get the entire remaining amount. I'd also put in a restriction such as they cannot use the trust as collateral or sell/trade their trust.

The remainder of the money I'd buy me a new condo, put enough money in treasury bills/bonds to protect my assets, and invest the remainder in the stock market. I'd take half the amount I make each years, after taxes, and continue to donate to charities and good causes. The other half I'd use for my living expenses and reinvesting.

So, which would you take, the lump sum or the annuity and what would you do with the money?







34 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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The money you gift relatives is subject to a multigraincracker Dec 22 #1
The lifetime limit for tax-free gifts is $13.99 million per individual Abnredleg Dec 22 #8
To be safe, sit down with a good tax lawyer before doing anything. multigraincracker Dec 22 #9
the lottery is a corporation rampartd Dec 22 #2
The Powerball is a multi-state government enterprise Niagara Dec 22 #14
Lump sumalso... 2naSalit Dec 22 #3
I'm 78, so definitely the lump sum option... anciano Dec 22 #4
I would take the lump sum and give some doc03 Dec 22 #5
Lump sum. Raven123 Dec 22 #6
I'm 82, so it's a no-brainer Jilly_in_VA Dec 22 #7
at the ripe old age of 77 I would take the lump sum yellowdogintexas Dec 22 #10
Lump sum GreatGazoo Dec 22 #11
Lump sum Marthe48 Dec 22 #12
I think that I would take the annuity Niagara Dec 22 #13
Anyone remember this? Intractable Dec 22 #15
Lump sum. Iggo Dec 22 #16
At 72; lump sum.... electric_blue68 Dec 23 #17
I'm nearly 64. Morbius Dec 23 #18
I've already taken my lumps. True Dough Dec 23 #19
You're in luck, True Niagara Dec 23 #20
Imagine True Dough Dec 23 #21
I guess better than in peonies Niagara Dec 23 #22
Lump sum Give Peace A Chance Dec 24 #23
Lump sum. Borogove Dec 25 #24
howdi AllaN01Bear Dec 25 #25
How Much To Buy A Congressman? Deep State Witch Dec 25 #26
lump sum & leave the country RainCaster Dec 25 #27
Wine, women, and song,,,, and spend the rest foolishly. Norrrm Dec 25 #28
Lump sum. I have no idea if I'm going to live 30 more years sakabatou Dec 25 #29
Payments ._. Dec 25 #30
Lump sum vs annuity depends on a number of factors LogDog75 Dec 25 #33
i didn't know the had an annuity for $4 ret5hd Dec 25 #31
I'm 70. viva la Dec 25 #32
That is something I would never have to deal with. OldBaldy1701E Dec 26 #34
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