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.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 4:42 PM EDT2013-06-19 20:42:12 GMT
The NAACP is holding an information session about its planned gun buy-back program at 6 p.m. at a northwest Atlanta church as part of ongoing efforts to cut back on gun-related violence in the community.
The NAACP is holding an information session about its planned gun buy-back program at 6 p.m. at a northwest Atlanta church as part of ongoing efforts to cut back on gun-related violence in the community.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 2:05 PM EDT2013-06-19 18:05:37 GMT
The Woodstock Police Department says a police K-9 died after being left in his handler's patrol car.Spartacus, a 3-year-old Belgian Malinois, was found dead in his handler's patrol car. Authorities later
The Woodstock Police Department says a police K-9 died after being left in his handler's patrol car.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 10:52 AM EDT2013-06-19 14:52:32 GMT
After bonding out on a 15-count criminal indictment, DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis denied any wrongdoing, saying "I've done nothing wrong."
After bonding out on a 15-count criminal indictment, DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis denied any wrongdoing, saying "I've done nothing wrong. I would never, ever, ever do anything to violate the public trust."
205 N. Michigan Avenue Ground Floor Chicago, IL 60601 Station Operator: (312) 565-5532 Newsroom: (312)565-5533