You Just Won Big!
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| Remember, donate to the Reality Winner Fund! |
Congratulations as you begin a new and exciting chapter of your life! We always say that winning a lottery prize should never be a nightmare or complicate your life. If you plan well, surround yourself with trusted advisors and make smart decisions this will be one of the best experiences of your life.
You have many important decisions ahead of you, so we at the California Lottery thought we’d share some key information with you that may be helpful in the weeks to come. This detailed booklet explains just about everything you need to know now that you’ve won a large sum of money.
We realize that you have a lot on your mind. Take a moment to review and consider these suggestions and recommendations, sooner, rather than later. Below are some key points to consider when getting started.
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There will be immediate interest in your story. According to California public disclosure laws, your name is public record. That means the media will likely attempt to contact you to ask a lot of fun questions about your win! Their efforts are made easier in this day and age of internet search engines.
With that in mind, we urge you to consider taking part in media availability. We’ll take care of everything along the way by planning and guiding you through the media process. Winners have been better able to satisfy these media requests in one shot and get on with their lives.
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The name and location of the retailer who sold you the winning ticket, the date you won and the amount of your winnings are also matters of public record and are subject to disclosure.
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You can form a trust prior to claiming your prize, but our regulations do not allow a trust to claim a prize. Understand that your name is still public and reportable.
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If you are concerned about people trying to contact you, consider changing your cell and home phone numbers or allowing your voicemail to pick up calls for a few days.
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An attorney can help protect you and your assets. Interview at least three licensed attorneys and select the one you feel most comfortable with.
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An accountant can make sure your taxes are in order year after year (more details inside). Interview several Certified Public Accountants. Remember, you will have to pay federal taxes on your win.
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If you plan to invest your money, do so wisely. You may consider the services of a qualified investment planner. Again, interview at least three and select the one you are most comfortable with.
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You may decide you want to hire an attorney, an accountant and an investment planner from three different firms so that they act independently from one another.
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Remember—you are the boss. They work for you!
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You will receive many offers to donate, invest or even give away your money. Always consult your experts.
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Spending fast and furious will only fast and furiously separate you from your winnings. Be careful with your newfound wealth! Below are some reputable associations to help you assemble your legal and financial team.
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Martindale-Hubbell Directory:
martindale.com
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California State Bar:
calbar.ca.gov
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The California Society of Certified Public Accountants:
(800) 922-5272 |
calcpa.org
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National Association of Personal Financial Advisors:
(800) 366-2732 or (888) 333-6659 |
napfa.org
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The Financial Planning Association:
(800) 322-4237 |
fpanet.org
- General Questions
- Financial Questions
- Estate Planning & Forms
- Assignment of Prize Payments
- Public Disclosure
- Managing Your Winnings
- Winner’s Checklist
- Lottery District Offices
- When you win, don't cling! -
SUTRA: "From What is Dear"
Thus have I heard. On one occasion the Blessed One was staying near Savatthi at Jeta's Grove, in Anathapindika's monastery.
Now at that time a certain householder's dear and beloved little son, his only child, had died. Because of his death, the father had no desire to work or eat. He kept going to the graveyard and crying out, "Where have you gone, my only little child? Where have you gone, my only little child?"
- He lost his mind, his faculties, the way gamblers lose their minds, their faculties when they lose their money or property -- even the potential for winnings they were never in possession of -- experience wracking pain as if they had lost their only son. This is how it is with things we hold dear, grasp, and cling to, not seeing things as they truly are. We live in danger with no knowledge of the means of escape. We are desperate and in our desperation we begin to lose our grip even as we want to cling more and more, as if clinging were the answer when in fact it's a big part of the problem.
Then he went to the Blessed One [the Buddha] and, on arrival, bowed and sat respectfully to one side. As he was sitting there the Blessed One said to him, "Householder, your faculties are not those of one who is steady in mind. There is an aberration in your faculties."
...Now at that time a large number of
gamblers were playing dice not far from the Blessed One [the Buddha]. So the householder went to the householders and, on arrival, said: "Just now, venerable sirs, I went to Gautama [the Buddha] the wandering ascetic and, on arrival, bowed and sat respectfully to one side.
"As I was sitting there, Gautama the wandering ascetic said to me, 'Householder, your faculties are not those of one who is steady in his own mind. There is an aberration in your faculties.'
"When this was said, I said to him, 'Venerable sir, how could there not be an aberration in my faculties? My dear and beloved little son, my only child, has died. Because of his death, I have no desire to work or eat. I keep going to the graveyard and crying out, "Where have you gone, my only little child? Where have you gone, my only little child?"'
"'That is the way it is, householder. That is the way it is -- for sorrow, lamentation, pain, distress, and despair are born from one who is dear, come springing from one who is dear.'
"'But, venerable sir, who would ever think that sorrow, lamentation, pain, distress, and despair are born from one who is dear, come springing from one who is dear? Happiness and joy are born from one who is dear, come springing from one who is dear.' So, not delighting in the words of Gautama the wandering ascetic , rejecting them, I got up from my seat and left."
"That's the way it is, householder [said the gamblers]. That's the way it is. Happiness and joy are born from one who is dear, come springing from one who is dear."
So the householder left, thinking, "I agree with the gamblers."
Eventually, word of this conversation made its way into the king's inner chambers. Then King Pasenadi Kosala addressed
Queen Mallika:
"
Mallika, your wandering ascetic Gautama has said this: 'Sorrow, lamentation, pain, distress, and despair are born from one who is dear, come springing from one who is dear.'"
"If that was said by the Blessed One, great king, then that's the way it is."
"No matter what Gautama the wandering ascetic says, Mallika endorses it: 'If that was said by the Blessed One, great king, then that's the way it is.' Just as, no matter what his teacher says, a pupil endorses it: 'That's the way it is, teacher. That's the way it is.' In the same way, no matter what Gautama the wandering ascetic says, Mallika endorses it: 'If that was said by the Blessed One, great king, then that's the way it is.'
"Go away, Mallika! Get out of my sight!"
Then Queen Mallika called for the Brahmin Nalijangha: "Come, Brahmin. Go to the Blessed One and, on arrival, showing reverence with your head to his feet in my name, ask whether he is free from illness and affliction, is carefree, strong, and living in comfort, saying:
"'Queen Mallika, venerable sir, shows reverence with her head to your feet and asks whether you are free from illness and affliction, are carefree, strong, and living in comfort.'
"And then say: 'Venerable sir, did the Blessed One say that sorrow, lamentation, pain, distress, and despair are born from one who is dear, come springing from one who is dear?' Whatever the Blessed One says, remember it well and tell it to me [when you return]. For Tathagatas [wayfarers,
buddhas] do not speak what is untrue."
"Yes, madam," the Brahmin Nalijangha responded to Queen Mallika. Going to the Blessed One, on arrival he exchanged courteous greetings with the Blessed One. After an exchange of friendly greetings and courtesies, he sat to one...
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