You've just won the lottery, and visions of luxury cars and private islands fill your head. But before you rush off to make those purchases, take a moment to consider some straightforward advice from billionaire investor Mark Cuban: don't invest your winnings—just put it in the bank and live comfortably forever.
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While this might be surprising coming from a man who invests in new companies on Shark Tank, he acknowledges that not everyone is an investor—and he wants you to realize that, too.
In a 2016 interview with the Dallas Morning News, Cuban said, "You don't become a smart investor by winning the lottery. Don't make investments. You can put it in the bank and live comfortably forever." Cuban advises keeping things simple and avoiding the temptation to make risky investments that could easily wipe out your newfound fortune. He added, "You'll sleep a lot better knowing you won't lose money."
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Sure, it can be tempting to double your money. But unless you know what you're doing, it's a gamble. He says when you instantly become a millionaire — relax and enjoy the newfound wealth. Avoid the urge to flip the winnings into even more.
Lump Sum or Annuity: The First Big Decision
One of the first decisions lottery winners face is whether to take a lump sum or an annuity. If you opt for the lump sum, you'll receive a reduced amount upfront—typically around half of the advertised jackpot after taxes. For instance, if you win a $150 million jackpot, your lump sum would be around $71.5 million. On the other hand, if you choose the annuity, you'll receive the full jackpot amount spread out over 30 years, with payments increasing annually to adjust for inflation.
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Playing It Safe in the Stock Market
Cuban suggests keeping it conservative with the stock market for those feeling nervous about the potential long-term effects of inflation on their winnings. He has been a proponent of low-cost index funds, especially for those unfamiliar with the complexities of investing. In a 2017 interview with Hayman Capital Management, reported by MarketWatch, Cuban said, "For those investors not too knowledgeable about markets, the best bet is a cheap S&P 500 fund." This approach offers a safer, low-cost way to grow your money over time without taking on unnecessary risks.
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Spend Wisely and Enjoy
Once your winnings are secure, financial advisors generally recommend tackling any high-interest debt first. After that, you can focus on covering daily expenses and perhaps allow yourself some guilt-free splurges. Cuban's advice is not about denying yourself the good life—it's about making sure you don't squander your windfall on bad decisions.
By following Cuban's straightforward advice to avoid risky investments and opt for a safe, conservative approach, lottery winners can enjoy their sudden wealth for years.
Whether you hit the lottery or not, the message still stands. Not everyone's an investor, and it's okay to start small. Just avoid risks that make you uncomfortable. And if you need some guidance on managing your money, talking to a financial advisor can help—even if you're not a sudden millionaire.
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This article Billionaire Mark Cuban Warns When You Win The Lottery, Never Invest – Stick It In The Bank And Live Comfortably: 'You'll Sleep Better' originally appeared on Benzinga.com
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