Mega Million Thinking Can Only Cause You More Problems

No ticket matched all six numbers (11,30,45,52,56, Mega Ball 20) on Friday, August 4th's drawing. That means the game will be flirting with a record jackpot on Tuesday, August 8th.

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On October 23rd, 2018, a record $1.537 billion dollars was sold in South Carolina and the jackpot on Tuesday night is estimated at $1.55 billion ($757.2 million cash). Too many people think that if they win the big one, then all of their problems will be solved.

Let me use a quote from that famous American philosopher, The Notorious B.I.G., "Mo Money, Mo Problems." Here's another quote, although I don't know who said it first, "You gotta be in it to win it." But what happens after you win it?

What Percentage Of Lottery Winners Go Bankrupt

Did you know that according to the CFP Board of Standards, that 1/3rd of lottery winners declare bankruptcy? Lottery winners are also more likely to declare bankruptcy within three to five years than the average American.

I believe that one of the reasons is because when it's not earned through hard work, then we don't appreciate what we have. That also can be said about a person that inherits a big amount of money from their parents after they die.

A lifetime of their work can be squandered in a matter of months by those who inherit it.  One of the problems that we face in today's society is that we aren't content with what we have. My daughter, Tara used to say, "I don't like patience because it takes too long." She has since come to realize that patience is indeed a virtue.

It's Okay To Have Money As Long As Money Doesn't Have You

Peace comes with contentment and when you put your trust in the right things, that can make a world of difference. It's okay to have money (and lots of it), as long as money doesn't have you.

Don't chase the wind and be content with what you have in hand. I heard another saying that I absolutely love, "Show me your budget, I'll show you your priorities." So take that 1-in-302.6 million Mega Millions jackpot chance on Tuesday but know that peace doesn't come from more stuff.

                                    If you were to win, this is what you should do next