Latest news with #winnings
News.com.au
8 hours ago
- Business
- News.com.au
Congratulations, you've just won the lottery – here's what you should do next
It's early in the morning, and your phone's ringtone starts to buzz. It's The Lott, and they've just informed you that you're the sole winner of the jackpot the night before. Your heart rate spikes, you close your eyes and imagine everything you can possibly do with your bags of cash. Then reality sets in. Now what? It's been more than two weeks since one lucky Powerball ticketholder nabbed the only division one prize of the $100m Powerball jackpot. Weeks later, they are yet to claim their winnings, with The Lott revealing the mystery division one winner purchased their winning ticket from a newsagent in Bondi in Sydney. So, if you were the lucky one to hold the wining ticket, what exactly would you do first? Take a deep breath It's natural to get overworked as the reality of winning the jackpot hits you, so experts recommend you stop, take a deep breath and give yourself time to think. There's no need to reveal your identity, either, even to family or friends, RSM Financial Services Australia director Grace Bacon said. 'There will always be someone in your circle that feels they would like financial assistance, and you may feel pressured to assist them,' she told NewsWire. 'It's sad to say, but money can end very long-term family and friend relationships – I've seen it happen. You can get very caught up in what people need from you versus what you need for yourself.' White Rabbit Advisory financial planner Nicola Beswick said winners in Australia had the 'legal right to stay anonymous' to protect their 'safety and decision-making'. 'As hard as it is, keep quiet!' she told NewsWire. 'You will find lots of new best friends if you don't. Stay calm, remain anonymous, and book a confidential meeting with a trusted financial adviser.' Lock your winnings down Before you begin splashing your cash on a new home, holiday or paying off your debts, Ms Beswick recommends parking the winnings in a bank while you work on your 'long-term strategy'. However, she warns against relying on 'one account or bank' to reduce risk and allow 'time to plan properly before making any big decisions'. 'Spread the funds over multiple high-interest savings accounts or term deposits to stay within government deposit guarantees ($250,000 per institution),' she said. Do winners have to pay any taxes? Thankfully, the ATO does not classify a lottery win as an income, meaning the ticket holder will be awarded their full jackpot. With that in mind, Ms Bacon said winners may need to fork out a bit of cash if they are a 'regular game show contestant' or make any investments with their winnings. 'Keep in mind that once you start investing, you may have to pay tax on your investment earnings,' she told NewsWire. Avoid impulse spending As tempting as it is to splurge as soon as your bank account becomes fatter, financial advisers urge winners to avoid making too many rash decisions. Ms Bacon told NewsWire that winners should steer clear of impulse spending, no matter how alluring the idea could be. 'It may be very tempting to go on a shopping spree but ensure you set some smart financial goals so that you can use this new-found wealth to create something more sizeable for the longer term,' she said. Don't quit your job (just yet) Ms Beswick also advised winners to 'avoid making any decisions straight away'. This includes calling your boss and handing in your letter of resignation. 'Don't quit your job on the spot,' she said. 'Take some leave so that you can think clearly. 'Protect your identity and your future by taking things slowly and getting professional advice.' Make a list before you spend With lashings of cash at your disposal, it's easy to list off all the things you could spend your money on – holidays, fancy cars or a cheeky shopping spree. However, it's extremely common for people to lose their winnings almost as soon as they pocket it due to unregulated spending or failing to pay back debts. Ms Beswick said you could avoid this by writing a list with two columns – one titled 'need' and the other 'want' – before spending anything. 'The 'need' column will include things like buying or paying off your home, helping out family and investing a certain amount,' she said. 'The 'want' column will have material things that are not a priority – a holiday in Rome, a new Lamborghini, a private jet with a personal chef and gold-plated seatbelt buckles.' Have a 'bucket' strategy At the end of the day, the best way to avoid lottery wins slipping through your fingers is by having a solid financial plan. Ms Bacon recommends using a 'bucket' strategy to keep an ongoing pool of money to dip into whenever required. 'Money is not a bottomless pit no matter how big the win is,' she said. 'I suggest having a 'bucket' strategy so that you reward yourself and loved ones to celebrate the win (it might be that big holiday you've always dreamt of or that particular car), but having medium-term and long-term buckets for the bulk of the winnings will help fund your future.'
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- General
- Scottish Sun
I won £5.3k on free online postcode lottery – it only takes two minutes to check
The largest win to date is over £8.6k HITTING JACKPOT I won £5.3k on free online postcode lottery – it only takes two minutes to check Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WHEN retiree Michael Ellis signed up to an online postcode lottery in January 2016, he couldn't have imagined he'd find himself celebrating a win of more than £5,000. The 61-year-old, who formerly worked in local government, lives in Charing, Kent, with his wife, Michelle, 64, and their dog, Jack. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Michael Ellis, 61, won over £5,000 on a lottery without having to spend a penny Michael told The Sun: 'I signed up to PickMyPostcode just under a decade ago after seeing it recommended by Martin Lewis on "But I never actually expected to win big.' For years, Michael visited the lottery website religiously – to see if his postcode had been "drawn". 'Finally, after checking every single day – and building my bonus through surveys – my postcode was picked on what is known as the 'Stackpot' draw. "This meant I bagged an unbelievable £5,331.61, completely for free.' PickMyPostcode is a free online alternative to traditional lotteries. This draw is funded by adverts, in the same way as a newspaper or TV channel is. To date, the lottery has given away more than £3million to lucky winning members, including an extra pot of money known as a "bonus". This is an additional pot of money which members grow themselves by visiting the website daily, completing surveys, and taking up extra offers. EuroMillions jackpot winner Frances Connolly reveals surprising first item she bought with £114m jackpot When Michael found out that he'd won, he was filled with a mix of emotions. 'At first there was disbelief that my postcode had actually come up on the 'Stackpot' draw,' he said. 'This was followed by lots of whooping and punching the air. My wife was left wondering what on earth had happened.' According to the lucky prize-winner, he has, over the years, invested quite a bit of time and effort into PickMyPostcode to build his sizeable bonus. 'I've lost count of the number of surveys I've completed,' he said. 'I also got quite competitive with myself on the leaderboard. "It started as a bit of fun in my spare time, but as my bonus grew, I was challenging myself to climb the leaderboard.' Michael already has big plans in terms of what he's going to do with his winnings. He said: 'Michelle and I have not had a proper holiday for quite a few years, and Michelle has a yearning to go to Italy. "So that is where we'll spend some of the money – along with sharing some with family, friends and favourite charities.' The main cause he plans to donate to is the Polycystic Kidney Disease Charity. 'This is a condition I suffer from,' said Michael. 'I already support the RNLI, SmileTrain, Action Aid and Dogs Trust, so will continue to support these charities, too.' The retiree's advice to other members of online lotteries is to remain patient. 'I always hoped to win, but never expected to,' said Michael. 'My words to all the 'nay-sayers' who believe that PickMyPostcode is a scam, are that 'you have to be in it to win it.' "What's more, this lottery is completely free. All it takes is just a few minutes of your time to check the various draws on the site.' PickMyPostcode offers multiple opportunities for your postcode to be picked every single day. In Kent alone, the lottery has 14,009 active members. And, since 2011, residents from that county have won a total of £98,965.09. Across the whole of the UK, PickMyPostcode has more than three million members – and more than 37,000 winners. Thanks to the "roll-over" system and the member's "bonus building", the largest individual win on the site to date is £8,660.21. However, the majority of prizes come from smaller, everyday wins which can often be around £200. At the same time, via the site's "Double and Donate" scheme, members can opt to send their winnings directly to a charity of their choice, and PickMyPostcode will double the amount the cause receives. What you need to know about the online postcode lottery PICKMYPOSTCODE is a competition that has been running daily since 2011. Anyone over 18, who lives in the UK – or on any islands that uses the British postcode system – can join the site. All you need is a registered postcode and an email. There are several draws each day, and all are completely free. With certain ones, you can bag between £5 and £100, while the main jackpot, picked at random at noon every day, is £200. You need to check online before midday the next day to claim your prize. If the prize money isn't claimed that day, it will roll over. This applies to four draws on the site – the 'main,' the 'survey,' the 'video' and the 'bonus' draw. So if, for example, the £200 'main draw' prize isn't claimed today, tomorrow's prize amount will be £400 instead – and so on until it is claimed. Should multiple winners with the same postcode make a claim the prize pot is split. You get 3p added to your bonus daily for checking the main, survey and bonus draw. In addition, you can add to your bonus by doing surveys and taking up certain offers on site. Just note that you'll only actually get that bonus if you're lucky enough to win. The site also runs Win A Dinner, a free food lottery. All you need for that one is an email. Every day at 4pm, winners are chosen to get £25 gift cards for restaurants and other food service locations of their choice. PickMyPostcode is completely funded by advertising so you'll never be asked to spend a penny. All members need to do is come back and check the draws daily to see if they have won. To date, more than £3million has been won. If your postcode comes up trumps, you will see a large 'collect' button. You need to press that so your winnings can be paid into a PayPay account. Alternatively, you can opt for a gift card. While there are other postcode lotteries, most involve you having to pay. One of the main ones is the People's Postcode Lottery – which pays out bigger amounts. But in order to play, you have to pay. How do I know my details are safe? PickMyPostcode will never ask members to provide any bank details or personal information. May McWhirter fromPickMyPostcode, said: 'We just give prizes, pure and simple.' Winners are paid via PayPal using their email address. This means you don't even need to hand over your name to be entered. You only have to give your postcode and email. May added: 'Michael's win proves that checking PickMyPostcode every day is worth it. "It only takes seconds but could make a huge difference.' On Martin Lewis describes PickMyPostcode as 'a fun competition,' adding that it sounds 'too good to be true, but it's legit.' Other ways to win As we reported previously, it's also possible to win big on another postcode-related draw, the Postcode Lottery. We recently revealed the luckiest town with the most Postcode Lottery winners. Earlier this month, we also reported on the locations of unclaimed National Lottery and UK EuroMillions tickets. Elsewhere, we offer tips on how to find your most profitable numbers when trying to win the EuroMillions jackpot. Whichever site or lottery you choose, remember to always gamble responsibly – and keep spending within limits. If you need help, you can get support at Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@ Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories
Borneo Post
20-06-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Bernama chairman Wong Chun Wai named National Journalism Laureate
Wong shows off his winnings. – Bernama photo KUALA LUMPUR (June 20): Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) Chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai was named the National Journalism Laureate at the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI)-Petronas Journalism Awards ceremony held here tonight. Wong, 64, brings over four decades of journalistic experience, having begun his career as a junior reporter at The Star in Penang in 1984. He then climbed the ladder to serve in various positions at its headquarters in Petaling Jaya. Wong is the 14th recipient of the prestigious award, joining the ranks of past luminaries, including the first recipient, the late Tan Sri Abdul Samad Ismail of Utusan Melayu (1988), the late Tan Sri Lee Siew Yee of the New Straits Times (1992), and Datuk Ishak Muhammad or Pak Sako (1995). Other notable past recipients include Tan Sri Johan Jaaffar, Datuk Kadir Jasin, Adibah Amin, the late Datuk Ahmad Rejal Arbee, the late Tan Sri Zainuddin Maidin and Datuk CC Liew. Wong said he felt 'small and humbled' to be among these luminaries. The award was presented by Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir. Apart from journalism, Wong has also held corporate leadership roles, serving as group chief editor, managing director, and chief executive officer of Star Media Group (SMG). In 2023, he was appointed Bernama Chairman. He had earlier served as a member of its Board of Governors (2004–2010) and as a member of its Supervisory Council (2010–2014). He continues to write analysis pieces for Bernama. Wong remains a columnist for The Sunday Star, where his popular 'On The Beat' column has run since 1997, despite no longer being with SMG. Over the years, Wong has delivered numerous exclusives, including interviews with the late physicist Stephen Hawking and former US President Bill Clinton. In 2003, he won the MPI Best Feature Award for his investigative piece on Malaysians undergoing terrorist training in Afghanistan. He was also the first Malaysian elected into the Paris-based World Editors Forum and served as Chairman of the Asia News Network with over 21 media affiliates. 'This is an honour for me and certainly the pinnacle of my journalism journey,' he said. He advised journalists to go beyond standard news writing by dabbling in news analysis and commentaries. Wong is also the author of 'Penang's History, My Story', published in 2014 by The Star, and translated into Bahasa Malaysia by Universiti Sains Malaysia. He has served as an adjunct professor at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, his alma mater. 'My advice to fellow journalists is never to stop writing. 'I wish to commend my fellow veterans like Tan Sri Johan Jaaffar, Datuk Seri Azman Ujang, Datuk Yong Soo Heong, Datuk Kadir Jasin and Datuk Kuik Cheng Kang who still write, whether regularly or occasionally,' he said. 'Old journalists should never fade away, but continue writing,' he added. The veteran journalist has also embraced digital platforms such as Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube to share his views. Wong said he strongly advocates for the engagement of professionally trained journalists, emphasising that 'we have undergone years of training, and are better equipped to understand legal boundaries and the sensitivities of Malaysia's multi-racial society.' 'More importantly, the established media is accurate and we take responsibility for what we publish,' he said. Wong dedicated the award to all journalists, particularly veterans and seniors, for their tireless service to the profession. – Bernama
The Independent
19-06-2025
- Business
- The Independent
‘You go to bed... and wake up with £200m': Lottery adviser on how life will change for Euromillions winner
Those lucky enough to win the jackpot on the lottery will know from the moment their numbers were called that their lives will never be the same again. One ticket holder from Ireland scooped a record-breaking €250m (£208m) in the Euromillions Lottery jackpot on Tuesday, after nobody won the jackpot in the draw last week. Most of us have planned what we would do in the dream situation of winning millions in the lottery, from exotic holidays to retiring early. But what actually happens after the adrenaline rush of realising you've picked the lucky numbers? People have spent their money in the past taking their pets on private jets or having a celebrity chef to come and cook Christmas lunch, says Andy Carter Winner's Adviser at Allwyn, the operator of The National Lottery in the UK. Mr Carter is the main point of contact for those who have won the big bucks in the lottery in the UK. He visits the winners, validates their claim, organises payment and talks them through their next steps to make sure they have the support and advice they need. But the first piece of advice Mr Carter gives winners is to take some time away, take a holiday and let it sink in. He explained the winnings are paid in one lump sum, meaning it can be very overwhelming. 'It's a huge amount of money, it's a big shock for people and they just need to sort of take their time on it,' he told The Independent. 'You went to bed with your life as it was, and you've woken up and won £200m. That amount of money is beyond questions of whether or not you at work, or whether you pay the mortgage or not. 'That is about generational wealth,' he added. 'The people who won this money will be able to help out their great grandchildren and great, great grandchildren who haven't even been born yet.' In the weeks after winning life-changing amounts of money, Mr Carter makes sure winners have access to legal advice, financial advice and well-being advice. 'We make sure they have access to other lottery winners as well. If you've won all this money, the best thing you can do is go and have a cup of tea with someone else who's won because they're the people that will truly understand,' he said. Less than 20 people in the UK have won lottery prizes of more than £100 million, Mr Carter explained. Financial advice is vital for people who have never had to handle this extortionate amount of money. Most people spend their lives making financial decisions on paying off the mortgage, retiring or buying a house. But lottery winners are suddenly burdened with making huge financial decisions. 'Everything you've ever known about money has changed,' Mr Carter said. 'People sit around in pubs across the country thinking what they would do if they won. But when you do win it becomes slightly more serious, and people do probably more conservative things than they perhaps thought they would do,' he added. But that doesn't mean he doesn't advise people to enjoy their winnings, celebrate and tick off bucket list items. Allwyn partners with a concierge service that can arrange bucket list items for winners. They can arrange meetings with celebrities, grand proposals, holidays and arranging private jets. 'You don't want to look back on it in years to come and think: I didn't make the most of it,' he said.
The Independent
18-06-2025
- Business
- The Independent
What to do with £200m? Lottery adviser reveals how the suddenly-ultra-rich spend their millions
Those lucky enough to win the jackpot on the lottery will know from the moment their numbers were called; their lives were never the same again. One ticket holder from Ireland scooped a record-breaking €250m (£208m) in the Euromillions Lottery jackpot on Tuesday, after nobody won the jackpot in the draw last week. Most of us have planned what we would do in the dream situation of winning millions in the lottery, from exotic holidays to retiring early. But what actually happens after the adrenaline rush of realising you've picked the lucky numbers? People have spent their money in the past taking their pets on private jets or having a celebrity chef to come and cook Christmas lunch, says Andy Carter Winner's Adviser at Allwyn, the operator of The National Lottery in the UK. Mr Carter is the main point of contact for those who have won the big bucks in the lottery in the UK. He goes visits winners, validates their claim, organises payment and talks them through their next steps to make sure they have the support and advice they need. But the first piece of advice Mr Carter gives winners is to take some time away, take a holiday and let it sink in. He explained the winnings are paid in one lump sum- meaning it can be very overwhelming. 'It's a huge amount of money, it's a big shock for people and they just need to sort of take their time on it,' he told the Independent. 'You went to bed with your life as it was, and you've woken up and won £200m. That amount of money is beyond questions of whether or not you at work, or whether you pay the mortgage or not. 'That is about generational wealth,' he added. 'The people who won this money will be able to help out their great grandchildren and great, great grandchildren who haven't even been born yet.' In the weeks after winning life-changing amounts of money, Mr Carter makes sure winners have access to legal advice, financial advice and well-being advice. 'We make sure they have access to other lottery winners as well. If you've won all this money, the best thing you can do is go and have a cup of tea with someone else who's won because they're the people that will truly understand,' he said. Less than 20 people in the UK have won lottery prizes of more than £100 million, Mr Carter explained. Financial advice is vital for people who have never had to handle this extortionate amount of money. Most people spend their lives making financial decisions on paying off the mortgage, retiring or buying a house. But lottery winners are suddenly burdened with making huge financial decisions. 'Everything you've ever known about money has changed,' Mr Carter said. 'People sit around in pubs across the country thinking what they would do if they won. But when you do win it becomes slightly more serious, and people do probably more conservative things than they perhaps thought they would do,' he added. But that doesn't mean he doesn't advise people to enjoy their winnings, celebrate and tick off bucket list items. Allwyn partners with a concierge service that can arrange bucket list items for winners. They can arrange meetings with celebrities, grand proposals, holidays and arranging private jets. 'You don't want to look back on it in years to come, and I didn't make the most of it,' he said.
