If the jackpot win was 30 mil, I would take the 15 mil payoff after taxes but first I would hire a financial team and set up a trust fund so that my financial team could go and claim the winnings under that.
Once that was accomplished I would instantly pay myself a set amount and take a 60-90 day traveling retreat of sorts to allow the adrenalin and shock of it all to settle back down. The rest would be placed in a short term cd to await my return.
I would also use that time to finalize my business plans. About half would be invested, hopefully wisely.
I would donate to some organizations on my list which include GLBT, domestic violence, and child abuse organizations.
I would buy a suitable house with land for me and Bear to live in, and likely get a new truck and donate the one I have now. I would set up trust funds for a couple of kids that I know to make sure they have the opportunity for college should they desire it.
I would definitely spend a good portion helping those who want to help themselves, not those looking for a hand out.
And I would buy a lifetime membership to the Planet
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“You’re so hard on yourself. Take a moment. Sit back. Marvel at your life: at the grief that softened you, at the heartache that widened you, at the suffering that strengthened you. Despite everything, you still grow. Be proud of this.”