Dateline Boston — I didn’t win the lottery on Wednesday. In a way, it’s a relief. I have a horrible poker face. If the news announced that a winner was from My Town, Massachusetts, I wouldn’t be able to face my friends. I’d turn red. I might try something like, “Wow, so close!” There’s no way I wouldn’t be found out. And then everyone would want a piece. What a nightmare. You know what? I’m glad I didn’t win.
I didn’t start playing the lottery until a few years ago. I only play it when the winnings are a ridiculous amount of money, like a billion dollars. Scratch tickets are my thing. Instant gratification, and it’s interactive. The most I’ve ever won on a scratch ticket was $100. Not bad!
My goals for what I would do with lottery winnings have changed over the years. I used to say that I would pay off my student loans. I’ve done that, so now I’m just down to my credit card. That’s what I’d do first. I’d hire all the people they say to hire—attorneys and financial advisors.
I’ve gone back and forth on the lump sum vs. yearly payout. My latest thinking is that with the yearly payout, I could be more disciplined. I don’t need all that money up front! I’d keep working, for a little while, at least, and buy new shoes. And a set of flannel sheets. I’d wait for a condo in a friend’s building to become available, and I’d buy it so we could live with our friends. Husband and I would travel once a year. We’d live off the interest of our winnings.
Maybe I should start playing the lottery when the winnings aren’t so big. I could still do a lot with $25,000. Heck, I would be very happy with $1,000 right now. I have a winning scratch ticket in my bedroom right now worth $4. I think I’ll cash it in and put it in my piggy bank. One day I’ll buy another lottery ticket. When I’m feeling lucky.
Ms. Vaillancourt may be contacted at snobbyblog@gmail.com
