So what happens next?
Winning a large lottery prize can be a wonderful experience as you suddenly find yourself faced with new opportunities and the financial resources to live the life of your dreams. 

Acquiring a large sum of money gives a whole new meaning to how you live your life and manage your budget, as long-term investment strategies become a way of life for you. Planning for the future by making informed responsible decisions will help you enjoy your prize winnings to the maximum.

Winning the Lottery is an exciting and life changing experience. While many winners report sleeplessness for several weeks, soon the excitement will die down and managing your winnings will become a way of life for you. Consider your good luck from a long-term perspective. Talk to several professional advisers and carefully consider the financial options available to you before making any decisions. Charles Jaffe, personal finance columnist with the Boston Globe newspaper, provides winners with tips on how to pick a financial adviser and covers some financial issues that you may want to consider initially, as you become accustomed to your prize winnings. Mr. Jaffe gives important tips on how to get started on the management of your finances.

Our Winners’ Handbook answers 20 basic questions Lottery winners ask. Please take the time to read this handbook thoroughly. If you have further questions, you may contact the appropriate California Lottery office listed our Office Locations page.

Most importantly, don’t make sudden changes, take all the time you need to plan and most of all enjoy your winnings!

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