Lottery dreams turn into a financial nightmare for 70 percent of winners
Financial analyst Dan Geltrude explains how to avoid those statistics if you hit the jackpot.
A moment of hesitation turned out to be an extremely profitable one for a former Air Force pilot who took a second glance at an Oregon lottery ticket before tossing it only to find he won $6.5 million.
William Bowker regularly plays the lotto and when his granddaughter came to visit him recently, he had her check his tickets.
WOMAN, SON ARRESTED ON DRUG CHARGES AFTER $20G LOTTERY PRIZE
“She thought it was a Mega Million ticket, and started circling matching numbers on the ticket,” Bowker said according to a press release from the Oregon Lottery. “But they were for the wrong game. I had an Oregon’s Game Megabucks ticket.”
The 94-year-old veteran was about to throw out the $5 ticket when he decided to take one more look.
"I am glad I did. I immediately thought — BOOM! I won!” he said.
According to the press release, Bower opted to take the lump sum payment, earning him $2.2 million after taxes.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Bower called a family meeting right away to discuss his earnings, adding that he plans to share the prize money with his family.
“I have what I need, and I’m 94,” he said. “This is a wonderful way to help my family.”
