[Aces4]

Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby

Already have it figured out. Taking the lower-valued cash payout, after taxes and splitting 50% of the balance with beloved spouse, I'll have around $200million. Give my sister and dad a couple million each just cause they should have it.

Buy a small ranch-style house in New Haven County, probably North Haven because of all the towns I've lived in and around in the county (born and raised in Hamden), I like that one best. Donate a crap-ton of money to various and sundry organizations such as battered womens' shelters and animal rescue groups. Have that damned hip replacement and hire a handful of caregivers to deal with my crotchety old self until I'm fully recovered.

Spend some time travelling. Go on the river cruise I've wanted to do for years. Maybe spend a couple months in Europe (UK, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales). Experience the bliss of grabbing a handful of fresh fallen snow from the back yard and eating it. Eat real pizza again. Overpay some neighbor kids to shovel my driveway every time it snows.

Buy a NEW car, for the first time in my life. In fact - buy a new car, AND buy a 1974 VW bus, fully restored, with chintz curtains and window screens for when I feel like taking off for a random weekend.

I could spend just $10 million in the first year (including gifts/donations), and live off the interest of the rest til I'm just ash in a ceramic jar.

It appears you have a good plan for your lottery success. Two thoughts, I personally would only leave 5 million in the bank and live off the interest since time is running out. The rest I would spread around and do as much good as I could. (That's me..) The other most important thought is you need to have the hip replaced asap and you indicated in earlier posts that Medicare is around the corner. It sounds like it's taking valuable time out of your life because you can't be as active as you'd like. Line up an excellent physician with many hip replacements already performed and great references. You won't need a houseful of help, recovery is relatively quick and easy unless you have underlying issues. And if we don't win the big prize, good luck to you.