Family of a Lottery Winner Got Mad After He Denied Sharing His Winnings with Them
It's a once-in-a-lifetime event; you better be smart about it when it finally happens.
Have you ever listed the things you want to do if you win the lottery? The dream of hitting the jackpot seems so possible sometimes that you can't help but think of the first thing you'll do when you finally get the money.
People might find out when you win, and, of course, that leads to them trying to sneak a way to ask you for some. Would you ignore them even if they're your family?
Here's a story from a Redditor who was lucky enough to win the lottery with his wife but wasn't as fortunate with his family. OP and his wife regularly buy lottery tickets once a month, mostly for fun, but then they hit the jackpot.
After taxes were deducted, OP made a financial plan for the rest of their money so they could both retire early and, more importantly, avoid falling into the 70% of lottery winners who run out of money after a few years. He successfully mapped out his plan, and when he told his family, they had a different reaction.
They started planning things like trips and items to buy, assuming that OP would happily provide for them. However, OP ignored their greed and told them that he wouldn't share his money for their wants; that's when they got mad at him.
OP started the post with this
Grand_Signature-4590OP and his wife are regulars at buying lottery tickets. It was all for fun until one day they actually won.
Grand_Signature-4590OP was well-versed enough in finance that they continued with the money in a sustainable fashion.
Grand_Signature-4590
The family immediately felt entitled to his money rather than being happy that he had a great plan for their funds, avoiding the fate of previous lottery winners who go broke.
Grand_Signature-4590
If OP's family thinks that their reactions are justified, Redditors shared their own opinions about the issue.
lelawes
They asked OP about the situation with his family since many of them wouldn't hesitate to spoil their parents and siblings a little.
Grand-Signature-4590
And it was suspicious, to say the least.
SilverQueenBee
If they chose to leave OP, their chances of getting what they wanted in the first place would be non-existent.
Littleballoffur22
OP's answer about his family situation justifies why he didn't want to share their wealth, other than using it for their plan.
coatisabrownishcolor
There are Redditors who offered to explain the significance of OP's winnings.
funklab
And how his family is blinded by the collective amount rather than thinking about its longevity.
funklab
They might even abandon OP the moment the money runs out.
PhDTeacher
The fact that OP made the plan so they wouldn't go broke instantly, since it isn't unlimited money, is something the family can't grasp.
BionicBananas
Continuation of the comment.
BionicBananas
It's also not their obligation when they have clear plans for their own lives and the family isn't as close.
Mysterious-System680
Redditors shared what they would do if they won the lottery.
NUT-me-SHELL
Most would prefer to remain anonymous when they win.
TheShadowKnows23
There are laws, though, that prevent someone from doing that.
LadyGrassLake
There is something you can do to surpass this if you hit the jackpot.
loki2002
OP provided what his state requires.
Grand-Signature-4590
If OP felt bad, here's an internet aunt sharing virtual warmth and love.
Super-Snouter
After reading OP's extra information, Redditors agree that he is not the a**hole.
Jaggedrain
Demanding is entirely different from asking for help.
latents
The family could've even done something in their favor, but they instead demanded right off the bat.
latents
But even then, the family might not accept that circumstance until they have everything they want.
Steamedfrog
Family is important, and it's not bad to be generous to them. But if your situation is like OP's, then you shouldn't feel guilty if you want to deny them.
You might want to build wealth and live a comfortable life. If you've won it, then the money is yours to do with as you please.
Do you think OP was wrong in this situation? Share your answers in the comments.
