There are always those that play the lottery each week hoping that they can put their money troubles behind them. There are some that play once in a while for fun, or when the stakes are very high. The thought of easy money makes almost everyone smile, but there are some hidden things that can happen that can leave you with a not-so-happy ending if you were to win the lottery. Knowing what can happen and what you should do can help immensely if you do happen to get lucky and win large amounts of cash.

There are many who win the lottery and end up miserable, divorced, and completely broke. You might think that money will make everyone happier, and that there is no way you could lose millions of dollars, but it happens more often than you may think. There are some surprising things that happen when you win the lottery that you may not be prepared to face. You are going to become very popular, and any cracks in your relationships are going to explode into chasms if you are not careful.

The first thing you should do if you win the lottery is to get a lawyer and a financial planner to help you out. If you have been living paycheck to paycheck, as many of us do, you are not going to handle your windfall very well. You want to know what you have to do about your taxes if you win the lottery, and you are going to want to know about some wise investments and savings plans so that you are saving and making more money rather than blowing everything you have won on everything in sight.

You are also going to find that you have more relatives and friends once you win the lottery. This means that those that have not spoken to you in years are going to be calling and turning up on your doorstep. Some may just want to wish you well and offer you congratulations, but most are going to want something from you. You are also going to find that your phone is ringing off the hook as you get calls from various charities. Giving is good, but put it off until you get a handle on things when you win the lottery.

One of the first things you should do when you win the lottery, after hiring a lawyer and a financial planner, is to change your number to unlisted, and let the machine pick up some of your calls. Going on a vacation might be a good idea so that things can settle down. Once you get back, you can then pick and choose which charities you want to give to, and then if you really want to give anything to your friends and relatives. You may also want to make a few appointments with a marriage counselor, if married, so that you know both you and your spouse are on the same page in regards to the money so your marriage remains strong. Things can be harder than you think when you win the lottery.