• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

How long would you wait to claim your billion dollars?

Page 4 - Seeking answers? Join the AnandTech community: where nearly half-a-million members share solutions and discuss the latest tech.
This morning I actually considered that maybe the winner ticket holder was in the country illegally and needed to make arrangements for someone else to claim in proxy, but that being said what reasons would you want to keep anonymous even with a penalty?
15 reasons:
 
Even though I do not gamble, I've said I would accept the money in lump sum anonymously. But considering several states slap a monetary penalty for that and the fact I am more than comfortable with telling my family to go fly a kite I can see no reason other than kidnapping and other ill threats as a reason why one needs to be anonymous.

This morning I actually considered that maybe the winner ticket holder was in the country illegally and needed to make arrangements for someone else to claim in proxy, but that being said what reasons would you want to keep anonymous even with a penalty?
Too much psychic energy must be spent being famous. I’m fairly sure I could make myself famous enough to make upper six figures; but I prefer to make lower six figures and only be famous among appreciative students.
 
Is buy your own remote island in the list? 😀
Not (And hey, there's money and there's money!).

I just watched it end to end, and jotted notes while doing so. Here's my PSA summary (it's actually some pretty good advice. I knew this stuff. It's a good checklist, a ton of people wouldn't know where to start if 5 million + fell in their laps):

Plan.

1. don't let anyone know
2. pay all your debt
3. don't quit your job - yet
4. secure the money and let it sit for a while (at least six months)
5. learn how to deal with a lot of money wisely, e.g. read Tony Robbins, "Money, master the game" or "Rich Dad, Poor Dad"
6. do not switch financial advisors, e.g. those your family uses
7. Get comfortable, but not rich comfortable. Stay in your neighborhood at least for the time being. Don't buy your family new cars, etc.
8. Don't invest in friends' business or lend them money or give them money... the cat will be out of the bag. Don't let your money become a curse.
9. Do not start a business immediately. 9 out of 10 businesses fail.
10. Prepare for change. You're going be become a bigger target!
11. Focus on getting healthier. Take better care of yourself.
12. The 5% rule - Make an annual return of 5% after inflation, live on THAT. Read "The Millionaire Next Door"
13. Protect your kids from the money. Establish trust funds if necessary.
14. Do not cheat on your partner.
15. Play it safe.

"Behave as though it never happened"

Stay balanced
 
Last edited:
With that much money I would definitely want to sit on it for a while. Give me a chance to reflect on the best thing to do. Ultimately my end goal would be to do the dream I've had for a while to live off grid, except I'd just bump it up a notch. Once I have what I want I'd still have a lot left over so I'd use it to do good for the world. Start various companies just so there is always cash flow, but that money would go to charity and so on.
 
I don't think you can claim anonymously in Oregon. I'd have to wait until I hired a couple accountants, a lawyer, and a team of former navy SEALs for security. Then it's off to somewhere far away.
 
I wouldn't need to be anonymous, I don't need accountants, and I provide my own security. I probably wouldn't be in this location long anyway. Move north, and I'm just another guy changing locations. In any case, "no" is easy to say. It's one of the shortest words available.
 
Back
Top