What would you do if you won the lottery? It’s a question us dreamers like to ask every now and then, perhaps in the hope that a little manifestation could go a long way and the next ticket we buy will be that magical one that will change everything.
Winning a big jackpot can be a life-changing experience, from the day to day bits and pieces to the big, one off events and purchases; suddenly, you have the financial freedom to do things you may have only dreamed of before. You’ll want to make sure you use your newfound riches wisely to secure your future and improve your quality of life, but it certainly won’t hurt to splash out on some purchases and experiences that will set you up for the lavish lifestyle that you’ll now have.
Here, we take a look at the three biggest buys jackpot winners go for when they’ve won big.
Holidays
The first thought for most who suddenly land a jackpot is to simply get away and take some time to consider what the future now holds.
High-end resorts in destinations such as the Maldives, the Caribbean, and Bora Bora offer top-of-the-line accommodations and amenities, such as private villas, butlers, and exclusive access to activities like golf and spa treatments that will immediately make you feel part of the elite. Ski resorts like Aspen, St. Moritz, and Courchevel offer the ideal opportunity to hit the slopes in style, with upscale accommodations, fine dining, and high-end boutiques.
However, for an experience that signals you’ve truly made it, nothing beats a visit to the Principality of Monaco, on the French Riviera, when Formula One is in town. While football stars like Karim Benzema are paying to holiday where no one knows them, race weekend at the Grand Prix Monaco is when and where people want to be seen, and your seating for the race signals your position in the financial pecking order.
The rich and famous often arrive on their yachts and boats through the harbour and there’ll be plenty of famous faces in town looking their finest. The Grand Prix Monaco takes place on Sunday 28 May 2023 and numerous packages are available with sufficiently pleasing F1 exclusives.
If you have no interest in motor racing, never fear, for Monaco is world-famous for its glamorous casinos, where visitors enjoy a range of games in stunning surroundings. While many of us enjoy the convenience of online casinos, such as Mr Q from just about anywhere in the world, few could resist the temptation to emulate James Bond and get dressed up for a night at a Monte-Carlo casino.
Monaco, Europe’s premier gambling destination and home to some of the world’s most famous casinos, lacks the mega-casinos of Las Vegas or Macau, but it makes up for it with an understated class and plenty of history.
Cars
Vehicle manufacturers, from Rolls-Royce to Lamborghini, never fail to produce the most opulent and beautiful vehicles, and while a smooth ride in a chauffeur-driven limousine will satisfy you, if you want to experience the thrill of driving, look no further than a sports car.
Over time, sports cars have lost their direct links to racing while maintaining the same remit of putting the driver squarely in the centre of the action. Limited editions are the most sought-after cars, with luxury car lovers jostling to get their hands on the latest and great iterations. Bugatti’s limited-edition Veyrons and Chirons are the epitome of exclusive automotive excellence and owning one of the world’s most exclusive items has never been more desirable.
However, if you have no experience driving sports cars, you might want to consider an entry-level sports car that offers some familiarity, reliability and practicality as you become accustomed to life in the fast-lane. A Lotus Elise or Porsche 911 will give you a taste of what peak performance feels like.
House
Finding a new place to live seems an obvious priority after a big jackpot win, but there is no one-size-fits-all for buying the best property and so much will depend on individual preferences. While there are plenty of private islands, exclusive penthouses and enticing mansions for sale worldwide, some people are simply looking for something more substantial in the area they know.
Where to live does become a difficult choice for the newly rich with some many more options now on the table. You could stay where you are and buy the pre-eminent property in your area or move to an exclusive neighbourhood where you aren’t known, but that could be a lonely existence if you enjoy the familiarity of knowing your neighbours.
Ultimately, the best place to live after winning the lottery is wherever you feel happiest and most comfortable. Consider your priorities and preferences, and seek out a location that meets your needs. Buying a modest but comfortable base that offers easy options to travel while you actually take the time to discover your dream location to settle down would be a wise choice, while you could also, of course, buy a number of properties in destinations that you love to spend lengths of time in.
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