If you hit the big lottery name seven things you would do.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

11. First I'd do the following things:

1. Get an unlisted phone number.
2. Hire a first-rate lawyer, tax accountant and financial adviser.
3. Wait until a very busy news day to claim the money.
4. Show up at the lottery office wearing a disguise (you have to collect in person) and accompanied by my lawyer.
5. Refuse all interviews with the media.
6. Hire a security service to watch my house while I disappear for awhile.

And then, I would:

1. Set up foundations for the benefit of arts organizations and animal rescues.
2. Donate generously (and anonymously) to other charities for the benefit of needy people.
3. Find a nice but not ostentatious house that's not as old, drafty and in need of upkeep as my current one.
4. Help family members who need it (they really don't need help, but I wouldn't want to seem cheap).
5. Keep a very low profile while doing as much volunteer work as possible.

I would also try to keep in mind that an awful lot of people who win big jackpots are broke within five years or so because they had no idea what to do with a lot of money and quickly spent it all on stuff or got scammed. Hence the need for a first-rate financial adviser who can keep an eye on things.