[DirtyHarryY2K]

What a waste. Just Damn.

[oldbrowser]

Anybody having similar problems, please send the money to me.

[dennisw]

Just let me win one dang million from a lottery and I won't blow it the way this guy did. Not that I ever play the lottery ........ but .....

This guy's problem he got addicted to the ego boost of having people fawning over him to get some of his money, get a "loan", get a house etc...

[evets]

" Wealth hastily gotten will dwindle, but he who gathers little by little will increase it." proverbs 13:11

[laxcoach]

My wife's second cousin won $42 million in FL last year. I cannot imagine going to him and asking for money. It's so tacky. I guess some people will try to take advantage though.

Personally, if I won, I would choose not to publicize my name. In GA I know there is that option. I think I would just tell people that I got lucky and sold my business for a couple million.

[Mustng959]

Sad that a God-fearing man ended his life tragically.
When Tennessee got the lottery, one could hardly get into a convenience store to pick up a loaf of bread or make a gasoline purchase. I have not played the lottery for several reasons...foremost, I am not poor, I have a loving family and pretty good health so I shall never be poor. Secondly, I believe that any wealth I accumulate on earth comes from the sweat of my brow and my calloused hands. Through perseverance, my debt will be paid off by me and my family's needs will be met.
The Bible also associates gambling with events in Jesus's life (throwing out the money changers in the temple and the Roman soldiers casting lots to win his garments). I am expected to do an honest day's work and I have faith that the Lord will provide.

[Taquito]

When you win the lottery, the first word you have to learn to say is NO.

[NoControllingLegalAuthority]

The winning of a lottery carries a burden. Everyone, including the winner, knows this money was not "earned." That creates dynamics of entitlement to those around the winner and the guilt of the winner in a refusal to share.

If money were the key to happiness, the wealthy would be deliriously happy without a care in the world. It is often just the opposite.

For a truly believing Christian, money is transitory because life itself is transitory and there is no pocket in the burial shroud.

There is a moral to this story and it's not "if you win, tell everyone to go to hell, become a hermit and keep every penny to yourself."

My personal favorite is the guy who gave every penny of his winnings to charity. I think he "gets it."

[quadrant]

This man's story is tragic but the events of it are of his own making.
If you win the lottery, you must leave the area for a while - let the dust settle and your emotions abate so to speak - during which time you must make no decisions about the disposition of the money.
You must not become a fountain of funding. That is, you must learn how to say no, even if it hurts the feelings of those you love. Pick a couple of charities that are close to your heart and contribute to them on a modest but regular basis.
Do not purchase cars or houses for relatives, especially children. As with charities, give them modest financial gifts from time to time, but insist they earn their own living.
If you purchase a home for yourself, purchase one that an middle class or upper middle class person would buy and not one that the richest man in town would own.
Do not purchase the most expensive car available. Pick out one that does not proclaim that you are newly rich.
Do not be idle. Remember the old saw about idle hands. Continue to work, even if its only for a charity.
Most importantly - remember this windfall is a gift from God, and He will hold you accountable for your stewardship.

[American Vet Repairman]

"Perhaps the only thing not in dispute about his life and death is the jarring impact of money: It may not have caused his problems, but it certainly didn't solve them."

I am going to be so bold to say something that will tick people off but I have to say it. This man was an idiot. Sure he may have been a Christian but I have doubts. Not all of Israel is Israel. This man had a chance to change a part of the world but he made unbiblical decisions. If he did committ suicide than good riddance. I am not going to work full time, go to college, feed my family, manage my home, spend quality time with my wife (who is scared of me going back to active duty) and try to contribute to others needs, and feel empathy for this man.
He found out that he was worthless to others before the money came around. There was something in him that knawed and knawed till he cracked.

[hosepipe]

Now the wife and new boytoy have it all...
Something tells me he STILL is not happy..

[BigCinBigD]

That is a sad story. If I ever win the lottery. Some money would go to God. Some to family. The rest is MINE! There would be a simple sign posted at the entrance to my property.

If you are found here at night.....you will be found here in the morning. :o)

[Libertina]

This story was written in the hopes that future lottery winners would simplu give ALL of the proceeds back to the government, who after all, knows how to spend it better... /s

[melbell]

Mr. Melbell maintains that a person has JUST AS MUCH of a chance of FINDING a winning lottery ticket on the sidewalk as one does of buying a winning ticket.

So instead of buying tickets, we just watch where we step.

[VOA]

IIRC, CBS's "48 Hours" (or some similar news-magazine) detailed a group of
hard-scrabble folks in Texas that had run a pool and finally hit the jackpot in
the lottery.

Some of them prospered, some coped and others seemed to be ruined by their new riches.

As I've always told my folks, if I ever get desparate enough to play the lottery,
and win, they should not worry if they don't hear from me for a month or so.
They should just wait until I call them from my small country estate in Tuscany;
otherwise I'll be incommunicado.

[School of Rational Thought]

He just wasn't equipped for the money as are not many winners.

The latest MegaMillions winner just announced ($149MM) is a parking lot attendent and is currently bankrupt.

And how do we know this? These people make the invitable first mistake - telling anyone they won! Of course, he has a family just as this story's subject, which is problematic.

[Dont_Tread_On_Me_888]

"Winning the lottery is the worst thing that ever happened to me."

What an idiot. No sir, the worst thing that ever happened to you was when you failed to understand sound money management.

[Joe Hadenuf]

Deeply religious, yet going out buying lotto tickets? LOL! Another dummy that just couldn't handle the money. What a fool.