Running to the store for a quick return isn’t usually life-changing unless you’re Tayeb Souami.

Back in 2018, this 62-year-old New Jersey man went to return a $5 carton of orange juice at the grocery store. But instead of just getting his money back, he made a split-second decision that earned him a jaw-dropping $315 million Powerball jackpot. 🎉

A $5 Refund Turned Into Millions

While waiting in line at the customer service counter, Souami noticed the Powerball jackpot had ballooned. He took the $5 refund his wife had asked him to retrieve — and spent it on lottery tickets instead.

Weeks later, that one decision turned into one of the biggest Powerball wins in New Jersey history.

After choosing a lump-sum payout and deducting taxes, Souami ended up with around $211 million in cash. Not a bad return for a $5 errand.

But while winning big is the dream, managing a sudden fortune isn’t always easy. Many jackpot winners lose everything within years. If you ever find yourself holding a winning ticket (or any unexpected windfall), here’s how to make it last:

💸 1. Make a Spending Plan Before You Spend

Sudden wealth can be overwhelming. Before buying that yacht or sports car, build a budget and spending strategy.

• Prioritize your financial goals: retirement, debt, savings, hobbies, travel, or charitable giving.
• Don’t overlook hidden costs: homes and luxury cars come with hefty maintenance and insurance bills.
• Think long-term: your money should work for you, not disappear in a year.

📈 2. Invest (But Don’t Gamble)

You don’t need to be a Wall Street expert just a smart allocator.

• Use part of your windfall to create a diversified investment portfolio. Even conservative investments can yield solid returns with enough capital.
• If you’re risk-tolerant, experiment with speculative assets (stocks, crypto, collectibles).
• Consider illiquid investments like real estate or art but do your research first.

🧠 Tip: Don’t “wing it.” Set goals for your money and match your investments to those goals.

👩‍💼 3. Surround Yourself With Experts

A windfall can disappear faster than you think especially without guidance.

• Hire a trusted financial advisor to help build a long-term plan and protect your assets.
• Consult an estate planning attorney to minimize future tax burdens and set up trusts for loved ones.
• Stay informed about changing tax laws. For example, the current estate tax exemption of $13.61 million is set to rise in 2025 but may change depending on political outcomes.

Remember: a good team can help ensure your wealth lasts generations, not just years.

Final Thoughts: Winning Is Just the Beginning

Tayeb Souami’s story is unforgettable but your financial journey doesn’t need to start with a lottery ticket to benefit from smart planning.

If you come into unexpected money, resist the urge to splurge without a strategy. Instead, take a deep breath, build a plan, and turn that windfall into lasting wealth. 💼💰