Financial Experts Warn Future Winner Of The $1.7 Billion Powerball

Financial Experts Warn Future Winner Of The $1.7 Billion Powerball: Don’t Make These Common Money Mistakes

Ashley Lutz    Fortune  Updated Tue, December 23, 2025

Powerball’s $1.7 billion jackpot may create a new ultrarich winner, but financial planners say what happens after the drawing can matter more than the winning numbers. They describe a consistent set of mistakes that can quietly turn a once‑in‑a‑lifetime windfall into a long, public mess.​

Rushing big decisions

Many experts warn that acting too quickly—quitting a job, claiming the prize immediately, or committing to big purchases—is one of the most damaging errors. Articles in outlets including CNBC, NerdWallet, and USA Today emphasize slowing down, taking time to process the shock, and making no irreversible decisions until a plan is in place.​

A related misstep is choosing between the lump sum and annuity on instinct instead of analysis, even though that decision locks in tax timing, investment options, and how long the money is likely to last. Financial writers note that many winners default to the lump sum without modeling scenarios with professionals and understanding that, after taxes, the headline $1.7 billion quickly shrinks.​

Going public and losing privacy

Coverage in CNBC highlights that bragging about your win on social media or talking openly about it can invite lawsuits, scams, and constant money requests. Advisors repeatedly stress “keep it quiet” and, where allowed, explore ways to claim through a trust or remain anonymous to avoid becoming a target.​​

Experts also point out that winners often underestimate the emotional toll of overnight fame, which can strain marriages, friendships, and even personal safety if boundaries are not set early.​

Skipping a professional team

A recurring theme across NerdWallet, Business Insider, and other outlets is that trying to DIY a nine‑ or 10‑figure fortune is a costly mistake. Financial planners urge winners to assemble a small, vetted team—typically an attorney, a tax professional, and a fiduciary advisor with experience in sudden wealth—before claiming the prize.​

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