Winning the lottery has been a fantasy for millions of Americans for many years. Imagine winning tens of millions of dollars overnight. Or imagine winning over $100 million! Wednesday, May 20, will pay a $121 million estimated annuity value, or an estimated $75.7 million cash value, from the Powerball jackpot.

24/7 Wall St. does not want to interrupt any consumer’s dream of winning the lottery. However, some things must be considered very strongly. There are many things that lottery winners must immediately do after discovering that they won the lotto. Perhaps even more important is a list of what not to do.

What is amazing is that the $121 million annuity value from the Powerball drawing is not even close to the largest lottery ever. A Mega Millions lottery from 2012 reached $656 million, and a $648 million Mega Millions jackpot was won at the end of 2013. There was also a $590.5 million winning in 2013 and a $587.5 million winning in late 2012.

As far as what not to do, the first is that you better not forget to sign your ticket. That is just the start of the matter. You might not want to go tell everyone you know — your life could depend on it, literally.

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Other considerations about what not to do would cover a predetermination to only take the cash payment, even though most people do. Deciding to go it on your own without help from financial planners and tax professionals would be an ultimate no-no. You will also want to avoid walking away from your obligations and debts, and becoming the new Bank of Friends and Family would not be a good idea either. If you think you want an entourage or to live the ultimate life of a high-roller, think again!

The Powerball website makes specific reference to the need to sign and keep your ticket safe. In some ways, lotto tickets are almost like those old bearer bonds you used to hear about before the 1990s. The site warns:

After winning the lottery the first step is completing the back of your ticket, including your name, address, phone number and signature. Remember, each lottery ticket is a bearer document, meaning it is legally owned by whomever possesses it, at least until it is signed.

Anyhow, winning the lottery may be the dream for millions of Americans. It comes with great responsibility, and for some odd reason many people end up back in the poorhouse almost as fast as they left it. We highlighted one $168 million lottery winner that hit financial troubles almost right after winning.

As far as a full list of what not to do, here is a detailed review of the 12 Things Not to Do If You Win a Lottery.

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