If you won a lot of money, would you tell your friends?

Perth, Australia
January 11, 2016 11:17am CST
If there was ever a chance that I could win a lot of money, I wouldn't be telling everyone I know. I would give some money to my family and close friends so they can buy things they want and need but other than that I wouldn't want to brag about it because no doubt there would be people I know wanting to use me for that money. You know, those friends that only seem to hang out when they want something or be extra friendly when they want a favour from you. I don't want those sort of people knowing about my money let alone them being two faced trying to get some from me. I doubt I could ever get that lucky to win a great amount of money but I wish for it. Not really for me but for the people I know who I want to help. There are things I would like to own or do but I spend more time day dreaming about the things I could do for others. So if you fell into a big amount of money, would you be telling the world or would you try to keep your fortune hidden?
38 people like this
46 responses
• United States
11 Jan 16
I would do my best to keep it as quiet as possible. I certainly would help my family but I wouldn't want long lost friends or relatives coming out of the woodwork for a handout
8 people like this
@marlina (154166)
• Canada
11 Jan 16
My sentiments exactly.
3 people like this
• Perth, Australia
11 Jan 16
@marlina So far everyone is agreeing lol Just proves more and more that we can't trust a lot of people if it was to come to winning some cash.
1 person likes this
• Perth, Australia
11 Jan 16
Exactly what I would want to avoid. I can already picture in my head all the old "friends" of mine just flooding back to talk to me. They haven't cared about any of the bad events that happened in my life so I sure as heck don't want to share anything good with them!
2 people like this
@jaboUK (64361)
• United Kingdom
11 Jan 16
I would definitely try to keep it quiet, otherwise I would be inundated with begging letters etc.
7 people like this
• Perth, Australia
11 Jan 16
lol exactly! And what an awkward situation to be in. If you give them some money then there's a high chance they will be coming back for more but if you reject the requests then they might become nasty about it. It's sad and sometimes disturbing how money can come between friends.
4 people like this
@jaboUK (64361)
• United Kingdom
11 Jan 16
@VivaLaDani13 Lol - better not to win it in the first place!!
2 people like this
@nanette64 (20364)
• Fairfield, Texas
12 Jan 16
From every organization on the planet @jaboUK .
3 people like this
@jstory07 (134388)
• Roseburg, Oregon
11 Jan 16
If suddently you had a lot of money or won it. you would have to hide for awhile. Everyone that you saw even one time would show up and want your money and everything that you have.
5 people like this
@yukimori (10142)
• United States
11 Jan 16
I think that's the worst part about it for me... the sudden popularity because you have use for all these people who never had time for you before you got rich.
3 people like this
• Perth, Australia
11 Jan 16
Totally agree. There would be at least 2 people I know that I would tell straight away. But as for others, yeah I would be keeping it well hidden for quite some time.
1 person likes this
@Drosophila (16573)
• Ireland
11 Jan 16
I'd try to ignore the fact I'd come into considerable wealth..
3 people like this
@Drosophila (16573)
• Ireland
14 Jan 16
@VivaLaDani13 If not managed properly, it could be a problem alright. The worst is when you start suspecting if everyone just like you for your $$$
1 person likes this
• Perth, Australia
14 Jan 16
Probably best. Some people let their fortune go to their heads.
2 people like this
• Perth, Australia
12 Aug 18
@Drosophila Yeah I actually had a small issue like that with my ex. Not that I have ever had a lot of money but he become used to me just paying for everything. My fault too for I was way too generous and a doormat. But it did make me wonder if my money was on top of his list rather than just me in general.
@moffittjc (118416)
• Gainesville, Florida
12 Jan 16
I would try to keep my winnings secret, plus keep my identity as secret as possible. I would set up a limited liability corporation (LLC), and have the corporation claim the winning prize on my behalf. That would ensure some level of anonymity, and then I wouldn't have to be worried about 142 distant relatives coming out of the woodwork to try and hit me up for money! lol
3 people like this
@bookbar (1609)
• Sudbury, England
12 Jan 16
@moffittjc Not to worry those oh! so distant relatives will still materialise when you die, as they always do...
2 people like this
@moffittjc (118416)
• Gainesville, Florida
14 Jan 16
@bookbar As long as it's after I die, I don't care how many relatives I have at that point!
3 people like this
• Perth, Australia
14 Jan 16
@moffittjc lol sounds like a great plan!
2 people like this
• West Haven, Connecticut
11 Jan 16
I wouldnt tell everyone and I would only help my family and close friends in need
4 people like this
• Perth, Australia
11 Jan 16
Exactly what I would like to do.
1 person likes this
@youless (112103)
• Guangzhou, China
12 Jan 16
I also will not tell anyone that I had won a lottery. It will be better for less people to know it. When many people knw you ae so rich, perhaps you will suddenly have many friends and relatives. And you may have to give them some money, otherwise you seem to be mean. And it will never be an ending to it. I may not tell my family, too. As I am afraid they will become lazy and don't work hard. I never want it that way. I want the life will be much comfortable and meaningful but we shall not be lazy since we are rich.
3 people like this
@youless (112103)
• Guangzhou, China
14 Jan 16
@VivaLaDani13 Glad to hear that
2 people like this
• Perth, Australia
14 Jan 16
I understand you completely.
2 people like this
• Valdosta, Georgia
11 Jan 16
I would not have the money for long because I would help everyone I know that needed it. There are so many people in need right now, it breaks my heart. I wouldn't announce it on the street that I won money but people would know because I would be helping everyone I possibly could.
2 people like this
• Valdosta, Georgia
12 Jan 16
@sugartoes Well I would help my own family first but after that I would help as many people as I could.
1 person likes this
@cherriefic (10400)
• Philippines
12 Jan 16
That's very sweet of you. Helping out other people in need is a very good way to use that huge amount of money. Share your blessings and it will surely come back to you anyway.
2 people like this
• Perth, Australia
14 Jan 16
@LovingMyBabies You sure have a kind heart! I would love to help others also. I've always wanted to help those who literally have nothing as well as my close friends and family.
@LeaPea2417 (36428)
• Toccoa, Georgia
12 Jan 16
No, I would keep it as quiet as possible, because I have heard stories of people who win it big and tell the world and people who claim they are their long lost cousin all of sudden shows up.
2 people like this
• Perth, Australia
14 Jan 16
lol yeah it is incredible how far people will go to get someone else's money.
1 person likes this
@Tampa_girl7 (48908)
• United States
12 Jan 16
I would try to remain anonymous.
3 people like this
• Perth, Australia
14 Jan 16
A good choice!
1 person likes this
@lokisdad (4226)
• United States
14 Jan 16
yeah if i won big money i would avoid announcing it on tv or social media where everyone who knows me would know and try to ask me for stuff.
2 people like this
@lokisdad (4226)
• United States
14 Jan 16
@VivaLaDani13 no one wants the freeloaders coming out to ask for a handout
1 person likes this
• Perth, Australia
14 Jan 16
Exactly why I would want to keep it s secret too.
1 person likes this
• Budennovsk, Russian Federation
12 Jan 16
it is typical for people to envy. so i wouldn't tell to everybody, keeping the people from that bad feeling
2 people like this
• Perth, Australia
14 Jan 16
Good idea! :)
1 person likes this
@nanette64 (20364)
• Fairfield, Texas
12 Jan 16
If you made it known @VivaLaDani13 , you'd be surprised when a knock at your door turned out to be someone you went to Kindergarten with. So no, I wouldn't tell anyone and for those that would be getting some money from me; there would be a stipulation: Don't Ask, Don't Tell, Don't Ask for More.
3 people like this
• Perth, Australia
14 Jan 16
haha well exactly right! I would really like to avoid those sorts of situations although I would love to have the pleasure of telling them to get stuffed. Sounds harsh but a lot of people I know deserve to be told the way I feel. They weren't there when I needed them so them coming to my door because they want stuff is a major insult.
2 people like this
@JudyEv (325584)
• Rockingham, Australia
12 Jan 16
I think you would find you had a lot of friends if people learn you have suddenly come into a lot of money.
3 people like this
• Perth, Australia
14 Jan 16
yeah lol "friends".
2 people like this
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
12 Jan 16
I am not going to tell to anyone about the prize of lottery. People are greedy, they could even contemplate stealing my money or even attempt to kill.
1 person likes this
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
14 Jan 16
@VivaLaDani13 - It is said that murders take place because of money/wealth, assets or women or rivalry, therefore, anything is possible in this world.
1 person likes this
• Perth, Australia
15 Jan 16
@dpk262006 That is true but I mean is there anyone that you know personally who might be capable of doing such a thing?
1 person likes this
• Perth, Australia
14 Jan 16
wow murder huh? You think some people you know would do that?
1 person likes this
• United States
11 Jan 16
I would definitely keep my fortune hidden. I would more than likely share some of my fortune, but I would do so gradually to prevent bringing attention to myself. I've never been one for attention or to stand in the spotlight, so I wouldn't feel comfortable with people only wanting to assocate with me simply because they know I've hit the lotto or gained a massive amount of money.
1 person likes this
• United States
11 Jan 16
@VivaLaDani13 yes, those "crawling out of the woodworks" type of people are the worst. I've seen it happen to many people and they didn't even win lots of money. But it was enough to cause the leeches to attempt to suck them dry.
1 person likes this
• Perth, Australia
11 Jan 16
Exactly why I would want to keep it hidden. Close family would know and only 2 close friends of mine would know for sure because I know they aren't greedy and genuinely care about our friendship but I would do everything in my power to avoid those sorts of situations where people suddenly pop up out of nowhere just to grab some cash.
1 person likes this
• Perth, Australia
11 Jan 16
@Phenomenal1 That is just so sick and twisted really. If I knew someone, whether they were a stranger, an acquaintance or my best friend, I'd never try to get money from them. It would even be difficult to have them offer money to me.
1 person likes this
• United States
13 Jan 16
The lottery here is over 1 trillion for the drawing tomorrow. Whoever wins this has ZERO chance of keeping it quiet. So my preference would be to actually match 5 of the six; still a huge chunk of money but not the big news coverage. If i "have" to win a lottery, then I'll take the smaller state lottery on the day before the big national one has an even bigger winner. I'll take my 80 million and anonymity and let someone else win the 1 trillion. Of course, I'll have to start buying lottery tickets.
1 person likes this
• Perth, Australia
13 Jan 16
lol well that's right. Got to be in it to win it apparently. I've never bought one for myself. It wont happen for me I'm sure. Can you buy me a white horse if you win? But what about those who know you personally? Would you be keeping it quiet from them? Or only tell some?
• Perth, Australia
13 Jan 16
@DreadPirateRoberts haha well I don't have a nice space to keep one anyway. So I will need a house in the country so the horse can walk around freely. And he would need a friend so another white horse would be nice. And a Ferris wheel. So I can go on to have a good view of my land. You know what just buy me Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch. :D haha I'm totally willing to do that.
• United States
13 Jan 16
@VivaLaDani13 Oh my goodness. Look everyone. VivaLaDani is one of those who comes out of the woodwork wanting a pony. And i haven't even won yet. I agree with you and everyone else. I would do my best to keep it quiet. In fact, that would be the second thing i would do when i saw i won. (First is secure the ticket in a safe deposit box). Second would be to consult an attorney about how to best claim it as anonymously as possible. Maybe i would make you claim it for me. Then you could deal with the issues and i would just mooch off your new fortune and make you buy me the white horse.
1 person likes this
@trivia79 (7828)
• El Segundo, California
11 Jan 16
In addition, your relatives will increase. You will know some relatives you have not met or known before. Because you have now lot of money, they are now interacting with you haha
1 person likes this
• Perth, Australia
14 Jan 16
hahahaha! That's funny! But yeah I see what you are saying!
1 person likes this
@trivia79 (7828)
• El Segundo, California
15 Jan 16
@VivaLaDani13 hahaha! have you experience that?
1 person likes this
• Perth, Australia
15 Jan 16
@trivia79 lol nah and I hope I never do.
1 person likes this
@Daljinder (23231)
• Bangalore, India
22 Apr 16
If I ever won a lottery, you will recieve an email with air tickets and we will be going on a world tour! I will personally fly over there to get you!
1 person likes this
• Perth, Australia
22 Apr 16
awwww that's so sweet! You are on my list to give money / buy something for. But I will be telling you in secret if I ever won that much money cause I wouldn't want others bugging me. Only going to help / give to people who really need it and who I like.
1 person likes this
• Perth, Australia
22 Apr 16
@Daljinder I actually believe you. If anyone else here said it, I'd take it with a grain of salt but you seem genuine with things you say. I want to travel but I wouldn't want to go alone either. I'm not exactly independent enough to do it. Besides Texas, I really want to see Japan and Venice oh and Hawaii man. So beautiful. I will be taking a LOT of photos and if we can go to a haunted place that would be good too.
1 person likes this
• Perth, Australia
22 Apr 16
@Daljinder Well we can get totally lost together lol I actually didn't know about Romeo & Juliet. I still haven't had the chance to read any of his books. I know OF them but never been lucky enough to find his stories. He fascinates me. I didn't know about the statue either lol I would feel a bit awkward touching her. Do you know why that rumour started? Like was there some specific person or group of people who said some luck came into their lives after molesting...I mean touching the statue? I seriously would love to see those places as well. London because of the weather. And Egypt...well just because it's Egypt but I feel a bit scared going there now. Doesn't seem like a safe place.
1 person likes this
• Te Puke, New Zealand
12 Jan 16
Hi Yes the age old question, I'd perhaps tell yeah maybe not thinking about it haha I would however drop them money like in sums of money, yeah I may tell my closest mate but that's it , I think I'd just go around and help people especially family and that but I wouldn't say I'd won anything because your right they would all come out of the wood. I'd just help them out and deposit money into their bank accounts :) Or I would just pretend I got a high paying job somewhere it pays really well and then say I got a bonus or something believable like that.!!! I saw the other day you had a jackpot of 70 million in Australia wow we only get up to 35 million, I would never be that lucky as well
1 person likes this
• Perth, Australia
14 Jan 16
You're sweet to help whoever you can! Yeah we did lol I don't really pay much attention to all that though for I never buy lottery tickets. I wouldn't win lol
• Te Puke, New Zealand
14 Jan 16
@VivaLaDani13 haha I'm not sure I'm sweet but I'll take it hahaha Yeah I'm a sucker I buy tickets, I'm a dreamer lol man I could only imagine what I would do with it. Just to be able to change people's lives would be such a pleasure especially those who are struggling :) yeah your probably right tho I won't win either sometimes I think what's the point :)
1 person likes this
• Perth, Australia
16 Jan 16
@Wonderwall79 Well I don't mean to be a negative Nancy lol but Sometimes I think if everyone kept the money that they were buying on tickets, then you would be saving a lot.
1 person likes this