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20-Year-Old Wins $451 Million Lottery, Already Has Plans for How He'll Use the Money

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Everybody dreams about winning the lottery someday. In our weaker moments, we fantasize about how we’d spend it.

My family always talked about opening an arts center, designed specifically for dancers, their teams, and their coaches. It would feature a fully functional Starbucks, too.

But nowadays, since I’ve grown up and am less involved with the arts, I think I’d open an animal sanctuary. There are too many sad puppy faces on the internet, and I can’t possibly keep them all in my house.

But one man isn’t just dreaming about it anymore. Shane Missler, 20, from Port Richey, Florida, claimed the $451 million jackpot on Jan. 12 after purchasing the winning ticket — using scratch-off winnings — on Jan. 5.

It’s the fourth largest jackpot in Mega Millions history.

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It was from a 7-Eleven in Pasco County, which is part of the Tampa Bay area. Missler already has plans for what to do with the money.

“I’m only 20, but I hope to use it to pursue a variety of passions, help my family and do some good for humanity,” he said.

He went to Tallahassee to redeem the ticket with his father and his attorney. His attorney said Missler recently “retired” from his job with a background screening company, with plans to care for his family and “stay grounded.”

“Although I’m young,” he said, “I’ve had a crash course this week in financial management and I feel so fortunate to have this incredible wealth and team behind me.

“I intend to take care of my family, have some fun along the way, and cement a path for financial success so that I can leave a legacy far into the future.

“I have always been one to encourage the idea of chasing dreams and I believe life is about the pursuit of passion. I am 20 years old and my journey has only just begun.”

Missler decided to take a lump sum of $281,874,999 rather than payments over his lifetime. Goodness gracious, how much of that $451 million was taken out in taxes?



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I imagine taking care of his family includes paying off mortgages, lingering student loans, and any other debt that might have built up over the years. Or maybe even a new house and a new car!

I know I would do all those things for my family. But I’d also get myself a new house and car, too!

If you’re curious, the winning numbers were: 28, 30, 39, 59, and 70, and the Mega Ball was 10.

What would you do with your lottery winnings?

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