Want to win the lottery? Tips from experts who share their stories

Updated

The chances of winning the Publishers Clearing House sweepstakes is 1 in 100 million. The odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot, 1 in 175 million; of scoring a Powerball jackpot, 1 in 195 million. Still, millions of Americans are undeterred, entering these and other lotteries, raffles and sweepstakes every day.

Winning comes with consequences, however. Winners who quit their job and run off to the nearest Porsche dealership could be in for a rude awakening. WalletPop spoke with Natalie Bostelman, Ric Wallace, Karen McHale, and Anthony Broccoli, four winners who said it's of utmost importance to take a deep breath, speak with an expert and do some financial planning once the winnings arrive. For more on these and other winners, tune into the third season premiere of TLC's The Lottery Changed My Life on August 15 at 10 p.m.

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