By Surprise Gift Turns Into Jackpot
Just a day after their wedding, a newlywed couple received an unexpected gift that changed their lives. The groom, wanting to surprise his new bride, bought a Michigan Lottery scratch card.
A Lucky Break
To their astonishment, the scratch card won them $1 million. The Michigan Lottery described the couple’s sudden transition from “hearing wedding bells to seeing dollar signs.”
The 57-year-old winner, who preferred to stay anonymous, purchased the $10 “Diamond & Pearls” scratch-off ticket from a convenience store in Livingston County. Upon scratching the ticket, they discovered a circle symbol indicating a jackpot win of $1 million.
Disbelief and Joy
Recounting the moment of their win, the groom said they were in disbelief. “We kept reading the instructions over and over again to make sure we really won,” he told the Michigan Lottery. He added that the days following the win were incredibly exciting for them.
Choosing the Lump Sum
The couple opted to receive their winnings as a one-time lump sum payment of approximately $693,000, instead of taking it in annuity payments over several years.
Emily Irwin, an advisor for Wells Fargo Bank, previously told Insider that taking the lump sum can be advantageous as it provides immediate access to funds and allows for long-term control over investments. However, she noted that some winners prefer annuity payments for the peace of mind and financial security they offer over time.
Future Plans
The winning couple shared their plans to invest their newfound fortune, setting themselves up for a prosperous future.