By taking the $1,000 weekly payments, Aubin-Vega has effectively locked in a 5.2% annual yield on her jackpot. Since the payments are provided by the Canadian province of Quebec, this annual yield is nearly as safe as the yield on a government treasury bond. Canada’s 10-year bond currently offers a 3.4% yield, which makes Aubin-Vega’s move seem more financially savvy (5).Fortunately for Aubin-Vega, she’s Canadian and faces no taxes on lottery winnings (4). In other words, she could have claimed $1 million w ...

Jackpot Size and Payout Options - The Powerball jackpot has reached $18 billion for the Saturday night drawing [1][3] - The cash prize option is $8264 million before taxes [2] - The $18 billion jackpot is for those who choose the annuity payout over 30 years [3] Lottery History and Game Records - It's the second largest jackpot in US lottery history [2] - The current streak is the game record for the most consecutive drawings without a jackpot winner [2] Winner's Perspective and Advice - Timothy Schultz won a $28 million Powerball jackpot in 1999 at 21 years old [4] - Schultz advises lottery winners to enlist the help of a financial advisor and an attorney [4] - Some people would keep the lottery win a secret, while others would share with close friends [5] Participation and Odds - The next drawing is Saturday night at 10:59 pm Eastern time [5] - It only takes one ticket to win [6]