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Andy Carter also explains why winners never quit their jobs and why one man refused to tell his wife he’d won big jackpot
MOST of us will only ever dream about winning a lottery jackpot – but Andy Carter is part of the team that advises you when that wish becomes a reality.
He spills the gossip on the biggest mistake winners make and the secret that ANYONE can use to lead a richer life, even if you’re not a winner.
During his almost 20 years working for Allwyn he has advised thousands of winners – and they always act very differently.
In one case seen by the specialist adviser, a man was so shell-shocked by the win, he wouldn’t tell a soul about the prize – not even his wife.
While others are keen to tell everyone about their prizes.
Andy says: “With any shock, it’s good to have a chat.
“But it’s not for us to pry into that. We have to respect their decisions.
“Some people are throwing a party, while some are in deep shock.”
He explains that he sees lots of tears and lots of happiness but many people are just completely dumbfounded.
“It’s a rollercoaster of emotions – from denial to worry,” he added.
“It all depends on what personality you are – the amount you win has no bearing.”
Andy says the first thing he does is check on the winners and how they’re feeling, because “they are going through a big shock”.
He is usually dealing with one of two types.
He quickly susses out which category the ticket-holder falls into and will adjust his behaviour accordingly.
On the one hand, people play the win down, and in that instance he will be trying to bring them up.
On the other extreme, he sees winners who are very very excited and he will be trying to calm them down.
Andy says: “It’s a job where you don’t know who you are going to be seeing.”
How people act often depends on their background.
Andy says the key piece advice he gives winners is to “enjoy the win”.
Many people fail to do this because they are in shock and are worried about things such as people looking at them differently.
He adds: “People feel very nervous about everything.
“It’s not for me to tell them how to celebrate – but do something to make it a big thing.
“You want to look back as this is a story you want to tell your grandchildren.”
Andy says taking a holiday is a great way to let the win sink in without making any rash moves.
Andy speaks to winners again a few days after their win.
He says: “What people want to do on Day 1 changes as they become used to it.
“They’ve usually had time to settle down though some people are more built up.”
Almost everyone who plays the lottery dreams of never having to work again.
In reality, most people do the opposite.
Andy says: “The majority of people continue working because you still need a reason to get up in the morning.
“Your job is your identity.
“If you enjoy your job, you can continue you doing it, but with a buffer.
“Or winning the lottery gives you a chance to change jobs.
“You can give things a try. It gives you that freedom.”
FRANCES Connolly from Northern Ireland scooped almost £115million in January 2019 in what was, at the time, the fourth biggest UK lottery prize ever claimed.
She does not believe what people say about a lottery win making you miserable.
Frances says: “If you were a dkhead before you had money, you’re going to be a dkhead afterwards.
“Money is an inanimate object and has no power over you at all.
“It changes your life, not your personality.”
Since former teacher Frances and her businessman husband Paddy scooped their huge EuroMillions jackpot almost six years ago, they have given away more than £60million to family and friends.
As well as family and friends, thousands more people have benefited through the charities they have set up.
Frances explains: “Paddy suggested we make a list of people we want to help — daughters, family and friends.
“Then he said, ‘So, where’s the charities?’. I thought, you know, we’ve enough money. We could do something big. We could make a difference in a lot of people’s lives.”
The couple decided to start their PFC charity and, in five years, have helped tens of thousands of people.
Remarkably, despite having millions in the bank, Frances and Paddy never fly first class.
She says: “We got offered an upgrade to first class once and I refused it. Because if you’re in first class, they give you a cubicle. I don’t want a cubicle. I want to sit beside my husband.”
Even now, Frances is still in contact with lottery adviser Andy.
She says: “If anything happens, I still phone him and say what we’re going to do.
“I’m not being funny. Without the lottery, we’d be scuppered as a nation.
“I work with lots of groups in the voluntary sector. If the lottery wasn’t there, these organisations and the communities they support would be devastated.”
The best thing about winning the lottery is that it’s not just you who wins, it’s all your friends and family too.
Andy says: “People do an awful lot of good with their wins and try to be very generous… Helping friends and family out.
“It puts your faith back in humanity.”
Depending on the winner’s plans, Andy will connect them with well-being and concierge services to help their dream come true.
There are also legal experts and financial advisers who give advice on thing such as the tax implications of gifts, as well as their needs for financial planning.
Winners can tap into is a network of previous lucky ticket holders so that people can talk to others who have been in a similar situation.
Andy says he has seen people do a lot for charity and pay for services or resources in the community.
He add: “They’re my favourite when you see the positive effect they’ve been able to have with the money.
“Whether on a big scale or small scale.”
Sadly, most of us will never know what it’s like to win a jackpot.
However, we can still take on board the advice Andy gives to winners to live a richer life.
He says it doesn’t matter how much money you’ve got, you should have a good financial plan in place.
Andy adds: “Everyone’s values around money are different.
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“Thinking what your goals are and how you want to achieve them – whether it’s saving up for holiday or buying a house – it’s the same principles.
“Make a plan with your money and make sure you’ve given thought how to achieve your goals.”
If you have little experience of dealing with finances or you’re confused about making a decision, it may be helpful to get professional financial advice.
A financial adviser can help with things like:
According to Citizens advice the following organisations can put you in touch with a qualified adviser in your area:
Unbiased at www.unbiased.co.uk. You can find independent and restricted ‘whole of market’ advisers on their website.
Restricted ‘whole of market’ means advisers who can offer available products from all companies, but who may specialise in a particular area, such as pensions.
Personal Finance Society at www.findanadviser.org. You can find independent and restricted advisers on their website.
VouchedFor at www.vouchedfor.co.uk. You can find independent and restricted advisers on their website.
You can also access financial advice for free through Money Helper.
It is a government-backed service provided by the Money and Pensions Service.
For more information visit www.moneyhelper.org.uk.
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