Lets say for story sake that I win the 3 million dollar jackpot.
Thats about 1.2 mil after the govt. gets their share, give or take a few thousand.
1.) I'd pay off my bills, car, and home (-approx 85K)
2.) I'd start college funds for my 2 kids (-approx 100K)
3.) I'd pay off my tuition for the next 4 years (-approx 50K with books)
4.) The remaining amount would be split in half. Half to savings. The other half would go to the women's shelter that saved my life 4 years ago. (350K to savings, the rest to the shelter)