What would you do if you won the lottery?

I would no longer walk, talk or eat the same! Matter of fact, I’m changing my name to Queen Cleopatra Elizabeth II.

Seriously, here’s what I would really do if I won the lottery.

I’ve overcome numerous obstacles to become a first-time home buyer in my early 30s as a single parent. In less than 5 years, I went from couch surfing to owning a home! Even though it hasn’t been simple, I would do it again with a few little tweaks. Money comes and goes, that much I can say for sure. Whew chile, one second I’m debt-free, the next I’m right back in the pits of debt. If I won the lottery I would definitely pay off a few of my loans. Pick one—student loans, car loans, mortgage loans, credit card loans…debt consolidation loans! I’ve got loans for days. Nothing I’m particularly proud of, but let’s face it—I wouldn’t have come this far without the power of credit. My debt will need to be paid off first, so let’s just hope I won the biggest Powerball jackpot ever won and there’s still money in the bank!

Once the responsible part is over and done with, it’s time to have some fun. I have so many renovations I want to make. I would pay a contractor to open up my stairway, then put new ceramic tile (or maybe even marble if I’m feeling fancy!) in my entryway, along with entirely gutting my kitchen and designing a whole new one of my dreams. Sign me up for HGTV’s ‘My Lottery Dream Home’, where I can buy my second house and a couple acres of land while looking fabulous on screen next to David Bromstad. Now I know paying bills and doing house projects don’t sound like much fun, but your girl needs to make some smart financial decisions before she blows all of her money on Fashion Nova outfits and a year-long vacation to Jamaica.

Of course, I have to thank the Man upstairs for his blessing. Find a church to donate my tithes. I suppose I’ll break my family and close friends off a few dollars too, but let’s not get carried away. Can’t forget about my son. I would stash away a couple of dollars for my son’s college fund, first car and the long list of things he will undoubtedly have on his wish list.

Winning the lottery is a fast way to get money, and it can disappear just as quickly. I remember watching a show a few years back on lottery winners and where they are now. Sadly, so many winners had already spent it all within a year or two. I am not passing judgement because, like Biggie told us, mo’ money, mo’ problems. So with that, if I won the lottery I would hope that I am intentional and level-headed. In other words, I don’t want to blow it all! However if you see me in the club looking like a rich, white woman just mind your business!