Sudden Money? Here's What Actually Works

Won the lottery, got an inheritance, or landed a surprise payout? Congrats—but pump the brakes before you blow it all. Most people with sudden wealth mess up because they skip the boring stuff.

The real moves:

1. Kill high-interest debt first (credit cards, personal loans)
2. Lock in 3-6 months emergency fund—non-negotiable
3. Wait at least 6 months before touching the rest (sounds weird, but your brain needs time to adjust)
4. Diversify investments, don’t gamble on get-rich-quick schemes
5. Tax check—talk to a pro, you might owe more than you think
6. Keep your job (seriously, boredom + money = bad decisions)
7. Educate yourself on finance basics before making moves
8. Get a trusted advisor, don’t jump to new “opportunities”
9. Follow the 5% rule—if you have $5M, live on $250K/year from smart index fund returns
10. Avoid impulse purchases and lifestyle inflation
11. Think long-term wealth, not quick gains
12. Stay humble—remember where you came from

The golden rule: You’re in a lucky spot. Don’t gamble it away trying to double your money overnight. Be grateful, stay disciplined, and your money actually sticks around.