because I don't like the disappointment when I don't win.

We did all computer pick. I don't have a 'method' for picking numbers. Using birthdays wouldn't work well for us - they're all with a day or two of eachother.

I will mirror your generosity though. If I win, stars on all thars.

I just checked because I didn't know if CO was part of it. Wow - 42 states now.

Yes, I'm aware the odds do not change whether the jackpot is $1million or $500million. However, those odds are in my favor when the payout exceeds the odds, i.e., if the odds are 1:175,000,000, then the odds are in your favor whenever the payout tops $175 million.

To be clear, the $500mil jackpot is actually worth about $179 million in lump sum after taxes. Alternately, if you go with the annuity, you get ~$12 million a year after taxes for 29 years or about twice as much. Of course, doing the annuity deprives you of the interest potential of the lump sum, which could, when combined with potentially higher taxes in the future, make the lump sum an even better option for most people.

It's more than I can afford to throw away like that. And, if I was destined to win it, one is really all you need anyway.

It's fun to talk about at least--- how no one will be there tomorrow if we win! LOL

I went to the machine to get a ticket and the woman ahead of me had apparently put in a $5.00 bill and (since the machines give no change) instead of getting another ticket, she left a $3.00 credit. She was out the door before I could do more than raise my arm and open my mouth to call "Wait...!"

So I got a Powerball ticket and a Megabucks ticket.

Was that wrong...?

But I am not expecting the win. It has been fun to play "What if?" for a little while.