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Public relations executive gives advice to mystery Powerball winner

Posted at 9:15 PM, Mar 28, 2019
and last updated 2019-03-28 23:30:02-04

The winner of the $768 million Powerball jackpot is still a mystery. The winning ticket was purchased at a Speedway gas station in New Berlin but no one has claimed the prize.

Wisconsin Lottery officials say the winner or winners have 180 days to claim the prize. The cash payout is worth $477 million. After taxes the winner can expect about $298 million.

Local Public Relations Executive James Madlom says the winner needs to be prepared.

"This is life-changing," he said. "Don't make any extreme changes right away. With this wealth comes enormous complication and comes people who are going to want to talk to you, that are going to want to get access to that money."

Madlom recommends three key steps:

1) Sign the back of your ticket, and keep it in a safe place like a Safety Deposit Box at a bank.
2) Keep the news to yourself while you prepare to go public. (You have 180 days in Wisconsin)
3) Surround yourself with professionals like a lawyer, financial planner and even a publicist.

Madlom also says not to quit your job right away.

"You may very well quit your job, but don't do it on the second day," he said. "Don't do it on the third day."

Ultimately he says the winner needs to be prepared so they can put the money to the best use for them and their loved ones.