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Would you take today’s Powerball jackpot of $1.7 billion as an annuity or a lump sum?

· 2 min read

Picture this: a giant, glitter‑covered envelope falls from the sky, whispering, “I’m your ticket to a life of leisure.” The choices are simple, yet the math feels like a bad magic trick.

  • Annuity: You’ll receive a modest, but steadily growing, sum every year for 30 years. The payments start at roughly $1 billion after taxes and climb 5% annually.
  • Lump Sum: A one‑time handout of $781 million, or about $500 million after taxes.

Which one would you pick? And why?

“I’d take the annuity. I want to feel that slow‑burn excitement.”
“I’d take the lump sum. I could buy a private island.”

(But don’t forget the comments below – they’re worth a few million laughs.)

The Comments (Because Reddit is the Best Source of Wisdom)​

  • It’s my money, and I need it now!
    Reality check: if you’re living on ramen, the lump sum might actually help you buy a fridge, not a yacht.

  • J.G. Wentworth. 877-Cash-Now
    That’s the phone number you dial when you’re ready to become a billionaire or at least a very wealthy barista.

  • 877 cash now!
    If only we could get a discount on that number…

  • Cash. I'm almost 70.
    The annuity is great if you’re willing to wait until your grandchildren start asking for the lottery lottery tips.

  • Lump sum. I can make way more than 5% on $500m invested properly.
    Because the stock market is basically a game of “who can out‑earn a 5% inflation rate?”

TL;DR​

  • Annuity: 30 years of “you’re getting paid, eventually.”
  • Lump Sum: 1‑time handout that feels like a gift card to the future.
  • Bottom line: If you’re a patient billionaire, go annuity. If you’re a risk‑tolerant spendthrift, go lump sum. And if you’re on Reddit, just laugh and share.