5 things you must do if you win Powerball - Los Angeles Local News, Weather, and Traffic

Are you one of the millions of people across the country just hoping and praying that you hold the winning $550 Powerball ticket?  If your dreams happen to come true Wednesday night, there are five things you absolutely need to do.  

We asked consumer attorney Howard Stopeck, how has successfully handled lottery cases before, to give us a must-do list for any lottery winner.  Here's what he said:

1.     First—and maybe the hardest for some--- keep quiet.  Don't tell anyone you've won.  That means no Facebook posts, no tweets, and while you're at it—change your phone number.

2.    This one is important: Sign the back of your ticket.  Then make a copy of it.  Then, take that coveted ticket to the bank and put it in a safety deposit box. 

3.    Hire a good financial advisor that you pay a one-time fee.  Ask that person what to do, pay him--- and then go get a second opinion from a second financial advisor. 

4.    Indulge yourself.  With $550 million, you're entitled to a modest shopping spree. 

5.    When you go to Lottery Headquarters to claim your prize, make arrangements to get annual payments, and not a lump sum.