Win Big Money, Now What?

So you win big money, then what? When do you actually receive the loot? And how quickly is that loot gone? I can't speak for everyone, but this is what happened in my case. Below are the most common questions I get in a category I call, "Show Me the Money."



Did Millionaire take taxes out of the actual check?
Nope. The check was for a straight $100,000. However, as advised by the Millionaire "money man," I saw an accountant lickity-split. This was a good thing. As it turned out, I needed to pre-pay Federal and State taxes or risk a steep penalty.

When did you get the money?
As promised, I received my Millionaire "paycheck" about 30 days after my episode aired. They do this, I believe, to strongly encourage your secrecy. Contestants aren't allowed to tell, or even hint, about how much money they've won, or haven't won. As for me, I didn't breathe a word. No way I'd risk my winnings!

Have you spent all your winnings?
Oh yeah. Sort of. After paying off my Millionaire travel expenses, income taxes, and giving an appreciation gift to each of my lifelines, I had enough money left over to pay off my credit cards, pay off our two family cars, and make a decent down payment on a cute little two-bedroom house. So on one hand, I have no winnings left. But on the other hand, I'll enjoy my winnings for years from the comfort of my own living room.

No one's that practical. C'mon, you must've splurged on something.
Okay, you got me. I splurged on one thing – a laptop computer, which I'm typing on right now. But other than that, I was determined to spend every cent on things that would last, like equity in a modest house. Of course, I would never admit something so boring in a casting call! And you shouldn't either, darn it all.