Lucky Number Pays Off Big Time Lottery Win For A North Carolina Woman

Once again, there's a big scratch off ticket lottery win in North Carolina and it's not me.  But, we are happy for the Gastonia, North Carolina woman who cashed in big time recently.  According to WBTV, the North Carolina woman who won is Dawn Collis.  She scratched her way to one of the top $1 million dollar prizes in the Jumbo Bucks game.  And, the lucky number that did it for her was her wedding anniversary "23."  Her anniversary is July 23.

Like many of us, Dawn and her family gathered together to celebrate July 4th.  And, it wasn't only fireworks that made them shout when they discovered the big win.  Plus, she says of the family lottery playing activity, "We like to all scratch together for entertainment."

I love to imagine a scenario like this.  And, I think we all are fairly sure that one day our ship will come in when we take that coin and start uncovering spots on our chosen scratch off ticket.  But, for most of us we're lucky if we win enough to just cover the cost of the ticket.  However, for the North Carolina woman who won, what a nice surprise.  And, how fun that it happened to be her "lucky" wedding date that clinched the win.

And, in case you wonder she took the lump sum payout.  So, after taxes she pocketed more than $425,000.  Oh, I know plenty of complainers gripe about the taxes taken and the amount left afterward.  But, I always think about never in my life have I had that much money at one time.  And, it's certainly a lot more than I had before.  So, I would be able to deal with that pesky detail.

Also, FYI, the ticket Dawn won with still has six $1 million prizes out there for the taking.  So, remember to play responsibly.  And, good luck.  Read more about Dawn's win with the full story from WBTV.

If you're looking for a great place to retire look no further than North Carolina. The state offers affordable homes with mild winter temperatures. Additionally, easy access to the coast and mountains makes the state attractive to retirees. Retiring in North Carolina gives you the option of choosing a coastal area, bustling metro area, or college town. The experts over at US News and World Report ranked the top 5 cities to retire in North Carolina. This has me asking how can I be one of those people who retire in their 30s? #goals.

If your retirement dreams include moving to a quaint town full of relaxation, amenities, and activities then you’re in luck. There are some fantastic places to retire in North Carolina. Whether you want to golf, relax on the beach, revel in small-town living, or be closer to the city you won’t be bored in these cities and towns! Some offer various activities perfect for the retiree who wants an active lifestyle. Others are ideal for those looking to fully kick back and relax.

Read the full US News article here or keep reading to see where the top 5 cities to retire in North Carolina are.

Median monthly mortgage cost: $1,195
Median monthly rent: $846

Greensboro is much more affordable than the other large metro areas of the state but it's still a short drive from all those cities have to offer.

Median monthly mortgage cost: $1,419
Median monthly rent: $1,073

The largest city in the state has a lot to offer retirees and many others. And while the cost of living is higher than other areas of the state it's cheaper than many parts of the country.

Median monthly mortgage cost: $1,048
Median monthly rent: $708

Hickory keeps popping up on lists among the top cities in North Carolina, and in this case placing higher than Charlotte. It's lower cost of living is a large factor in those rankings.

Median monthly mortgage cost: $1,178
Median monthly rent: $790

A quieter city in the Triad and with easy access to the popular Yadkin Valley, Charlotte, lakes, and other resources makes Winston a fantastic place to retire.

Median monthly mortgage cost: $1,602
Median monthly rent: $1,162

The triangle gives residents all the benefits of a large city and a metro of the state's most prominent college towns.

Median monthly mortgage cost: $1,357
Median monthly rent: $953

While it has a significant cost of living, if you can afford to retire in Asheville then its money well spent to spend your time in the beautiful mountains.