If you or someone you know has ever been lucky enough to win the lottery then you are probably aware that receiving your winnings is a bit different than what most people imagine. In fact, most lottery winners don’t receive lump sum payments at all, but rather something known an annuity settlement which mean they get small amounts each month for several years. If this sounds a bit unfair that’s because it is. The good news for people like you or your friends or family members who have won the lottery is that there is a way that you can avoid waiting on an annuity settlement. That process involves selling your annuity payments to get the lump sum lottery winnings you deserve. Here are just a few of ways you can change your life by selling your annuity settlement:

1. Ending The Hold Debt Has On You – Right now, millions of Americans are plagued with debt. In fact, the average American household carries over $15,000 in credit card debt alone and over $100,000 in total debt. Student loans are also on the climb and grew from $1.21 trillion to 1.3 trillion in just the twelve months between 2014 and 2015. When you sell your annuity settlement and receive a lump sum payout instead of small monthly payments you have the opportunity to finally get out from under the debt that has been weighing you down for decades.

2. Making Investments – Another benefit of selling your annuity settlement is the ability to make your winnings last with investments. Many lottery winners even take the time to meet with financial planners to find out what their best investments should be. Not only do you have the opportunity to invest your winnings in stocks, but you can also make investments in your own future by purchasing a home. Today, it is standard for mortgage lenders to require a cash down payment of anywhere from 5-20% of the sale price, and you can provide that when you sell your annuity payment!

3. Making Once In A Lifetime Purchases – Selling your structured settlement to receive lump sum lottery winnings can allow you pay off your debt, invest in your future, and also to make once in a lifetime purchases. Maybe you have always wanted to visit the country of your family’s heritage in a place like Greece or Italy, but haven’t had the funds to do so. Or perhaps you have the desire to take a few months of work to see parts of the United States you’ve never seen before. Whatever you decide to do, having the lump sum lottery winnings you deserve can help you achieve your goal.

The three ideas above are just a few of the ways that you can spend the money you get from selling your annuity payment. The final choice is ultimately yours.