Many people that win big on a lottery go bankrupt some years later because they over extend themselves, change their lifestyles and live above their means. A couple of decades ago I was in a similar situation with receiving a large inheritance. It was not on the scale of these mega-millions jackpots, but it was enough that I could have lived on it for years. Instead, between living above my means, trying to switch to a new trade (which resulted in no income from work in over a year and having to go back to my original work, head down, tail between my legs), and a divorce, it was all gone in just a few years.

Speaking from experience, here's what I would do:

I would try to remain anonymous, but that is in most cases not possible, as it's usually in the fine print on the back of the lottery tickets (or on the lottery web site) that you release your name and image to them for promotional purposes. So, that's a bit difficult to pull off. That said, get an attorney that is used to dealing with celebrities for identity protection. People will come out of the woodwork begging for money, and it will go on for a while, so figure out how to hide.

If possible, select the annual payout option, instead of the one big windfall option. You'll get far more money in the long run, and even the first payment should be plenty to live on. If you're older and don't think you'll live long enough to see it and enjoy it, then look at it this way - once you're finished with your Bucket List, why would you want to ruin all your heirs lives by showering them with money? They'll probably squander it anyway so putting it in an annual payout form will force them to budget better. Just make sure you spell out how the payments will be divided in your will.

Once you have a new identity, get a new non-published number cell phone and be very careful who gets the number.

Very carefully research where to buy a house or condo in a very affordable place. In other words, would I be able to afford the property taxes, maintenance and repairs on the income I have currently. I would then purchase that place and move in to it once it was ready. Buy the house using your new identity - very important!

Register to vote using your new identity - voter registration records are the easiest way to find people.

I would not quit my job if at all possible, even if the windfall was on the scale of these mega-millions jackpots. Instead, I might start looking for one with better hours or a better location, or better benefits. But I would be careful to switch only when everything was just right so as not to disrupt my cash flow or leave a big hole in my resume (gaps of unemployment longer than a year make getting a new job more difficult). But if there's too much pressure from beggars, quitting the current job just for privacy may be in order. Get a new one under your new identity, but it may have to be at an entry level job that you can hold for a year - once past the year most places don't ask for employment history that old, or don't verify it so you can keep your cover.

I would look at buying a very energy efficient car, most likely some form of hybrid or electric, in order to reduce my expenses. Again, register under your new ID.

I would gradually pay down my debts, but I would base the payoffs on each situation. I would run a credit report first to see where the derogatories are and pay those first in order to make other things go more smoothly in all the above steps that involve credit history checks. Some debts might be accruing interest, others may not, once put into collections. So take your time and focus on the other things first listed above, as they more deeply impact daily living and your privacy.

Regarding changing identity: My wife used to work in VIP services at a major corporation. She tells me most celebrities use this method of alternate ID for getting around without being noticed, so California law is written to accommodate that. Other states may also have similar in place, and the same goes for other countries. Some smaller states and some countries may not deal with it at all, so you might find it challenging to do the identity change where you are now.

Things to NOT do when you get a windfall:
Quit your job.
Take out any form of loan, even home loans.
Spend above your means.

In summary, use your windfall to decrease expenses and put yourself into a position of being self-sufficient and secure financially. Once you are in that place, do all the fun stuff (I've loved reading about all the creative ways people would spend!) but only with cash.

Hugs,
Ann