A Connecticut couple recently hit the jackpot, winning a staggering $22 million in the lottery. However, instead of celebrating openly, they have chosen to keep the windfall a secret from their children and extended family, fearing that revealing their newfound wealth could negatively impact their loved ones’ lives.
The father, identified as John, shared his reasoning during a call-in to “The Dave Ramsey Show” podcast. He explained that he and his wife deliberately decided not to inform their two teenage children about the winnings to prevent them from becoming “waiters” – people who idly wait for their parents to pass away in order to inherit wealth. John emphasized, “We just don’t want them to grow up to be waiters… waiting for us to die so they can get our money.”
Although John and his wife haven’t shared the secret with their kids yet, they plan to tell them in the future. “I’ll let them know,” he said, “I’m not going to keep it from them forever.”
The couple has gone to great lengths to keep their fortune hidden, even from their parents and extended family. John cited research showing that one in five lottery winners lose their fortune within a decade due to telling too many people and being overwhelmed by requests for handouts. To avoid this, he and his wife use a clever cover story. When they help out family members, they claim the money comes from an inheritance left by his wife’s great-uncle.
Despite the secrecy, John’s decision to withhold the truth has sparked a debate. Some online commenters criticized him, calling his actions selfish, while others supported his approach, praising him for being wise with his money. As one fan commented, “Very smart. I would do the same for the exact same reasons.”
Ultimately, John believes his strategy will help his kids live fulfilling lives without becoming overly dependent on their parents’ wealth.
