But a sudden lump sum can actually do more harm than good, if you aren't prepared for it.
You can overcommit to a new flashy lifestyle, or even struggle emotionally, leading to bad, rushed decisions.
It doesn't even have to be a lottery win. A big enough change in your job, house value, or even an inheritance, can all have this effect.
For the latest podcast I talked to The Private Office authorised financial adviser Nick Crawford, who specialises in advising people who have come into sudden wealth.
We discussed the emotional impact, mistakes people make, and the better ways to handle it.
For the interview, listen to the podcast.
If you have a question about this podcast, or an idea for the next one, come and talk to me about it. I'm on Facebook here, Instagram here and Twitter here.
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