Hi i-did-it,
I think you are doing great, but I wanted to ask about the lottery win. What sorts of things would you not be anxious about if you won the lottery? I am curious because I buy a ticket every other day, but it’s not really about the money for me. It’s the “what if it’s meant to be factor” that I want to find out, and this is a cheap way of doing it (as long as you don’t go overboard). The only thing a lottery win would bring you is money, but the old saying goes “more money, more problems”. I believe this to be absolutely true. I am finding through budgeting and hard work that earning your fortune instead of winning it is so much more satisfying.
If you are anxious because of money problems, I would recommend taking a look at Dave Ramsey’s channel on youtube. I just recently started watching him a few months ago, and I wish I found him sooner. He is very smart about money and has “baby steps” laid out for you to follow. I have done baby step 1 (build $1000 emergency fund), and am currently on step 2 (pay off all your debt). This is the hardest and most painful step, but it will be incredibly rewarding when it is done. I will be able to look back and say that I got rich on my own terms, not because of the pull of a handle or push of a button. That, to me, is way more valuable than just coming into money. Just my thoughts, hope you are well and congrats on the gamble free life you are living.
–Nick