By Dave Bromley

Most people dream sometime of winning the lottery. Thanks to the UK National Lottery over 2000 people have become millionaires or multi millionaires and are now enjoying the benefits of their lucky wins.

It cannot be denied that winning the jackpot changes most peoples lives forever.

Although not surprisingly 96% of lottery millionaires say they are happy or happier since winning it does take time to adjust to their fortunes. The first feeling that most winners get when they realise their numbers have come up is disbelief. They also say that it can take several months for the win to sink in so that they can settle down.

The most popular purchase for many winners is a new home. According to a survey most look for a 4 or 5 bed roomed detached house which will be larger than their old home.

High on the priority list is a new car which is the first major purchase made by many lottery winners. The most popular cars amongst lottery winners is the BMWs and Mercedes although Porches, Bentleys and Aston Martins also appear on the list of cars purchased by winners.

Ninety nine percent of lottery winners claim to pass some of the winnings on to members of their family and 76% say they also give money to friends. Most lottery winners seem to be sensible people who take sound financial advice. Of those winners surveyed 77% claim to be as well or better than when they first picked up their cheques.

When the UK National Lottery was first launched the favourite holiday destination for winners was Spain. This has now been overtaken by the USA. Other popular destinations include Dubai, South America and Australia.

Another interesting statistic to emerge is that around a third of those who were working when they had their win continue in their jobs afterwards. Of those who did give up work around half said they missed it.

Of course not all winners have done so well and there are reports of lottery winners who have become bankrupt a few years after their big win. This thankfully is a rare event and the vast majority of winners have found that there win has changed their lives for the better.

If you have not won the jackpot yet there is always hope, just as long as you buy a ticket.