By
Staff |
Inside
Published on
Aug. 30, 2009
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When times get rough, college students get creative. So while some might babysit or wait tables, one Inside staffer leaves her income up to luck.
I set out with a clear goal in mind: Find out how to make a few extra dollars in a tough economy. I spent $10 a day for five days playing the lottery, for better or worse. But I always wanted to play for a week just to see what would happen, and this was just the excuse I needed. Somebody has to win, right? Here, I pass on my lottery wisdom.
1) Spread the wealth
If you feel like saving a few dollars (or $50) to play the lottery, it stings more if you spend it all in one week. Make your hard-earned cash last and only play one game a day, a week, a month ... whatever works for the budget you set. The lottery will still be there tomorrow, so don’t feel like you have to blow it at one stop at the Circle K. You could start with an initial investment of $10 and play until you break even (or hopefully win big).
2) You don’t have to find “your game”
Try them all. The Hoosier Lottery offers scratch-offs, pull tabs, Hoosier Lotto, Powerball, Quick Draw, Lucky 5, Daily 3, Daily 4, and Mix & Match. Why not give them all a chance until you fall into a pattern you like? If you’re one for routines, pick your favorite and find a way to play. I have had the most success with $1 scratch-offs, which is probably why they are my favorite. Scratch-offs give me a false sense of control. Because I physically remove the silvery film, I choose the winning ticket... or at least that’s what I tell myself.
3) Keep track
It makes a win more exciting and forces you to realize when you’re in the red. A simple list of your wins and losses, starting with the initial investment, will make it easy to tell your story when – or if – you win the jackpot.