For millions of Americans, winning a big lottery jackpot like the estimated $1.8 billion up for grabs in the Sept. 6 Powerball drawing would be a dream come true.

Or would it? Recent history is full of examples of people who won big jackpots only to see their lives take nightmarish turns.

Some lottery winners prove that money doesn't always buy happiness. Some have lost fortunes due to family drama and trauma, seen their homes go up in flames or watched their money disappear due to too much partying and lavish spending. Some were plagued by bad investments and unscrupulous advisors.

The good news: Those stories are outliers. Studies have shown that winning the lottery can bring a measure of happiness that often correlates with levels of satisfaction that also come with financial stab

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