I run my life on checklists. Every day I have about 20 items I need to do daily for my business.

You can use a similar checklist for winning the lottery.

This checklist I use for playing the lottery helps you get ready to play wisely. It reminds you to plan what you'd do if you win, save money for tickets, and follow smart strategies.

After winning, it guides you on how to protect your prize and make wise financial choices.

Here's the list of items you need to check off before, during, and after you start playing:

BEFORE PLAYING

[ ] Have you written a "Win List" of the things you want to buy with your prize?

[ ] Have you visited your local lotto organization so you know where to collect your main prize?

[ ]Have you made a list of charities you'll give to when you win over $500,000?

[ ] Have you looked at the showrooms for a new car to replace your old one?

[ ] Have you checked the real estate pages for your next home?

[ ] Have you looked at the local marina to see where you'll berth your new cruise boat?

[ ] Have you selected a needy family for your anonymous donation?

[ ] Have you kept your dreams alive by reviewing your Win List each day?

[ ] Do you have positive reminders like pictures of cars and houses around you?

Here's a list of ways you can get extra cash to pay for more tickets without spending the housekeeping:

PLAYING

[ ] Are your tickets in a pouch or folder so they are protected?

[ ] Have you double checked to see that you have entered all the numbers correctly

[ ] Do you have the right number of tickets?

[ ] Have you have left enough time to play before the game's deadline?

[ ] If you are a member of a private syndicate, do you have rules of play and ownership clearly agreed?

[ ] Does your game have the smallest number of balls and numbers?

[ ] Are you avoiding the 7 (bonus) ball games?

[ ] Are you playing one or more times a week?

[ ] Are you buying more than $10-$20 worth of tickets each time?

[ ] Are you playing one type of game each time?

[ ] Are you playing an off-peak game with fewer players so you get a bigger share of any win?

[ ] Are you using the same Profiles each time you play and not changing them?

[ ] Are you buying tickets early in the week (to make sure you don't miss out, and to give yourself more anticipation)?

[ ] Are you going to your local lotto shop at the same time each week?

[ ] Are you using real money to play - not just paper-playing off the results?

AFTER PLAYING

[ ] Did you get your tickets checked by the retailer?

[ ] Did you get your tickets back from the retailer?

[ ] Have you written your name on your winning tickets?

[ ] Have you kept your winning tickets in a safe place?

Before You Claim Your Prize

[ ] Have you made paper copies of your winning tickets?

[ ] Have you made a digital copy of your winning tickets?

[ ] Have you put your tickets in a safe or bank deposit box?

[ ] Have you not told anyone about your win?

[ ] Have you contacted a tax attorney?

[ ] Have you contacted a family planning attorney?

[ ] Have you seen a licensed accountant?

[ ] Have you changed your address, at least temporarily?

[ ] Have you changed your phones to unlisted numbers?

[ ] Have you ordered a private box for your mail?

Claiming Your Prize

[ ] Will you get your lottery winnings as a lump sum?

[ ]  Or will you choose the annual payment spread out over 20 to 30 years?

After Claiming Your Prize

[ ] Are you using the professionals you contacted?

[ ] Have you paid off all existing debt?

[ ] Do you have a 6 month's emergency fund?

[ ] Have you put aside a percentage of your winnings to a retirement account?

[ ] Will you set up a College Fund for your kids?

[ ] Have you given to those less fortunate?