$50K Winning Lotto Ticket Helps Personal Finance Guru Become Debt-Free

ABERDEEN, MD — While enjoying a peaceful walk in the park, an avid Maryland Lottery player couldn't contain his excitement when he discovered he'd just won $50,000 on a Pick 5 ticket.

The Aberdeen resident recently claimed his winnings at Maryland Lottery headquarters where he shared that he enjoys playing all lottery games except keno.

His favorite retailer happens to be the Royal Farms convenience store at 405 South Juniata Street in Havre de Grace. He purchased his winning Pick 5 ticket there the day before discovering his win, he said.

At the last minute, he decided to choose different numbers from what he usually plays, going with five digits he sees every day that he views as significant to his identity, he told lottery officials. While at the park, he used the lottery app to check his ticket.

“I was in shock at first,” he said. “I never dreamed that I would have a winning ticket.”

His previous biggest Lottery prize came a few months prior when won $200 on a Pick 5 ticket, making the $50,000 prize almost too good to believe.

A writer who has penned books on personal finance, financial literacy and self-help, the Aberdeen winner said the prize couldn’t have come at a better time.

Earlier this year, he made a resolution to save $100,000 and become debt-free by the end of the year. Following his own personal finance advice, he has been steadily chipping away at his debt and said the lottery prize will give his financial goals a significant boost.

“This will help me get closer to becoming financially free,” he said.

Royal Farms receives a $500 bonus from the Maryland Lottery for selling the winning ticket.