AN island has been described as paradise – with blue lagoons, sandy beaches and towns like something from a fairytale.

Gotland is off the coast of Stockholm, between Sweden and Latvia.

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Sweden’s Gotland has been called a paradise island[/caption]

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Visby has been called a fairytale town[/caption]

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The summer months are perfect to visit the island’s Blue Lagoon[/caption]

It’s not one to visit in winter – many stores close and temperatures drop as low as 2C.

But visit in the summer and you can see why it has been dubbed a paradise island by Visit Sweden.

The main town is on the east coast, with Visby feeling like you’re gone back in time.

Also compared to a fairytale town, the quaint shops and buildings are painted in bright colours.

One of the most popular foodie spots is Lilla Bjers with small plates that have been called “once-in-a-lifetime dining” with it all farm to table.

For something more laidback, there is the also-popular Surfers, a Chinese restaurant.

There is a huge Viking history too, with burial grounds, museums and even a reconstructed Viking village.

You can stay the night at Stavgard, with longhouses you can rent to ‘glamp’ in

Another popular attraction are sea stacks, also called raukar, which are limestone monoliths scattered along the coast.

While there, make sure to fine the island’s own Blue Lagoon, with waters that are bright turquoise in the summer.

Otherwise if you are outdoorsy, there are lots of flat cycle paths, hiking trails and even shallow beaches to swim in.

You will have to time it right, with temperatures between 20C and 25C in the summer.

Fancy staying? Some of the popular hotels include Clarion Hotel Wisby or the Hotel St Clemens, with rooms inside historical buildings.

There are also budget options such as Best Westerns and and Scandic Visby.

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There is also a rich Viking history too[/caption]

There are two ways to get to Gotland.

One is by ferry, taking around three hours when departing from either Nynäshamn or Oskershamn.

Or you can fly to Visby Airport on the island, with flights from both Stockholm and Gothenburg.

Brits can travel from the UK to Stockholm for £14.99 with Ryanair from London Stansted, or to Gothenburg from £15.21.

Here’s an island in Denmark that has been dubbed “sunshine island”.

Want to stay in the UK? Here are the British islands where you are most likely to see the Northern Lights.

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You can fly to the island or get a three-hour ferry[/caption]

THIS Morning’s Dr Scott Miller has opened up about culture and workplace environment behind-the-scenes of the ITV show after he reunited with Holly Willoughby.

Scott also directly addressed “bullying” on the set of This Morning while speaking exclusively to The Sun. 

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Scott is This Morning’s resident vet[/caption]

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He joined the cast of the daytime programme at the NTAs this year where they reunited with former presenter Holly Willoughby[/caption]

Alongside fronting Channel 4’s Vet on the Hill, TV vet Scott is a regular fixture on ITV’s This Morning. 

Speaking about what goes on behind the scenes of the popular daytime show, Scott told The Sun: “I’ve experienced support and kindness from the entire team, top to bottom.”

“The production team are friends and they are really good at what they do. And then, you know, everyone on camera, the sort of This Morning family, we’re all great mates.

“So it’s not my experience at all,” he added in response to the allegations against This Morning being a “toxic workplace” with “bullying” behind the scenes. 

The accusations came to light last year when a “large number” of current and former ITV employees have made claims against the show.

However, Scott has made it clear that has not been his experience working on the show. He also revealed that he has remained friends with Holly following her exit from This Morning last year.

“And, you know, certainly it was great to be at the NTAs and although we didn’t win, we got to see Holly and she came and said hi and we got photos and, you know, she’s a great, a great lady,” he gushed.

Scott and Holly enjoying their public reunion at the 2024 National Television Awards as he was there representing This Morning. 

The TV vet’s comments come just weeks after he found himself being rushed to hospital due to a serious back injury. 

In a previous interview with The Sun, Scott revealed the dramatic details. 

“I had two slipped discs. I actually went into This Morning and I reached to get some sunglasses, very, very macho, into the back of the car,” he said.

“And then I literally took five steps and I couldn’t get past the front door, really. Had to get rolled on in a wheelchair onto the set to do my item because I said that I definitely wanted to do it.

“But by the time I got home, I couldn’t stand. I couldn’t stand or sit,” Scott explained.

He continued: “So I had to crawl in and out of my car and then in the end it just was so bad.

“I went to A&E and then was admitted to hospital for five days. And, yeah, so two MRIs later and lots of medication.

“Thankfully, I didn’t need surgery. Now it’s sort of, you know, exercise and to sort of get myself right. But, yeah, it was a big wake up call.”

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Scott is focused on his health following his terrifying injury[/caption]

He apologised for the derogatory remarks.

'He was very under par, probably one of his worst moments in an Arsenal shirt.'

As the dust settles on the recent announcement that Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is swinging its way to PC in January 2025, PlayStation fans are left with a bittersweet taste in their mouths. While it’s great to see the critically acclaimed title reach a wider audience, the fact that it’s shedding its PS5 exclusivity just over […]

This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire

Masashi Kishimoto’s Naruto has been one of the generational classics that has grown to the status of an evergreen watch that fans just can’t get enough of. The show has it all, from an immersive and expansive world to intense battles that will keep the fans’ eyes glued to the screen. What adds to the […]

This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire

FEEDING, sleeping, changing and generally keeping them safe – there is so much to think about with a new baby.

And all parents will make some mistakes along the way.

Lesley Bland, midwife at My Expert Midwife, said: “Most of us know the basics of what to do with a newborn.

“We support their heads, keep them warm, and change their wet and dirty nappies as often as needed.

“And we tend to know what we shouldn’t do with them.

“But are you aware that there are lots of things you should never do?”

Here, Lesley and eight other experts, all speaking at The Baby Show, which returns to Olympia London from October 25 to 27, reveal the most common mistakes parents make, the consequences – and how to avoid them.

1. Following the crowd

As a new parent, it can be easy to compare yourself to others.

But Lucy Shrimpton, sleep and wellbeing expert at The Baby Show and founder of The Sleep Nanny, urges mums and dads to avoid doing so as much as possible.

“One thing I believe you should never do with a new baby is feel pressured to follow anyone else’s routine or timetable,” she said.

“It’s easy to get caught up in comparing your baby’s sleep, feeding, or development with others, or to think you should be doing things a certain way because someone else says so.

“But every baby is different, and the most important thing you can do is to tune into your baby’s cues and trust your own instincts.

“There’s no ‘one-size-fits-all’ when it comes to parenting, and what works for someone else might not be the best thing for you or your baby.

“Trust your connection, create your own rhythm, and let go of the pressure to fit into a standard that doesn’t feel right for you.”

She also wants to remind parents that it’s “perfectly OK” to ask for help when you feel stuck.

“You’re not expected to have all the answers, and the right experts can provide the tailored support you need when things feel uncertain,” Lucy added.

“Your intuition is powerful, and with the right guidance, you can find what works best for you and your baby.”

Nutritionist Charlotte Stirling-Reed agrees. She said: “Never compare your baby with others.

“I learnt this the hard way, but truly every single baby is unique when it comes to eating, feeding, sleeping and their entire personality.

“Your friend’s baby is not your baby so they are bound to be very different.”

2. Bundling with blankets

As winter draws closer, resist the urge to wrap your little one up in blankets, Pip Davies, aka Midwife Pip, said.

“It can be tempting to make sure your new baby is super warm and cosy, but actually being too hot is a risk factor for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), so following safe sleep guidelines on layers and dressing baby is really important,” she added.

Lesley said: “Never place them in a cot or bed with soft toys, bumpers, loose blankets or anything else that could become a suffocating hazard.”

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Experts have warned parents never to leave their youngsters alone with family pets – even if they’re friendly[/caption]

3. Layering up

The same goes for when you’re out and about.

“Don’t over dress babies in a baby carrier,” Vern Hill, babywearing expert, founder of Carifit and dad-of-two, said.

“Always take one layer off as you and the carrier combined count as a layer.

“So strip them down before you pop them in for a carrier walk or nap.

“The golden rule for babywearing at Carifit is that we feed them, layer them, and then we get moving.

“Often, a hot or hungry baby will be far less settled in their carrier so this tip can be a game changer.”

Lesley added: “Never overheat your baby.

“Do not place them in full sun, avoid placing them near heaters and radiators, and think about how many layers you have them dressed in and how many blankets you put over them at night.

“As a rule, there should be no hats or coats on indoors, and babies only need one layer in addition to what you are wearing to feel comfortable.

“For example, if you have a t-shirt on, place your baby in a t-shirt and a long-sleeved babygrow, or if you have a t-shirt and a sweater on, put baby in a t-shirt, a long sleeved babygrow and a single layer blanket (a folded blanket counts as two layers).”

4. ‘Exercising their lungs’

One of the most common misconceptions, according to parenting expert Rachel FitzD, is that newborns should be left to “exercise their lungs”.

“Never leave your new baby to cry,” the author of Your Baby Skin to Skin said.

“Babies cannot meet their own needs in any way at all and so are totally dependent on their carers for everything, 24/7.

“Your nan may tell you that babies need to ‘exercise their lungs’ or that, by always picking them up the minute they start to whimper, you are creating bad habits and a clingy child, but this isn’t true.

“Babies are unable to learn how to self-soothe or tell the difference between night or day for many months and so leaving them to cry simply increases their stress … and yours.”

5. Smoking

Most people know not to smoke around babies.

But did you know that you shouldn’t even hold a newborn after a cigarette?

That’s according to Lesley. She said: “Never handle them if you have been smoking.

“Even if you have been smoking outside and then come inside, you will have smoke on your clothes and body.

“Before handling a baby, you should wash your hands and change your clothes.

“Even second-hand smoke is associated with an increased risk of SIDS.”

6. Choosing only milk

Cow’s milk can be used in cooking or mixed with food from around six months.

“But avoid offering it as a main drink until they are at least 12 months old,” nutritionist Charlotte said.

“This doesn’t offer the appropriate nutrition for your baby in their first year of life.”

And when you do introduce it, choose only pasteurised whole milk and semi-skimmed milk.

“Skimmed and one per cent milk should not be given as a main drink to children under five because they do not contain enough calories,” the NHS says.

7. Bottle additions

When feeding, you should never add anything to a baby’s bottle, Charlotte added.

“Anything else can be a choking hazard and/or isn’t recommended for young babies.”

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Never label a child a ‘bad sleeper’, experts say[/caption]

8. Labelling ‘bad sleepers’

You’ve almost certainly heard someone refer to their baby as a “bad sleeper”.

Whether they take a long time to fall asleep or wake up constantly throughout the night, the phrase is incredibly common.

But it shouldn’t be, Heidi Skudder, founder of Positively Parenthood, said.

“Never label your baby a ‘bad sleeper’,” she said.

“So many parents are told that they were also a ‘bad sleeper’ when they were young, but there is no such thing as a bad sleeper, just multiple reasons as to why a baby doesn’t sleep.

“Focus on addressing the root cause of your baby’s sleep issues as well as focusing on establishing positive sleep habits and your baby will soon go from a ‘bad’ to ‘great’ sleeper.”

9. Accompanying pets

Whether it’s in the bath or on the sofa with the dog, Lesley and Rachel implored parents never to leave their newborns alone.

“After the constant companionship of being in the womb for nine months, the transition to being in the big wide world takes time and expecting a newborn to be able to tolerate being alone day or night is expecting too much,” Rachel said.

“A good sling in the daytime and a next-to-me crib or Moses basket by your bed overnight means that your baby gets the constant closeness that is absolutely essential in the early weeks and months whilst you get on with your life.”

Did you know that your baby’s gut health is super important for their overall development?

Lucy UptonThe Children's Dietitian

Lesley added: “Never leave a baby unattended in the bath – even in a bath seat or bath support.

“They should also never be left unattended with animals – even the most family-oriented dog can turn on a baby.

“They can be triggered by noises, smells, or being poked and prodded.”

10. Ignoring their gut

We hear a lot about looking after our gut health in adulthood.

“But don’t overlook your newborn’s gut health,” Lucy Upton, The Children’s Dietitian, said.

“Did you know that your baby’s gut health is super important for their overall development?

“A healthy gut microbiome helps support their immune system and even plays a role in brain development!

“Plus, a less-than-ideal community of gut bacteria can increase the risk of allergies and asthma, and more later on.  

“How you feed your baby can affect their community of gut bugs, with breast milk , for example, containing things like its own community of bacteria and food for your baby’s gut friends.    

“You can consider  introducing probiotics to your little one from birth, but the key is to choose one that’s clinically tested, with good scientific backing for your baby’s gut and overall health, but that’s also easy to administer in drop form for example.”

11. Taking a nap while nursing

New parents are often exhausted, and it can be easy to drift off at any moment.

But Danielle Facey, The Breastfeeding Mentor, wants you to take extra care not to fall asleep when nursing.

She said: “Never fall asleep nursing on an unsafe surface.

“First, it’s crucial to be mindful of the strong effects of oxytocin and prolactin.

“These hormones, released during nursing, can make new mothers feel extremely sleepy, so it’s important to avoid the risk of accidentally falling asleep while breastfeeding.

“Finding a comfortable but safe position for you and your baby is key to preventing any potential hazards.

“The Lullaby Trust has advice and research on practising safe bedsharing and cosleeping.”

12. Ignoring pain

Danielle also wants to remind mums that breastfeeding shouldn’t be painful.

“It is a myth that breastfeeding should be excruciatingly painful,” she said.

“If it is, you need support.

“If you experience any pain while breastfeeding, it’s essential not to push through it.

“Pain is typically a sign of an underlying issue, and it’s always best to seek advice from an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), who specialises in breastfeeding support.

“They can provide you with expert guidance, which is often more effective than consulting your GP on breastfeeding issues.”

13. Worrying about ‘too much love’

And finally, you really can never love your kids too much, according to Vern.

He said: “Never feel like you can spoil them – you can’t.

“Hold them, kiss them, cuddle them, wear them in your baby carrier as much as you’d like.

“Research shows that it will calm them and calm you, as carried young babies are designed to be ‘attached’ to their primary caregivers so you can’t spoil them with contact and no you won’t make a rod for your own back.”

RENTING in the US is getting cheaper or more expensive, depending on where you live.

That’s according to new research which has found the US rental market is experiencing a regional divide.

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Realtor.com chief economist Danielle Hale says a regional divide is emerging in the rental market[/caption]

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Southern cities including Nashville and Dallas have seen some of the largest falls in rents[/caption]

Realtor.com’s September Rental Report found rents in the Midwest are rising while southerner rents are declining.

Rents grew fastest in Cincinnati, St. Louis, and Minneapolis, while the fastest declines occurred in Nashville, Dallas, and Austin, Texas.

Realtor.com chief economist Danielle Hale said housing supply and demand was one of the most influential factors on rental affordability.

“The balance between housing supply and demand is a key factor shaping regional rent patterns,” Hale said.

“In markets across the South, increased multi-family inventory is easing competition among renters and driving down prices. 

“On the other hand, in the Midwest, where demand has still outpaced supply, we continue to see rising rents.

“Nationally, the relative stability in rent prices should translate into slower shelter inflation in the months ahead, easing one of the biggest recent drivers of price increases.”

While rents are dropping in many parts of the country, eight of the 10 midwestern markets saw year-on-year rent increases in September.

Cincinnati grew the fastest at 3.4%.

This was followed by St. Louis (2.6%) and Minneapolis (1.9%) also ranked among the top 10 fastest growing markets.

Only Chicago (-2.6%) and Detroit (-0.3%) experienced rent declines.

According to the new research, southern metros dominated the list of markets with the largest annual rent drops.

Eight of the top 10 metros with the steepest declines were in the south.

Nashville, Tennessee, saw the sharpest decline (-4.8%).

Other Southern cities on the list include Dallas; Austin, Texas; Birmingham, Ala.; Memphis, Tennessee; Atlanta; Miami; and San Antonio. 

The rapid growth of new multi-family housing in these areas is cooling the market, providing much-needed relief for renters.

RENTS TIED TO RATE CUTS

The new research comes after The U.S. Sun revealed projections from economists that housing costs would drop in three months due to the Federal Reserve’s move to slash rates.

The new projections come after the Federal Reserve cut interest rates by half a percentage point last month, a move that will affect millions of Americans and marked the first time the central bank has cut rates since 2020.

The rate cut is designed to regulate inflation, which economists say will stimulate the economy and make things more affordable for consumers.

Housing experts said that while the rate cuts will take some time to work their way into the economy, the rate-cutting cycle will likely put downward pressure on the cost of living.

Housing experts said a federal rate cutting cycle will bring down the cost of construction and encourage more development which in turn increases the supply of houses.

DUA Lipa was joined by pop royalty Cher as she took to the stage for a belting performance at the 2024 Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony.

The Levitating hitmaker donned a strapless leather dress with thigh-high side splits and chain detail as she took to the stage in Ohio.

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Dua Lipa was joined by pop queen Cher as she took to the stage at the 2024 Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony[/caption]

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Dua, 29, kicked off proceedings in Ohio by belting out Cher track Believe[/caption]

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Cher joined the Brit singer for the chorus of the 1998 track[/caption]

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The pair held hands during the vocals[/caption]

Dua, 29, finished off her sexy stage look with fishnet stockings and long black boots.

She was joined by house band Roots as she kicked off the event with Cher’s 1998 track Believe – before the pop queen herself joined her to continue the tune.

Cher, 78, showed off her age-defying look in an edgy black PVC corset top with long sleeve detailing.

She pulled on shorts, fishnet stockings and trousers with open detailing on the thighs to complete her very modern look.

The If I Could turn Back Time singer styled her dark hair into neat waves before wowing the Cleveland crowds.

The pair held hands as they completed the iconic chorus.

Later in the night, they were seen posing with American actress Zendaya, 28.

The Greatest Showman star donned a daring gold halterneck dress with an x-shaped design across her chest.

The exposed panels across her body showed off her toned abs while a slit in the skirt offered another racy detail.

The screen star styled her locks poker-straight flowing down her back and finished off her outfit choice with gold point-toe heels.

Later in the night, the Euphoria actress was the one to induct Cher into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame.

She told how the star “does it all, and really, really f**king well,” before she added: “Where do I even begin?

“Cher is not one person. Her name is just as legendary as her legacy,” she said.

“Her voice is so singular that any song she sings becomes a Cher song.

“She’s navigated a multitude of musical genres, defined new ones and reinvented others.”

Cher then gave her own speech and told the adoring crowds: “The one thing I have never done, is I never give up.”

CHER SLAM

Previously, Mamma Mia 2 star Cher slammed her absence from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

She vented to American Idol alum Kelly Clarkson, 42, about her omission, despite scoring a number one hit in the past seven decades.

Cher previously told the Breakaway hitmaker: “I’m not in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame!

“You know what, I wouldn’t be in it now if they gave me a million dollars. I’m not kidding you.”

She then added: “I’m never going to change my mind,” – yet appears to have been proven wrong.

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Cher told the crowds at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland how she ‘never gave up’[/caption]

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They joined forces with US actress Zendaya backstage[/caption]

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The trio fooled around for a funny snap[/caption]

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Zendaya showed off her sensational figure in the daring frock paired with gold-toe shoes[/caption]

A LUCKY lotto winner has revealed how he scooped a $2million jackpot at the Mega Multiplier Lottery after making a “popular choice”.

Michael Buckner, 58, from South Carolina decided to buy a $20 ticket for an instant lotto game instead of trying his luck at a casino – and it paid off big time.

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Michael Buckner opted to buy instant tickets instead of going to the casino and it paid off big time[/caption]

He revealed how he was caught in a dilemma while choosing between playing a game at a nearby casino or easy lotto tickets, hoping to get an instant prize.

“I was trying to decide between going to the casino or buying instant tickets and ended up deciding to buy instant tickets,” the lucky man said.

He described how he felt it was all unreal the moment he scooped the jackpot.

“When I scratched off the $2,000,000 Mega Multiplier game and saw I won $2 million, I didn’t think it was real,” he added.

“I called my girlfriend to tell her what I won, but she didn’t believe it either. It still hasn’t fully sunk in!”

Buckner then visited the Lottery headquarters to claim the big prize.

Instead of getting small but regular payments, he decided to get about $1.3million in full as a one-time payment, according to Michigan Lottery Connect.

“Michael made a winning decision when he spent $20 to buy a $2,000,000 Mega Multiplier instant game ticket,” said Lottery Commissioner, Suzanna Shkreli.

“Instant games are a popular choice with players throughout Michigan and helped the Lottery post a contribution of more than $1 billion to the School Aid Fund in the 2024 fiscal year for the sixth consecutive year.”

Buckner now plans to share the money with his family and save the rest for his retirement.

It comes after a lucky lottery player was left shocked when he won a multi-million dollar jackpot after trying for over three decades.

Kevin Connor of Leicester, Massachusetts — just west of Worcester — won the $2.64 million Megabucks jackpot on Saturday, August 24.

However, the person responsible for the win is his wife, CBS News reported.

This is because she is a major inspiration for all the lottery tickets he has bought in the more than 30 years he has played.

“He plays a combination that consists of his wife’s old landline number from when they first started dating, as well as his wife’s favorite number,” lottery officials told the outlet.

Connor purchased the ticket as part of his usual lottery routine after playing golf at the Hillcrest Country Club.

The winning numbers were: 5, 6, 8, 9, 24, 32.

Connor told lottery officials he was in Maine with the family for the weekend when he realized he had won big.

After the draw, he checked the lottery app and his life changed when Connor beat the odds of one in 7,059,052 to win the top prize.

However, he had a tough decision to make before he could take the cash home to his wife.

Winners of large lottery prizes have to decide if they want to take home a lesser lump sum after taxes or the full amount.

Those who choose the latter will accept their cash in a series of annual payments where taxes are deducted each year.

Connor took the most popular option of taking home the lump-sum prize of $1.8 million before tax.

Around “90% of all lottery winners take the lump sum distribution,” Lottery lawyer Andrew Stoltmann previously told The U.S. Sun.

Last week, a lottery player in Michigan who won a $4 million jackpot chose to sacrifice over $1 million to immediately receive the cash.

Meanwhile, a raft of lottery players in the same state have been urged to check their tickets as almost 30 prizes go unclaimed.

Lottery winnings: lump sum or annuity?

The two payout methods can impact how much money you get from your prize.

Annuities pay out slowly in increments, often over 30 years.

Lump sums pay all at once but in a smaller amount, as taxes are withheld in one go. That means 24% of your prize goes to Uncle Sam right away. Many states tax winnings as well.

Annuities can provide winners time to set up the financial infrastructure required to take in a life-changing amount of money, but lump sums have the benefit of being taxed only once.

Inflation is also worth considering when making a choice, as payouts do not adjust with the value of a dollar. That means that you’ll likely be getting less valuable money towards the end of an annuity.

Each state and game pays out prizes differently, so it’s best to check with your state’s lottery to confirm payment policies. A financial advisor can also help you weigh the pros and cons of each option.

Experts have varying opinions on whether to take the lump sum or take the annuity.