As part of our coverage of the consumer economy, we're asking listeners what single purchase changed their lives. In Florida, Pete had started a new job. One day, a colleague asked him if he wanted to join the office pool to buy a lottery ticket. He said yes, and they won $14 million dollars. Pete tells us his story of a truly life-changing purchase.

The Letter from Pete About his Lottery Ticket

I was part of a group of people that won the Florida Lottery for $14 million. My share was enough that I do not have to save for my retirement. However, two years after it happened, it has not changed how I live my life. It has allowed me to purchase a few luxuries. I have come to realize that although blessed with financial security (important to note I was not a pauper prior to the win), my purpose in life is independent from the money.

It has caused me to feel some pressure to achieve some higher goals now that I no longer can blame lack of money for not trying. Also, I have to be really careful that it doesn't cause a sense of entitlement in my kids. You may find it interesting that when we cashed in the winning ticket, the Florida lottery folks gave us a stern warning about the percentage of winners who end up declaring bankruptcy within a few years. It reminded me of Spiderman's quote "with great money comes great responsibility."