If you win the $421 million Mega Millions jackpot, here's what to do with your newfound fortune.

• The game's top prize has been growing for more than three months.
• The probability of winning the lottery by hitting all six numbers is approximately 1 in 302 million.
• Before claiming your prize, there are some things to consider.

The probability of winning the Mega Millions jackpot is extremely low, approximately 1 in 302 million.

If you manage to beat the odds and match all six numbers pulled in Friday night's drawing, you could win $421 million.

Since late October, the amount has been steadily increasing, with the last of six jackpots awarded in 2021 being $108 million. These jackpots ranged from $55 million to $1.05 billion.

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Before making any significant decisions, it's essential to consider certain factors if you become a top-prize winner.

Since lottery tickets are bearer instruments, it is crucial to safeguard them as the holder is considered the owner.

Joe Buhrmann, a certified financial planner and senior financial planning consultant at eMoney Advisor, advised taking a picture of oneself with the winning ticket and securing it in a safety deposit box until it's time to claim the windfall.

Rewritten: Signing the back of a ticket could potentially reveal your identity, which may interfere with your ability to claim the prize through a trust or other legal entity that protects your identity.

To avoid becoming a target for scammers and long-lost family and friends, you need to consider how to remain anonymous if you won't be able to do so due to state laws.

"Buhrmann stated that you may have been unrecognized and without companions on the streets, but that would change once you are declared the victor."

To ensure a smooth claiming process and comprehensive protection of your windfall, it is recommended to seek the guidance of experienced professionals, including an attorney, financial advisor, tax advisor, and insurance professional.

The group can assist you in deciding whether to receive your winnings as a single payment or 30 installments spanning 29 years. Most lottery winners opt for the immediate, lower cash amount. For the $421 million Mega Millions jackpot, the cash option is $290.9 million.

If you win the jackpot, you will face a 24% federal tax withholding, which means that $69.8 million will be deducted from the total amount, leaving you with $221.1 million. Additionally, there may be state taxes withheld depending on where you won the jackpot.

At tax time, it is likely that additional federal income taxes will be owed, given the top rate of 37%. Additionally, state taxes may also be due, depending on the jurisdiction's rate of withholding.

Consider how your life will change beyond just the financial aspect.

Think about how your newfound wealth will affect your marriage, family, relationships with friends, and interactions with neighbors, Buhrmann advised.

Winning can be stressful, and seeking guidance from a financial therapist or mental health professional may be helpful in managing the stress, he said.

The Powerball jackpot for Saturday night's drawing is $104 million, with a cash option of $72.5 million. The probability of winning the top prize with a single ticket is extremely low, at one in 292 million.