Nonetheless, turning down the Corvette wasn’t an easy call. “I opted for the cash because I knew I was going to pay a lot in taxes, and it was already nearing the winter season with salted roads. I couldn't justify not being able to drive while also coming up with the tax money,” Roman explained.
Some of the money has already been spent. “As of now, I have spent about $20,000 on house renovations, and I ordered a ProCharger kit for my 2025 F-150 truck," Roman shared. The rest is going toward taxes, paying off his truck, and investing what’s left.
When asked how the win changed things for him, Roman didn’t overthink it. “Winning the cash has made me more financially free, not worrying about a car payment.” For him, that freedom was more of a priority than owning an exotic car.
Friends and family reacted quickly once the news spread. “Everyone was in shock that I won; almost everyone was hoping for a chance to ride and take pictures of the car,” he said. Even without the Corvette, Roman found ways to share the moment. “I was able to give a couple of nice gifts to the people in my inner circle,” he remarked.