A captivating story has emerged worldwide about a 20-year-old lottery winner who opted for a lifetime annuity of $1,000 per week instead of taking a lump sum payout of $1 million.
Changpeng “CZ” Zhao, the founder of Binance, added his perspective to the debate from the cryptocurrency angle. He suggested that accepting the lump sum and investing it in Bitcoin or Binance Coin (BNB) would have been a wiser financial move for the young victor.
With Bitcoin currently valued near $90,000 and BNB around $865, CZ highlighted that long-term gains from crypto investments could significantly surpass the security offered by steady but modest weekly payments.
The Winner’s Choice
The focus is on Brenda Aubin-Vega, a 20-year-old resident of Montreal who won big with a “Winner for Life” scratch ticket called Gagnant à Vie. Her prize guarantees her $1,000 every week indefinitely.
Surprised by her win, Brenda decided to take the lifetime annuity rather than receiving an immediate payment of one million dollars. She explained that having consistent income feels more secure and offers peace of mind as she plans to purchase a home someday.
At this rate, she will accumulate roughly one million dollars after about 19 years—by which time she will be approaching age 40.
If these weekly amounts were invested at an average annual return rate around 5%, they could grow to approximately one million dollars in just over 13 years or even double to two million within two decades.
However, many commentators argue that taking the lump sum upfront provides instant access and control over all funds with greater growth potential through investment opportunities.
The Crypto Factor
CZ’s argument revolves around opportunity cost—the idea that holding onto appreciating assets like Bitcoin or BNB can dramatically increase wealth over time compared to fixed payouts.
He envisions using the full $1 million prize as an initial investment into cryptocurrencies while withdrawing only $1,000 weekly for living expenses. This strategy could potentially leave behind a portfolio worth several millions after many years due to crypto’s growth trajectory.
This optimistic outlook depends heavily on predictions suggesting Bitcoin might hit or exceed prices like $1 million per coin within this decade. Influential figures such as Cathie Wood and Michael Saylor have publicly forecasted BTC reaching those heights by 2030; Saylor even projects up to $13 million per coin by mid-century (2045).
If these forecasts materialize true, today’s one-million-dollar investment could multiply exponentially into tens of millions down the road.
A Balance Between Safety and Growth
This lottery decision has sparked heated discussions online. Some applaud Brenda’s choice as prudent—guaranteeing lifelong income without stress or needing financial expertise—and note it effectively equates to earning about four thousand dollars monthly forever.
Conversely, critics argue she sacrificed potential long-term wealth accumulation given her youthfulness; plus inflation may erode purchasing power from fixed payments over time if not adjusted accordingly.
CZ emphasized how digital currencies might provide better protection against inflation compared with static fiat disbursements tied solely to nominal values without adjustments for rising costs-of-living across decades ahead .
He also framed Brenda ’ s decision considering extremely extended longevity scenarios: assuming another century alive , total withdrawals at current rates would reach roughly five-million-dollars overall .
She’d be financially better off accepting one-million-dollars now , investing aggressively in bitcoin (or BNB), then spending only one-thousand each week throughout life — leaving millions untouched .
Time will reveal truth soon enough .
Assuming lifespan extends another hundred years , total received sums equal five-million-dollars (ignoring inflation). Presently : BTC trades near ninety-thousand USD ; BNB stands close eight-hundred-sixty-five USD . Let ’ s watch closely https://t.co/UYOzoeTFVn
— CZ 🔶 BNB (@cz_binance) December eleven , twenty twenty-five