A 20-year-old woman named Brenda Aubin-Vega unexpectedly won a lottery prize worth US$1 million, equivalent to approximately Rp 16.69 billion. However, she chose not to claim the prize as a lump-sum cash payment.

Instead of receiving the full amount upfront, Brenda opted for a weekly payment plan of US$1,000, or about Rp 16.6 million, to be paid for the rest of her life. Her decision sparked debate over whether a one-time payout or long-term guaranteed income offers greater financial benefits.

According to Demotivateur, Wednesday (December 17, 2025), Brenda won the top prize in the Gagnant à Vie (Winner for Life) lottery organized by Loto Quebec, Canada, in September 2025. The game allows winners to choose between a lump-sum payout or lifetime weekly payments.

Brenda had participated in the lottery several times before, though she had never won the grand prize. Her luck changed when she purchased two lottery tickets at a convenience store in Montreal during a break from work.

With no high expectations, she began scratching the tickets. That was when she noticed three piggy bank symbols, indicating that she had won the jackpot.

“I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. I checked my ticket over and over again,” Brenda recalled.

Still in shock, she asked permission to leave work early so she could process the news. At home, she spent the rest of the day calmly considering her options before making a decision.

In the end, Brenda chose the lifetime weekly payment of approximately Rp 16.6 million. She explained that a steady income would help her manage her finances over the long term, including saving toward buying a home.

Following the announcement, her choice sparked lively discussions on social media. Some questioned why she declined the immediate Rp 16.6 billion payout, while others praised her decision as financially prudent.

“Maybe she understands that a million dollars can disappear quickly. Perhaps she made a financial choice that fits her personality,” one netizen commented.

By selecting this option, Brenda avoids the risk of spending the entire prize at once, a common issue among lottery winners. Over time, this approach is considered more advantageous.

It is estimated that Brenda will receive a total of US$1 million over roughly 20 years. Given that the average life expectancy for women in Canada is about 84.8 years, she could potentially collect up to US$4.3 million, or approximately Rp 71.78 billion, over her lifetime.