The Mega Millions Jackpot has risen again

After no one successfully matched all 5 numbers plus the Mega Ball in last night's Mega Millions drawing, according to the New Hampshire Lottery, the estimated jackpot available for Friday night's drawing is currently at the time of writing is $421 million. As of right now, the cash takeaway would be $290,900,000 -- still a massive chunk of change. And that figure will only grow over the next few days as people purchase more and more tickets to try and win the jackpot.

Mega Millions Jackpot Reaches $262 Million
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The great thing, now that actual statistical data has come out -- three New England states have been proven to be the luckiest places to purchase tickets to try and win.

Statistics show the Top 3 Luckiest States in the country are here

A recent study was conducted by 24/7 Tempo to determine the luckiest and unluckiest states in the country. Determining factors included average lottery winnings, accidental deaths, traffic fatalities, accidental deaths, life expectancy, and unemployment rate.

Massachusetts is the luckiest state in the country

According to the 24/7 Tempo study, among the Top 3 New England states that are listed as the most lucky in the country, Massachusetts takes the overall #1 spot as the luckiest not only in the region, but the entire United States. Mass is listed, according to 2019 figures, as the state with the most lottery wins in the country, with an average of $991.28 won per adult.

Photo by Giorgio Trovato on Unsplash
Photo by Giorgio Trovato on Unsplash
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An even crazier statistic about Massachusetts, considering the term "Ma*shole" basically originates from the fact Mass residents are seen as horrible drivers, is that the state had the second lowest traffic fatalities in 2019.

Not to be outdone, New Hampshire is the second luckiest state in the country

The neighbors to the north of Mass, New Hampshire, checks in as the second overall luckiest state in New England and the US, according to 24/7 Tempo's study. They may not come close to the lottery winning luck that Massachusetts has, only ranking #15 with $332.45 won per adult, the 603 does boast the lowest unemployment rate according to May 2021 statistics, with only 2.5% of residents out of work.

Rhode Island completes the New England trifecta of luckiest states in the country

Rounding out the final New England state considered to be the luckiest in the country is Mass' neighbor to the south, the wee little Rhode Island. Even though "Little Rhodey" is one of the smallest states in the country, it has the second biggest success in lottery winnings in the US, with $812.83 being awarded per adult. Rhode Island is also just behind Mass in another statistic -- traffic fatalities, registered the third lowest in the country.

Photo by Alexander Popov on Unsplash
Photo by Alexander Popov on Unsplash
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Moral of the story -- if you're trying to win the big bucks with Mega Millions, your best chance to get paid is by snagging a ticket in either Mass, New Hampshire, or Rhode Island. Which means, if you're in Maine or Vermont -- time to hop in the car before Friday night and cross the border into New Hampshire to try your luck!

If you're lucky enough to win money on Friday, here are 25 ways to start saving it

These money-saving tips—from finding discounts to simple changes to your daily habits—can come in handy whether you have a specific savings goal, want to stash away cash for retirement, or just want to pinch pennies. It’s never too late to be more financially savvy. Read on to learn more about how you can start saving now. [From: 25 ways you could be saving money today]

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