Dear Coleen,

I was recently lucky enough to win just over £80,000 on the lottery. I’m in two minds whether or not to tell my family, though.

On the one hand I would like to share my good news but, on the other, I know if I do they would all expect a share. Although £80,000 is a nice amount, it’s not really a huge fortune, but it would be enough ­to make our future a little more secure if I were to keep the whole amount.

My wife thinks that we should keep this to ourselves and I think she may be right. Would it be mean not to share my good fortune with my family? I’d appreciate any advice you might have.

Coleen says..

You know, I’m kind of on your wife’s side. The money’s not a life-changing amount, but it could pay off bills, debts and a mortgage. What your family doesn’t know won’t hurt them and if they ask how you can afford things, just say you’ve saved up for them.

Or you could tell family you’ve had a little windfall and give them a small bit each – £500, say.

It’s not like you won £160million on EuroMillions – then you would be thought mean if you didn’t spread the wealth!