Writing about winning has been a fascinating process for me. Just like our readers, I've always been curious about how those who win big pots of cash actually spend it - probably because, like most, I secretly hope I'll be a winner one day. I love to imagine how I'd spend Dh100,000, Dh1 million or even Dh10m? While the spending plan changes as the fantasy prize increases, like the big winners featured in my story, I would not go crazy and buy the latest Ferrari or jet away on a five-star trip to the Maldives. Instead, I'd invest in my dream home, squirrel away cash for the future and treat the family to a new fridge. Perhaps even some new garden furniture - but still, nothing crazy. While my spending aspirations are pretty small scale compared to many, my desire to win is extremely high. When I hear about the latest raffle or prize draw I literally see dollar signs, cartoon-character style, rolling before my eyes. This DSF, I'd be quite happy to walk away with a brand new car or several kilograms of gold - some of the promotions currently on offer - that I could trade in for cash. However, while I'd like to win, I'm also very cautious about Yes, I've invested in National Bonds and, yes, I have bought some DSF promotion-linked phone cards in the hope of netting a new car. But unlike a straight raffle, I still get a return on the money I put in. National Bonds is a prize-linked savings scheme, therefore I retain the amount I deposit and earn interest too. Similarly, by buying a phone card that comes with two raffle coupons, at least I know my phone credit has been topped up. And believe me, my desire to win is not motivated by greed; it's motivated by security. Like the Dh5million winner, Shameer Khan (pictured above), who featured in our cover story, the money would bring me security. In our interview, Mr Khan spoke of how the "worry" about money had gone since his win. He still goes to work and does all the same things he did before - but he no longer frets about whether there is enough money in the bank to support his family. <b>As a mother of two, for me that is the biggest prize of all.</b>
