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Spinning into seven figures on “Wheel of Fortune<\/a>” may sound like a life-changing dream \u2014 but the show\u2019s first millionaire says the aftermath didn\u2019t bring the kind of instant luxury most people would imagine.<\/p>\n In 2008, the wheel stopped at a moment that would change the show\u2019s history.<\/p>\n Michelle Loewenstein, now Michelle Moore, was the first contestant to score the million-dollar mark on “Wheel of Fortune,” as she walked away with $1,026,800 just days after returning from her honeymoon.<\/p>\n ‘Wheel Of Fortune’ Contestant Makes Show History With Record-breaking Million-dollar Win<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n When the New Jersey native<\/a> and former floral designer landed the spin, she said the reality of the win was far more practical \u2014 and far less glamorous \u2014 than most fans would imagine.<\/p>\n “Honestly, because I mean, let\u2019s be honest, you don\u2019t get the full amount of money. So, a million dollars, it doesn\u2019t really go that far,” Moore exclusively told Fox News Digital.<\/p>\n Read On The Fox News App<\/u><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Moore said the money went toward practical expenses rather than luxury.<\/p>\n She emphasized that the winnings were used responsibly, noting that the money largely went toward paying off financial obligations.<\/p>\n WATCH: \u2018WHEEL OF FORTUNE\u2019 WINNER REFLECTS ON REALITIES OF WINNING $1M PRIZE<\/strong><\/p>\n “I think I paid off some student loans and bills \u2026 bought a car,” she said, adding that much of it was saved and invested for a future home.<\/p>\n “But it\u2019s not as much as you would think,” she added, pointing to the reality of living in California, where she eventually moved, noting that “everything\u2019s more expensive out here.”<\/p>\n Moore went on to share the biggest misconception about winning big on the beloved game show, “Wheel of Fortune.”<\/p>\n “People do think that it will change your entire life, you\u2019re going to start, like, dripping in gold and, you know, you\u2019re going to drive the fanciest of cars,” she said with a smile. “But I guess it really depends on what your passions and your values are.”<\/p>\n Former \u2018Wheel Of Fortune\u2019 Host Pat Sajak Makes Rare Public Appearance Ahead Of Return To Game Show<\/u><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Instead of fueling extravagance, the history-making win<\/a> gave Moore a fresh perspective on money and priorities.<\/p>\n “I guess it really kind of keeps you humble and makes you really value everything that you want to make purchases for,” she said.<\/p>\n As “Wheel of Fortune” enters a new era, the show\u2019s first millionaire is happily looking back not just on the money, but on the moments she described as “a very surreal, out-of-body experience.”<\/p>\n When Fox News Digital asked what happens off camera that might surprise fans, she said the iconic show runs with remarkable precision.<\/p>\n ‘Wheel Of Fortune’ Contestant Puts Ryan Seacrest In A Headlock<\/u><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n “It actually happens fairly quickly \u2026 they shoot like six shows a day. Fascinating \u2014 I think they only shoot six weeks a year \u2026 it\u2019s a very well-oiled machine,” she said. “They\u2019re just really kind and just feel like they\u2019re your friends when they\u2019re there. I mean it was back when Pat was there, so it was very different \u2014 it was wonderful \u2026 a really incredible experience.”<\/p>\n Moore\u2019s road to “Wheel of Fortune” took years of persistence.<\/p>\n WATCH: \u2018WHEEL OF FORTUNE\u2019 WINNER SHARES BEHIND-THE-SCENES INSIGHT WITH PAT SAJAK, VANNA WHITE<\/strong><\/p>\n She said she applied repeatedly \u2014 starting at a young age \u2014 before finally getting noticed after moving to California<\/a>.<\/p>\n Click Here To Sign Up For The Entertainment Newsletter<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n The historic winner also reflected on her experience with longtime hosts Pat Sajak and Vanna White, saying their off-camera warmth matched what viewers saw on-screen.<\/p>\n “They were as kind as could be,” she said. “Vanna came in to check in on us when we were just sitting in the room waiting, and it was just so nice. They\u2019re just very relatable. They don\u2019t seem like celebrities \u2014 they were just very warm.”<\/p>\n Like What You\u2019re Reading? Click Here For More Entertainment News<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Nearly two decades later, the mom of three shared with Fox News Digital that the milestone still feels meaningful \u2014 especially knowing only women have reached millionaire status on the iconic game<\/a> show since.<\/p>\n “I think it\u2019s fascinating that only women have won \u2018Wheel of Fortune\u2019 as millionaires \u2014 girl power!” she said. “I miss Pat. I love Ryan, but I miss Pat. I wish he was still there. I still am holding out hopes of taking Vanna\u2019s job one day,” Moore laughed. “Because that would be fun. I\u2019d love to get dressed up all day and do that.”<\/p>\n