How To Handle Receiving a Large Inheritance
With planning, your future could be assured.
Many well-known stories rely on the prospect of inheriting a sizable fortune as a plot hook. It serves as the starting point for haunted house tales. Sometimes it serves as the preamble to a story about families coming together.
Receiving an inheritance can be different in the real world. One reason is that receiving an inheritance typically involves the death of a close friend or relative, which can be pretty emotional and bring up a multitude of complicated feelings. For another, receiving a sizable inheritance entails some obligation to manage it appropriately.
What should you keep in mind when handling your inheritance?
The Inevitability of Taxes
Like death itself, taxes are a guarantee.
Federal estate taxes often only become a concern with large sums of money. Stay current on what levels might be subject to taxation as the amount fluctuates over time as legislators debate the issue.
Tax considerations may apply to inherited assets like stocks, mutual funds, real estate, and other property in addition to lump-sum inheritances.
Keep in mind that any increases or decreases in the value of stocks or other investments after the death of the original owner must be taken into account for taxation. While an investment that depreciates may be written off as a loss, one that grows will be taxed. Both arguments in favor of and against selling the stock at once are strong. Numerous factors are involved, all of which you should address with a financial professional.
You will be responsible for paying the property’s taxes, insurance premiums, and other costs. You can decide to live there, rent it out, or sell it and treat the proceeds as an inheritance in cash.
Effective Money Management
If you’re not used to having extra money, receiving a sizable inheritance may throw you off balance and cause you to make bad choices. Here are some things to consider when you adjust to receiving your inheritance.
Hire a financial advisor.
Having a financial counselor on hand is crucial when managing an unexpected income boost. They can offer investment advice, assist with retirement planning, and help you resolve current financial concerns.
A financial advisor also functions as a neutral third party who can assist you make decisions with clarity because inheriting property can come with some emotional baggage and perhaps family conflicts.
Address large debt and high-interest loans.
It would be wise to use this opportunity to pay off your high-interest credit card debt. It’s a wise choice because you won’t have to pay interest anymore and will save money. Similarly, now is a great opportunity to pay off unpaid mortgages, student loans, and other sizable debts.
Your life will be much easier thanks to the money you save each month by forgoing loan payments.
Placing a portion of your money in a safeguarded account.
Your financial advisor might advise this, especially if you have a history of making expensive purchases on a whim. If you must, set aside some money for splurging, but don’t forget to invest a sizable portion of it in a savings or investing account with stiff early withdrawal penalties.
Too many newly wealthy people find themselves in even more debt than before as a result of their reckless spending.
Come up with a retirement plan.
When people say it’s never too early to start planning for retirement, they are not kidding. You don’t want to find yourself unprepared years from now and unable to support yourself.
With a sizeable inheritance on hand, this would be a good time to open an IRA or make contributions to your 401(k).
Create an emergency fund.
You can never predict what the future may hold. A sudden job loss or an unforeseen health catastrophe are both possibilities. If COVID-19 has taught us anything, being prepared is always a smart idea.
Have at least six months’ worth of expenses saved up and accessible in case of emergency. This is particularly sound advice if your inheritance is not particularly significant or life-altering. Take advantage of the chance to protect yourself against difficult times.
Make the Most Of It All
Consider your inheritance a thoughtful gift bestowed upon you from someone who cared about your future.
To ignore this opportunity seems both impolite and unappreciative. Use your windfall to ensure you and your loved ones have financial stability.
Planning sensibly for the future is never a waste of time.
All you can do is win.
About John Teehan
John lives in Rhode Island with his wife, son, and dog. He specializes in tech, health, business, parenting, pop culture, and gaming. Visit wordsbyjohn.net for more info and rates. Twitter: @WordsByJohn2.
Do you like poetry, short fiction, and general oddities? Check out my new book, Life Among Psychopaths: an unexpected potpourri, now available on Amazon.
