The Florida Estate Planning and Probate Law Blog is focused on recent federal and state case law and planning ideas.

ONE IN THREE AMERICANS WHO GET AN INHERITANCE BLOW IT

 
The “Great Wealth Transfer” (the wave of wealth, estimated to be in the trillions, which will flow from the oldest generation in the coming decades) will land in the hands of many Americans ill prepared to handle an inheritance. Multiple studies indicate that the majority of these recipients will quickly dispose of their inheritance. One study found that one third of people who received an inheritance had negative savings within two years of the event.
 
The problem stems from the fact that those inheriting the funds tend to view it as “fun money” and do not utilize it to shore up their retirement savings. The 2015 Retirement Confidence Survey by the Employee Benefit Research Institute found that 57% of workers have less than $25,000 in savings and investments.  In addition, when you factor in inflation, even a $1 million inheritance will not guarantee a couple’s comfortable retirement.
 
The following is a list of expert’s guidance:
 
A decision-free time period where no big decisions (large investments or expenditures) are made. This includes evaluating funds put away for retirement and anticipated cost, the cost of a child’s education through graduate school, annual trips with the extended family, or the purchase of a second home for the whole family to use. 
 
The payment of oppressive debt should also top the list of considerations. Why would you maintain a credit/debit card with a 20% interest rate when you could not invest the funds and earn a financial return even close to that amount annually. 
 
The next consideration should be the creation of an emergency fund in case of unemployment, a medical emergency, or a big-ticket home repair. The funds can help you weather the unexpected expense while still maintaining your lifestyle. 
 
Do not make family members aware of your windfall. If you do, you will quickly learn about multiple “get rich quick” ideas that distant relatives have for your money or loans that you will need to pay on someone else’s behalf. 
 
Funds which remain, after allocating for each of the above items, should then be spent with caution. What may have initially sounded like a great idea (a second home by the lake) could result in the purchase of an item that family and friends will use more than you.