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How to manage the emotions of receiving an inheritance

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By Capital Partners Wealth Planning

The moment where profound grief intertwines with unexpected prosperity can feel like standing at the crossroads of conflicting emotions. Being thrust into this unfamiliar territory can evoke a whirlwind of feelings ranging from guilt to gratitude, sadness to responsibility. Our team witnesses this often. It makes sense. Receiving an inheritance and grappling with grief is a multifaceted experience.

The weight of sudden prosperity

You might be thinking “Why me?” or “What did I do to deserve this?”. It’s a normal reaction. We’re taught to work hard and earn our money. An inheritance contradicts this.

Find comfort in recognising that your benefactor, in all likelihood, dreamt of setting you on a path of prosperity and seeing you lead a life complete with opportunities and happiness.

Whether it was the vision of you pursuing higher education, setting up your dream business, buying your first home, or cherishing priceless moments with loved ones, these aspirations often find a place in the bequests.

Understanding where your wealth came from

Many people find it hard to digest their inheritance. This is further exaggerated when the origin of such wealth presents ethical dilemmas.

The key to resolution lies in aligning your inheritance with your core values. By strategically transitioning your assets towards your values, you can transform your wealth into a force for good.

Imagine the potential of steering inherited wealth toward community projects, scientific research, or underprivileged education. The impact not only benefits society but also adds a fulfilling dimension to your inheritance.

Stewardship of an inherited legacy

Suddenly coming into wealth can be as overwhelming as it is empowering. While it can potentially resolve many challenges, the ultimate aspiration is for it to be enduring and meaningful. As many of our clients echo, the true value of wealth management is not just in numbers, but in achieving lasting peace of mind.

Having an expert to confide in, to help you navigate your next steps can help set you and your loved ones up for life.

If you’re contemplating partnering with an adviser, prioritise someone who will put you first. During such emotionally charged times, a trustworthy, knowledgeable confidant—preferably a CFP Fee-Only, Fiduciary Financial Adviser—can be invaluable. Should you find yourself navigating these crossroads or know someone who is, we’re here to assist.

The information provided on this site is of a general nature only and may not be relevant to your particular circumstances. The circumstances of each investor are different and you should seek advice from a financial planner who can consider if these strategies and products are right for you.

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