If you’ve been fortunate enough to come into a large inheritance, it goes without saying that the question of how do I spend all this money, is a very good problem to have. It’s crucial that you think before you spend and get advice from professionals. That means no big impulse purchases during your celebratory phase when you first receive the money, even if it’s burning a hole in your pocket. Every single purchase beyond your regular daily expenses should be carefully thought about. There are also clever things you can do with your inheritance money, such as smart investments, that will guarantee that your fortune not only lasts, but that it also grows.
Spend money on a reputable financial advisor. The best way to hold onto sudden wealth is long term, strategic planning. Your fortune will erode much faster than you expected if you don’t get that cash managed. People often overspend to the point where they’d have to actually have inherited three times that amount in order to be able to spend that much. Financial planners often have people come to them years after they inherited their fortune, because they’re shocked at how quickly it’s depleting and they get scared into seeing a planner. So, why not just spend some good money hiring a good financial advisor from the very start? Seems wise. They can guide you as far as what funds to invest in, and how to plan strategically for the long term growth of your fortune.
Invest in home real estate. Yes, when you have money, you should invest in an asset such as home real estate, in a location that is in predictable demand. You shouldn’t necessarily live in your investment. Home owners can often profit off tenants paying rent that is higher than their mortgage, all the while having their tenants pay off an asset that they own.
Invest in a franchise. Investing in a franchise can really pay off in the long run, and it’s an investment you can safely profit off of. One of the reasons why so many people who want to do this end up not doing it, is because investing in a franchise does requires some significant upfront costs. If you have the money, however, it can be a fantastic investment. Being a franchise owner offers consistent income, and the sales at your location are yours to keep aside from a royalty fee paid to the franchise corporation. If your franchise is a reputable business with strong brand loyalty (such as a Checker’s franchise or a Quiznos franchise) and your location is a good location with lots of foot traffic, you could see your investment grow far past the point of breaking even, into some serious profits. You’ll be strategically supported by the franchise corporation for the entire time you are in business, and you’ll be investing in a tried and tested market that already is doing well. This is a clever investment and a good way to spend some of your inheritance.
Put some of it in an RRSP or 401(k) plan. If your goal is to put a chunk of the inheritance away, saved for retirement, then you should contribute a large chunk into your RRSP or 401(k). One of the smartest things you can do with inheritance money is put a large portion of it into your retirement account. Your retirement fund is tax-sheltered, and the contributions you make to it are tax deductible. The fact that your contributions into your own savings account can actually lower the amount of tax you owe at the end of the year makes it a very intelligent investment.
Pay off debts. Having debt will only hurt you in life, which is why you should use some of your inheritance money to pay off your debts. First of all, you’ll be happier once your debts are gone. You’ll sleep better at night, and you’ll feel less stressed because that huge weight is off your shoulders. Secondly, being debt- free puts you in a position of having good credit, which leads to more opportunities. Considering how much interest costs on your debt, by paying it down to zero, you’ll ultimately save yourself thousands and thousands of dollars in interest you’d otherwise pay over the years. Just because you can’t see the savings, doesn’t mean they aren’t there.
Receiving inheritance money can be quite exciting, depending how much money you receive. But just spending it willy nilly is very silly, investing it into a reliable source like investor shield bonds, is very sensible and extremely smart.
