Hi Money Minder,
I’ve got a situation that’s been weighing heavily on my mind. My mom passed away, and I’m set to inherit around $270,000. I’m 45, married with no kids, and we have some debt to tackle – about $8,000 in credit card debt we can aggressively pay down and $22,000 in old tax debt with a payment plan.
We own two homes, one with around $150,000 in equity and the other about $60,000. Both have $150,000 remaining on the mortgage. My husband maxes out his 401k, and I have about $50,000 from a previous job, but no 401k currently.
We’re thinking about upgrading our second home or relocating from our primary residence. With my parents gone, we don’t have a reason to stay here. Our current home needs some serious upgrades, but we’re willing to tough it out for a bit and maybe move to a larger second home (maybe a beach house) later when the market’s more favorable.
I plan to put a chunk of the inheritance towards retirement and maybe do a small scholarship in my dad’s name. We enjoy spending money on travel, but I’m feeling overwhelmed. I’ve been content so far, but with the current state of the world, I worry about job security and want to make sure my money is working for me.
Can you help me figure out the best way to handle this inheritance and our financial situation?
Thanks for any advice you can offer!
Retired and Relocating
Response from THE MONEY MINDER:
Hello There,
I am sorry for your loss, and I understand that selling your Mom’s house and inheriting a significant amount of money can be a daunting task to navigate, especially during such a challenging time. It seems like you have a clear picture of your financial situation, which is a great first step.
Considering your existing debts and mortgage situation, it would be wise to prioritize paying off your credit card debt and the old tax debt to secure a stronger financial foundation. By aggressively tackling these debts with the funds you will receive from selling your Mom’s house, you can alleviate financial stress and create more room for future investments.
When it comes to deciding on upgrading your second home or relocating from your primary residence, it may be beneficial to focus on essential upgrades that would increase the value of your current properties. This way, you can build equity and potentially sell them for a higher price in the future. It is also sensible to wait for the right moment to make significant real estate investments, as fluctuating market conditions can impact your financial decisions.
Additionally, allocating a portion of the inheritance towards retirement savings and setting up a scholarship in your father’s name are thoughtful ways to honor your loved ones and secure your financial future. Working with a financial advisor to create a strategic plan for investing and managing your money can help you make informed decisions and maximize your resources.
Remember that financial security is essential, especially in uncertain times, and making your money work for you can provide a sense of stability and peace of mind. Take the time to assess your priorities, set clear goals, and make practical decisions that align with your long-term financial objectives. THE MONEY MINDER wishes you all the best in managing your finances and achieving your financial goals.
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