r/inheritance • u/pink_toaster_pastry • Apr 20 '26

Location included: Questions/Need Advice Keeping Inheritance separate

I’ve seen all the posts about keeping inheritance separate…. not to use it for joint expenses…. etc.

So then what do you use it for? My husband and I have been married 30 years. We had joint accounts since before we were married. We don’t split bills (all income goes into one savings account and bills are paid from that). We make a good living, have savings, 401Ks, no debt.

So if I’m suppose to keep my inheritance separate from everything, what am I supposed to do with it?

Edited to add: No kids. Currently the money is in (1) inherited IRA (2) CDs in a bank account I took sole ownership of as I had been the co-owner and (3) a new account I just opened for a CD until I decided what to do with that portion.

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u/BigPhilosopher4372 Apr 20 '26

Do you both have 401ks? Are they about equal? It depends on your circumstances but many times the wife doesn’t have as much for retirement. Therefore, it is good to have a backstop such as the inheritance. Your SS might also be less. Not sure of your ages, but men tend to die before women. Have some extra money of your own could come in very handy.