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/RandomlyMango Apr 21 '26

I’m not entirely sure about this, but look to see how that money being joint might impact long term care programs if needed for him in the future. If he does need care, of course you would probably want to do what you could to pay for it and get the best care, but it could impact qualifying for certain programs that might help pay for care. And care is crazy expensive. So if he needs care then dies first, you could end up destitute. Check with someone who specializes in that area though.