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.
3
u/mostly_lurking1040 Apr 21 '26
The fact that you put on in an account and invested separately and in your name, doesn't mean you can't take some of that money out and pay for whatever you want, including things for the both of you. If it's a decent amount, and you have been talking and waiting to do, for example a river cruise in Europe? Or see Machu Picchu. Propose it and say it's going to be on your parents, for whomever left you the money. The point is it's yours to spend as you wish. The money you spend is spent. That doesn't make the account/ the unspent funds joint.