The largest wealth transfer in history is about to take place, so are you ready?
Over the next 20 years, assets valued at $70 trillion are expected to be passed down from older to younger generations. 1 Wow, that’s a big sum of money, and some of it could be coming your way. However, it’s simple to let an inheritance go to waste if you’re not careful. Indeed, after receiving an inheritance, over one-third of inheritors report no change in their wealth, if any decline. 2.
That’s right—some people end up in worse shape after inheriting a large sum of money. They waste all of their inheritance on a few opulent trips or a shopping binge at the mall rather than using some of it to pay off debt or make investments for the future. That money disappears before they know it, and they have nothing to show for it.
Folks, don’t let that be your story. Make the most of your inheritance because it could alter your family tree forever!
Unlocking the Potential of Your Windfall
Receiving a $200,000 inheritance can be a life-changing event, but it also presents a crucial question: can this be enough to fuel your retirement dreams? While there’s no definitive answer, this guide explores strategies to maximize your inheritance and potentially achieve financial independence.
Investing for Growth: Harnessing the Power of the Market
For long-term growth and potential to outpace inflation, consider investing in the stock market. Online brokerages offer convenient platforms to hand-pick your investments, but remember, the market’s inherent volatility means potential for both significant gains and losses.
Historical Returns: A Glimpse into the Future
Historically, the stock market has averaged a 10% annual return. However, this figure can fluctuate considerably. To illustrate, let’s assume you’re 45 years old, aiming to retire in 20 years, and invest your entire $200,000 in an online brokerage with a 4% annual return:
- Year 1: $8,000
- Year 10: $96,049
- Year 20: $238,224
As evident, your initial investment doubles, reaching a total of $438,224 upon retirement. Notably, this scenario assumes a conservative return rate. With a 10% annual average, your potential retirement nest egg could soar to a staggering $1,345,500.
Navigating the Market: Seeking Guidance from Experts
If navigating the stock market seems daunting, consider partnering with a financial advisor. Their expertise can be invaluable, offering personalized investment strategies and potentially boosting your annual returns by 1.5% to 4%. Many advisors also provide comprehensive financial planning services.
Robo-Advisors: A Tech-Savvy Alternative
For a more cost-effective option, consider robo-advisors. These digital platforms offer automated investment management based on your risk tolerance and financial goals. While they may lack the personalized touch of a human advisor, they provide a convenient and affordable alternative.
Maximizing Retirement Accounts: Leveraging Tax Advantages
Boost your retirement savings by maximizing contributions to your 401(k) or IRA accounts. For 2023, the contribution limits are:
- 401(k): $22,500 ($30,000 for those 50 and older)
- IRA: $7,000 ($15,000 for those 50 and older)
If you’re 50 or older, you could contribute a combined $39,500 annually. Assuming you max out your contributions for six years with your $200,000 inheritance, you’ll have maximized your retirement savings potential.
High-Yield Savings Accounts: A Safe Haven for Your Cash
While the stock market offers growth potential, a portion of your inheritance should be kept in cash for emergencies and short-term needs. High-yield savings accounts offer a safe haven for your money, albeit with lower returns compared to the market. Currently, top-performing accounts offer around a 2% annual percentage yield (APY).
Calculating Potential Earnings:
Following this approach, here’s what you could earn in interest alone with no additional contributions:
- Year 1: $4,000
- Year 10: $43,798
- Year 20: $97,189
While APYs can fluctuate, this strategy ensures the safety of your principal while generating some additional income.
The Path to Retirement: A Personalized Journey
Whether a $200,000 inheritance is sufficient for retirement depends on your investment strategy, risk tolerance, and retirement timeline. The more aggressive your approach, the higher the potential returns, but also the greater the risk. Remember, the longer you invest, the more time your money has to grow.
Seeking Expert Guidance: Navigating the Financial Landscape
For tailored advice, consider consulting a qualified financial advisor. SmartAsset’s free tool connects you with up to three advisors in your area, allowing you to interview them at no cost and choose the best fit for your financial goals.
Planning for Your Future: Taking Control of Your Finances
Retirement planning can be complex, but SmartAsset’s retirement calculator can help you assess your prospects of achieving your goals. By understanding your financial situation and exploring various strategies, you can make informed decisions and confidently navigate the path to a secure retirement.
Inheriting a Retirement Account: Options for Non-Spouses
If you’re not a spouse, your options are somewhat limited. The inherited IRA cannot be treated as your own, so you are unable to add to it or transfer money into another account you already have.
Actually, you won’t be able to retain those funds in the original IRA at all (though some 401(k) plans might allow you to maintain the account in its current state). So, here’s what you can do.
Rather, you will have to open a fresh inherited IRA where the money can grow or withdraw the entire amount as soon as possible.
Furthermore, non-spouse beneficiaries—such as parents, children, and other close relatives—must deplete the entire account within ten years following the death of the original account holder due to the SECURE Act.
There are exceptions if you’re a minor child, chronically ill or disabled, or no more than 10 years younger than the original owner. If you fall into one of those camps, you’re considered an eligible designated beneficiary, which means you can either follow the 10-year rule above or take RMDs over your life expectancy or that of the deceased account holder’s.4
Or you could go the lump-sum payment route . which, as we just discussed, may cause tax issues if you’re inheriting a traditional retirement account.
It’s not sugarcoated: inheriting a retirement account can be a little challenging and perplexing. Regardless of whether you are married or not, you should speak with a financial advisor and a tax expert. They can guide you through the advantages and disadvantages of each option so you can decide what is best for you.
What Do I Do With a Cash Inheritance?
Essentially, you have three options for how you want to use your money: donate, save, and spend. An inheritance is no different!.
It’s crucial to treat your inheritance like any other asset, just as you assign a dollar each month in your budget. You’ll be left wondering where your inheritance money disappeared if you don’t direct it!
Imagine your inheritance as a pie that you are cutting into pieces. Now, how you divide your funds will be contingent upon your particular circumstances and your current Baby Steps stage.
As you consider what to do with your inheritance, consider the following slices:
- Give some of it away. Giving should always be a part of your financial plan, regardless of where you are in the Baby Steps. Give 2010% to your church or a charity of your choice.
- Pay off debt. If you’re trying to pay off debt, you should use a portion of your inheritance to accelerate the debt snowball process. Eliminate as much debt as you can. The peace of mind that comes with being debt-free, even for the first time, is a wonderful way to pay tribute to your loved one’s legacy. So, if you can write a check and be debt-free by tomorrow, go for it!
- Build your emergency fund. A money market account containing three to six months’ worth of expenses can help you reduce major emergencies to minor inconveniences!
- Pay down your mortgage. Using a portion of your inheritance to pay down your mortgage can help you get closer to your goal and save thousands of dollars in interest. Can you picture not having to make house payments?
- Save for your kids’ college fund. There are several ways to finance your education without taking advantage of your inheritance. However, you could use part of your inheritance to make up for any missed college fund contributions for Junior by putting it into an Education Savings Account (ESA) or 529 plan.
- Enjoy some of it. A portion of your inheritance can be set aside for enjoyment, but how much depends on your Baby Steps stage. This portion ought to be smaller if you’re still working to pay off debt or save money for emergencies, for example. Remember, you want to use this money wisely!.
What Should I Do with This $200,000 to Become a Millionaire Soon?
FAQ
What should I do if I inherit 200k?
How much monthly income will 200k generate?
How long will $200 000 last in retirement?
Can you live off the interest of $200000?
Can you retire on a $200,000 inheritance?
If you’ve recently gotten a $200,000 inheritance, there’s a chance you could retire on that cash alone. It depends on how you invest it, what type of investor you are and when you plan on retiring. The more aggressive you are, the more likely you are to get a higher return, but that also means a higher level of risk in your portfolio.
What is the best plan for a $200,000 inheritance?
The best plan for a $200,000 inheritance will depend on your current financial position and goals. Where you invest the inheritance will depend on your risk tolerance. Some options include maxing out retirement accounts, investing in the stock market or high-yield savings accounts. An inheritance may help boost your retirement savings.
What should I do if I inherit a large amount of money?
If you inherit a large amount of money, take your time in deciding what to do with it. A federally insured bank or credit union account can be a good, safe place to park the money while you make your decisions. Paying off high-interest debts such as credit card debt is one good use for an inheritance.
Is an inheritance enough to live off in retirement?
An inheritance may help boost your retirement savings. But whether or not it’s enough to live off of in retirement is a very personal question. If you’ve received about $200,000 and you’re wondering if your windfall makes you ready to retire today, you should consider fully assessing the math behind what you’ll need in retirement.