What to Say if Your Adult Kids Ask for Their Inheritance Early

What to Say if Your Adult Kids Ask for Their Inheritance Early

When your kids ask for their inheritance early, it can be a delicate situation to handle. Here are some suggestions on what you can say to them:

1. Empathize and acknowledge their request: Start the conversation by expressing understanding for their desire and acknowledging their request. Let them know that you hear their concerns and are willing to discuss them further.
2. Explain your reasons: Share your perspective on why you had planned to provide the inheritance at a specific time. This could include financial considerations, ensuring their long-term stability, or the importance of learning financial responsibility.
3. Discuss the importance of patience: Emphasize the value of patience and delayed gratification. Explain that sometimes waiting for something can make it more rewarding in the end. Share examples from your own life experiences where patience has paid off.
4. Educate them about financial management: Use this opportunity to discuss financial planning, budgeting, and saving with your children. Teach them about responsible money management and the benefits of building wealth gradually.
5. Offer alternative solutions: If you’re open to it, consider offering alternative ways to support them financially in the present without compromising their inheritance. This could be helping them develop a financial plan, assisting with specific expenses, or exploring other options to meet their immediate needs.
6. Maintain open communication: Encourage open and ongoing dialogue about finances, inheritance, and their future. Let them know that you are available to answer their questions and concerns and that you are willing to revisit the topic at a later time if necessary.
Remember, every family and situation is unique, so adapt these suggestions to fit your specific circumstances.

Giving your children an inheritance early can have potential drawbacks and risks. Here are a few reasons why it may not be advisable:

1. Financial maturity and responsibility: By providing an inheritance early, you may inadvertently hinder your children’s development of financial maturity and responsibility. Delaying the inheritance allows them to learn important lessons about budgeting, investing, and making responsible financial decisions.
2. Uncertain life circumstances: Early inheritances might not consider the changing circumstances of your children’s lives. They may encounter unexpected expenses, financial challenges, or major life events like a divorce, where having the inheritance later would be more beneficial.
3. Loss of motivation and drive: Receiving a substantial inheritance at a young age can reduce the motivation and drive to work hard, pursue education, or build a career. It may create a sense of entitlement that can hinder personal growth and achievement.
4. Financial mismanagement: Without proper financial education and experience, your children may be more prone to mismanaging a large sum of money. They may spend it impulsively, invest unwisely, or fall victim to financial scams, potentially jeopardizing their long-term financial stability.
5. Unforeseen circumstances and emergencies: An inheritance can serve as a safety net during unforeseen circumstances or emergencies later in life. By distributing the inheritance early, your children may deplete their financial resources before truly needing them.
6. Family dynamics and relationships: Providing an inheritance early can introduce complexities and strains within family relationships. Siblings may have different expectations or feelings of inequality, potentially causing conflicts or resentment.
It’s important to carefully consider these factors and have open discussions with your children about their future financial plans and goals.

While there are potential drawbacks to giving an inheritance early, there can be certain situations where providing an early inheritance in Ontario may make sense. Here are a few scenarios where it could be considered:

1. Financial need or hardship: If your child is facing significant financial difficulties, such as medical expenses, debt repayment, or other urgent financial obligations, an early inheritance could help alleviate their immediate burdens.
2. Entrepreneurial opportunities: If your child has a well-thought-out business plan or entrepreneurial venture, providing an early inheritance could give them the necessary capital to pursue their goals. However, it’s essential to carefully evaluate the viability and potential risks associated with the venture.
3. Education or career advancement: Supporting your child’s educational pursuits or career development with an early inheritance can be beneficial. It could help them pay for tuition, professional training, or other opportunities that can enhance their long-term prospects.
4. Family financial planning: If you and your child have collaborated on a comprehensive financial plan, and providing an early inheritance aligns with your joint objectives, it could be a suitable option. This may include strategies like intergenerational wealth transfer or estate planning considerations.
5. Personal circumstances: Every family’s situation is unique, and there might be specific personal circumstances that warrant an early inheritance. This could include health-related concerns, special needs, or other individual factors that make early inheritance beneficial and appropriate.
It is crucial to approach the decision with careful consideration, consultation with professionals, and open communication with your child. Assess the potential consequences, legal and tax implications, and ensure that providing an early inheritance aligns with your overall financial plan and your child’s best interests.