GOBankingRates works with many financial advertisers to showcase their products and services to our audiences.

These brands compensate us to advertise their products in ads across our site.

This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site.

3 generation Family at home.

Commitment to Our Readers

GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information.

it’s possible for you to read more about oureditorial guidelinesand our products and servicesreview methodology.

But thats the worst way you might think about it, say experts.

facebook sharing button

The foundation is unstable and can disappear in an instant, leaving you vulnerable and unprepared, he explained.

Shahnazari said this scenario underscores the unpredictability of inherited wealth and the importance of building your own financial foundation.

Marty Burbank, elder law attorney and owner ofOC Elder Lawhas witnessed the same.

twitter sharing button

Relying on a promised inheritance to achieve financial goals is risky.

Below are some more reasons why you shouldnever rely on a promised inheritance.

It Strains Family Relationships

According to Shahnazari, relying on an inheritance can strain family relationships.

linkedin sharing button

Shahnazari explained these emotional costs can far outweigh any potential financial gains.

He said this mindset hindered their financial growth, leaving them unprepared when the inheritance fell short.

Ive also noticed that depending on an inheritance can lead to missed opportunities in wealth building, he said.

email sharing button

A strategic approach aligns immediate steps with long-term goals, fostering resiliency amid unpredictable family dynamics, he added.

This proactive strategy provided more security and financial independence, regardless of inheritance outcomes.

Emphasizing self-reliance and introspective financial planning, he noted, is crucial for ensuring a stable financial future.

Shahnazari also noted that another critical factor is the changing landscape of wealth transfer.

Tax laws and estate planning strategies are constantly evolving.

What seems like a guaranteed inheritance today could be significantly reduced byfuture legislative changes, he said.

I always advise clients to treat potential inheritances as windfalls rather than cornerstones of their financial planning.

An inheritance should be viewed as a potential bonus, not a guaranteed safety net, Shahnazari said.

More From GOBankingRates

Share This Article:

The Latest inMoney