SURPRISE! YOU’RE RICH
Managing a windfall
Managing your inheritance

  • At first, do nothing. Although windfalls are exciting, they’re often accompanied by a range of emotions. Wait three to six months, until your emotional rollercoaster has evened out to make any major decisions.
  • Check in with your goals. Reexamine your current financial situation. Do you have high-interest debt to pay off? An emergency fund that needs shoring up? Even putting small amounts toward a variety of goals can net you big results.
  • Talk to a tax pro. Uncle Sam will likely expect to receive a portion of your windfall, too. Consult a CPA to find out how much you should set aside for when the tax bill comes due.
  • Work with a financial professional to plan for the long-term. Once your immediate needs are addressed, consult a financial advisor to develop an investment plan that will turn today’s windfall into tomorrow’s financial security.
  • Consult an attorney. If you don’t have a will, work with an attorney to draft one. And if you do, now’s the perfect time to review it—with your lawyer’s help—to make sure it reflects your new financial picture.
Take a Stroll
Down MainStreet
To view MainStreet.com's Image Clouds, you must have the most recent version of Flash Player and Javascript must be Enabled. Click here to download the most recent version of the Flash Player.
To view MainStreet.com's Tag Clouds, you must have the most recent version of Flash Player and Javascript must be Enabled. Click here to download the most recent version of the Flash Player.
Jim Cramer's Charity Auction Picks
Want To Bid On The Hottest, Most Exclusive Items... All In The Name Of Raising Money For Charity?
Sponsored Links


 
© 1996-2008 TheStreet.com, Inc. All rights reserved.