NAVIGATOR | Inheritance: What Do I Do Now?

A steady, protective guide for navigating inheritance with clarity, dignity, and long-term wisdom.

MEET EMILY

The check arrived three weeks after the funeral. It sat unopened on the kitchen counter, beside sympathy cards and wilting flowers. The house felt quieter than it ever had before. Emily wasn’t thinking about investments. She was thinking about her mother’s voice. The way she used to say, “Big decisions deserve breathing room.”

But the world didn’t pause. Friends asked questions they didn’t mean to ask. Family members offered advice they hadn’t been asked to give. Articles warned about mistakes.

Emily felt gratitude and guilt at the same time. Relief and responsibility intertwined. She didn’t want to rush. She didn’t want to freeze. She didn’t want the money to disappear — or define her. What she wanted was clarity without urgency. The real question wasn’t about what to do with the money. It was about stewardship.

“How do I honor what was given to me — without making decisions I’ll regret later?”

WHAT THIS NAVIGATOR IS: A calm, step-by-step guide for individuals or families who have received (or expect to receive) an inheritance — helping them slow down, avoid irreversible mistakes, and integrate the inheritance thoughtfully into their life. This Navigator is about protection before optimization.

A CHECKLIST: To Help You Ask Helpful Questions.

Pause & Stabilization

☐ Have I given myself permission not to decide yet?

☐ Have I avoided irreversible decisions?

☐ Is the inheritance parked safely for now?

Emotional Awareness

☐ Am I experiencing grief, guilt, pressure, or fear?

☐ Am I tempted to act quickly just to relieve discomfort?

☐ Would waiting likely bring more clarity?

Understanding What I Inherited

☐ Do I know exactly what assets I inherited?

☐ Do I know how each asset is taxed?

☐ Are any assets illiquid (real estate, business interests)?

Timing & Rules

☐ Are there required timelines (RMDs, estate deadlines)?

☐ Do I understand which decisions must happen now — and which can wait?

Family & Relationship Dynamics

☐ Are other family members emotionally affected?

☐ Are expectations spoken — or assumed?

☐ Could this inheritance strain relationships if mishandled?

Noise & Influence

☐ Have new “advisors” or opinions appeared suddenly?

☐ Am I filtering advice intentionally?

Alignment With My Life

☐ Does this inheritance change my long-term plan - or simply support it?

☐ Am I trying to let the inheritance redefine my identity?

Stewardship & Values

☐ What would honoring the giver look like to me?

☐ What portion should be preserved for long-term security?

☐ What portion could support joy, generosity, or opportunity?

Risk Awareness

☐ Do I understand what I can afford to risk — and what I cannot?

☐ Am I avoiding concentrated bets or impulsive purchases?

Clarity & Confidence

☐ Have I documented initial thoughts and concerns?

☐ Do I feel calmer than I did at first?

☐ Do I have a plan to review decisions later with perspective?

ACTION PLAN

1. Declare a decision-free window (often 6–12 months)

2. Secure inherited assets safely

3. Inventory all inherited assets clearly

4. Learn the tax rules that apply

5. Separate emotion from strategy

6. Define what this inheritance is for

7. Create a simple preserve/grow/enjoy framework

8. Avoid permanent decisions too early

9. Integrate inheritance into a long-term plan deliberately

YOUR NEXT STEPS 

Today

• Write down one sentence beginning with: “I do not need to decide anything right now.”

This Month

• Secure assets in a low-risk holding structure.

• List all inherited assets and their tax treatment.

• Write down your emotional reactions without judging them.

This Year

• Gradually integrate the inheritance into your broader financial plan.

• Revisit decisions only when urgency has faded.

Schedule a Conversation: Meet with your Gentian TEAMto walk through inheritance calmly — understanding timelines, taxes, and choices without pressure.

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gentian@raymondjames.com | PH 262.518.7575 | 12740 N River Road, Mequon, WI

Opinions expressed in the attached article are those of the author/speaker and are not necessarily those of Raymond James. All opinions are as of this date and are subject to change without notice. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Gentian Financial Inc is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services.