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Inheritance Strategy

Managing an Unexpected Inheritance

A thoughtful approach to preserving, growing, and using your wealth wisely.

Receiving an inheritance can feel overwhelming. It’s both an opportunity and a responsibility, often arriving with emotional weight. At Thistle Wealth, we help you navigate this transition with perspective, confidence, and a plan tailored to your life and goals.

Pause Before Making Big Decisions

It’s tempting to take immediate action—whether that’s making a large purchase, paying off debts, or giving to family. But the best first step? Take a breath.

Give yourself time to process the emotional and financial impact before making commitments. Thoughtful planning now will set you up for long-term success.

Build a Team of Trusted Advisors

An inheritance involves taxes, investments, and estate planning—areas where professional guidance is key. Surround yourself with:

A Fee-Only Financial Advisor (like us!) to develop a long-term plan
A Tax Professional to minimize unnecessary tax burdens
An Estate Attorney to ensure assets are structured according to your wishes

At Thistle Wealth, our fiduciary approach ensures that every decision is made in your best interest—free from commissions.

Understand the Tax Impact

Different assets come with different tax rules:

Cash & Investments – Some may receive a “step-up in basis,” reducing capital gains taxes.
Retirement Accounts – Traditional IRAs and 401(k)s may require mandatory distributions with tax implications.
Real Estate – Selling inherited property could trigger capital gains tax, depending on timing.

A tax-efficient strategy can help you preserve more of what you’ve inherited.

Create a Smart Financial Plan

How you use your inheritance depends on your unique situation. We’ll help you prioritize:

Paying Off Debt – High-interest debt can weigh you down—eliminating it can free up cash flow.
Investing Wisely – A diversified, research-based approach helps grow and protect your wealth.
Emergency Fund – 6-12 months of expenses in cash can provide peace of mind.
Retirement Security – We’ll analyze whether this inheritance helps you retire earlier or strengthen income stability.

Consider Your Legacy & Giving Goals

Want to honor a loved one’s memory or support causes you care about? Charitable giving strategies—like donor-advised funds or trusts—can maximize impact while providing tax benefits.

Let’s Make a Plan Together

If you’ve recently inherited wealth and need guidance, Thistle Wealth is here to help. Our fiduciary commitment means we focus on what’s best for you, just smart, research-backed financial planning.

Schedule a consultation today to build a clear, confident strategy for your future.

Ready to Build a Resilient Future?

Let’s create a clear, confident path forward tailored to you. I’d love to connect!

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