How To Manage A Cash Windfall
By Roger Wohlner AAA |
Many of us fantasize about winning a big lottery jackpot. Let’s say that actually happened? What would you do with the money? How would you manage it?
While winning the lottery is a real longshot, cash windfalls are not that uncommon. People inherit money or receive a life insurance payout when someone dies, they sell businesses or professional practices, they win a judgment in a lawsuit, receive a sizable divorce settlement, or take a 401(k) rollover or lump-sum distribution from a pension account all of which can result in a sizable windfall.
The number 70% seems to be a common one in terms of the percentage of lottery winners and retired NFL and NBA players who end up in financial difficulty. If you're the recipient of a cash windfall what should you do, how should you manage it?
Take A Step Back
There is no rule saying that you have to do something with the money right away. In fact many financial advisers would counsel you take some time and do some financial planning. This is especially true in the case of a large and possibly unexpected windfall.
Don’t succumb to pressure from family, friends, or pushy financial sales types. It’s your money and your life. Get the financial guidance you need, take the time to plan out what you want to do with the money, and then move forward. Refrain from making rash spending decisions.
Hire Help
Depending upon the size and the nature of the windfall you will want to assemble a team of experts that might include a financial adviser, a tax professional, and perhaps an attorney for any estate planning issues created by the windfall.
If the windfall was an expected one, such as a large retirement plan rollover or proceeds from the sale of a business, you quite likely have been working with a financial adviser or tax professional or both already. Lean on these trusted advisers for help in managing this windfall.
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