I've heard so many bad stories due to greed and ignorance after the passing of a parent.  The heirs seem to be divided into "reasonable" and "I deserve more because the other siblings have more than I do!"  it's when the later is in control of the estate or refuses to cooperate just so they can tie the assets up that things spiral out of control.

I sometimes think the whole inheritance thing is a test of character, and it saddens me that the majority I see fail ....  that also includes the vulture-relatives that swoop down the day after they hear of the passing.  They show up carrying a casserole and ask if they can have things from the house before the funeral!!

When my father died I found out my brother was the executor. It took over 3 years to go through probate. This was due to some things beyond our control. However, in my opinion it took more than a year longer than it should have and it cost us $40,000 to $50,000 more than it should have because my brother had some preconceived notions that didn't work. If I had been driving I would have done certain things to minimize our losses and speed up the process of what we had control of of.

As far as keeping $1,000 or more in cash lying around I would never do that when you could put that cash to good use earning money. Personally I think a couple hundred bucks and some gold and silver coins would be much more appropriate as well as some staples for trading.

Food for thought.  Good movie with lots of "what would I have done" situations ....

Shows what happens when no computers, card readers, or ATMs are working.  Also, how price gouging becomes the norm.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0117965/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_43

I sometimes think the whole inheritance thing is a test of character, and it saddens me that the majority I see fail ....  that also includes the vulture-relatives that swoop down the day after they hear of the passing.  They show up carrying a casserole and ask if they can have things from the house before the funeral!!

That is why they put in clauses where if you try to fight the will and lose then you get nothing instead of what you originally were going to be given.

Diversify!

Some in US currency, some in precious metals, and some in tangible commodities.

All things in moderation.

Diversify geographically too. Anyone who wants to store cash at my place let me know.

I've heard so many bad stories due to greed and ignorance after the passing of a parent.  The heirs seem to be divided into "reasonable" and "I deserve more because the other siblings have more than I do!"  it's when the later is in control of the estate or refuses to cooperate just so they can tie the assets up that things spiral out of control.

I sometimes think the whole inheritance thing is a test of character, and it saddens me that the majority I see fail ....  that also includes the vulture-relatives that swoop down the day after they hear of the passing.  They show up carrying a casserole and ask if they can have things from the house before the funeral!!

True that.  I couldn't believe the words that came out of their mouths.  My Mom didn't even pass yet then.  Too sad.  Moving on!!!