sure don't since i know both our parents are going to leave us nothing but a mess to get rid of and sell(fil has tons of stuff in storage garages for his business)... not to mention its not my money i don't have a say what happens to it thats a dission everyone has to make for themselves.

i was blessed being left an inheritance last year by my grandfather my mother has been gone for over 16 years so he left her 5th of his estate to me and my 3 sibilings. we will get a lump some next fall(after probate and irs are finished) the bulk of our money is in a trust(keeping it tax free) so i will get the max 12,000 a year at christmas(enough for the rest of my life) or until grandpa's wife dies at wich my share will transfer to me tax free... i never counted on that money never dreamed anyone would think enough of me to leave it to me so i have to use it responsibly get out of debt and stay that way and give my kids some wonderful experiences in life thats what my grandfather wanted for me.. so i feel blessed.

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Measure wealth not by the things you have, but by the things you have for which you would not take money.

First off, great question!

I also have parents who have planned out their own funeral. They even bought their grave stones and visit them every year just for fun (strangely enough in Doozer's home town!). My Dad and I are very close. I learned most of what I know about finances from him (and Dave Ramesy ). He has shown both my brother and I their will. But even with that, I don't count on it at all.

They could out live us.
He could remarry and leave it all to a new wife if my Mom died.
He could join a cult and give it all to them.
He could just decide to write us out of the will.
My mother could spend every penny they have (a more likely scenario).

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We are like several others that have posted - we will be getting an inheritance but we still save and plan for our retirement. When we inherit money it will be great but we will still be fine if crazy things happen and the money never makes it into our hands. Our parents have done well and planned carefully.

He could remarry and leave it all to a new wife if my Mom died.
He could join a cult and give it all to them.
He could just decide to write us out of the will.
My mother could spend every penny they have (a more likely
I Guess No- one Knows Whats Really Coming to them.scenario).



LOL - I Never Thought about the Cult one!

I do Know a Few People with parents who are Financially Great and Wonderful Planners and they Knew they were Getting an inheritence AND -

One Parent Dies the other Remarries , and then things Change a bit. My Friends Dad was a COMPLETLY different man once his Wife Died.

Good Point there.

Nope.

My mom & stepdad have nothing.

My dad has us children as beneficiaries on some accounts - but don't know how much, or anything else about it (he lives in another state and I almost never see him), so not counting on that.

DH's parents have a large estate, but, since they don't believe in lawyers there is no will, and since they don't believe in insurance, we expect it will all go to nursing homes and medical expenses, since FIL's health is failing.