/images/2018/01/23/navina-side-hustle-mid_MPfEDfV.jpg)
/images/2019/12/06/smart_strategies_to_save_money_on_car_insurance.jpg)
:format(webp)/images/2025/12/03/girl-looking-at-family-heirlooms-jewelry-box.jpg)
/authors/stacy-garrels-headshot.jpg)
/authors/amanda-machado-headshot.jpg)
Most people assume any inheritance is a financial win. Free money is exciting. Who doesn't want a lucky break or a chance to build real wealth?
But a surprising number of inheritances end up costing heirs money, time, legal fees — not to mention years of family conflict.
Below are some of the worst things you can inherit or leave behind.
Get instant access to hundreds of discounts
Over 50? Join AARP today— because if you’re not a member you could be missing out on huge perks like discounts on travel, dining, and even prescriptions.
Get 25% off membership — just $15 for your first year with auto-renewal — and a free gift if you join today.
Condo timeshares
Timeshares show up on just about every "worst assets to inherit" listicle — and for good reason. They come with annual maintenance fees, contracts that can last decades, and almost no resale market.
Experts note that heirs can disclaim a timeshare, but only if they haven't used it and follow strict written procedures during probate.
Many families simply walk away because the costs outweigh the memories. If you're thinking about leaving one behind, talk with heirs early or sell it while you're alive.
Family business
Owning a family business and inheriting one are completely different experiences. Without a formal succession plan, a business can lose value fast — or collapse altogether.
Businesses create tension among siblings, too. Heirs who work in the business may want to reinvest profits, while passive heirs want to monetize.
Experts recommend planning the sale while the owner is alive or creating buy-sell agreements funded by insurance to avoid a post-inheritance blow-up.
Traditional IRAs
A traditional IRA may feel like a thoughtful gift, but heirs may inherit a tax problem instead of a windfall.
The IRS treats inherited traditional IRA withdrawals as taxable income — and most heirs must empty the account within 10 years. That can push them into higher tax brackets fast.
A Roth IRA, by contrast, is one of the best things to inherit because withdrawals are usually tax-free.
Resolve $10,000 or more of your debt
National Debt Relief could help you resolve your credit card debt with an affordable plan that works for you. Just tell them your situation, then find out your debt relief options.1 <p>Clients who complete the program and settle all debts typically save around 45% before fees or 20% including fees over 24–48 months, based on enrolled debts. “Debt-free” applies only to enrolled credit cards, personal loans, and medical bills. Not mortgages, car loans, or other debts. Average program completion time is 24–48 months; not all debts are eligible, and results vary as not all clients complete the program due to factors like insufficient savings. We do not guarantee specific debt reductions or timelines, nor do we assume debt, make payments to creditors, or offer legal, tax, bankruptcy, or credit repair services. Consult a tax professional or attorney as needed. Services are not available in all states. Participation may adversely affect your credit rating or score. Nonpayment of debt may result in increased finance and other charges, collection efforts, or litigation. Read all program materials before enrolling. National Debt Relief’s fees are based on a percentage of enrolled debt. All communications may be recorded or monitored for quality assurance. In certain states, additional disclosures and licensing apply. ©️ 2009–2025 National Debt Relief LLC. National Debt Relief (NMLS #1250950, CA CFL Lic. No. 60DBO-70443) is located at 180 Maiden Lane, 28th Floor, New York, NY 10038. All rights reserved. <b><a href="https://www.nationaldebtrelief.com/licenses/">Click here</a></b> for additional state-specific disclosures and licensing information.</p>
Sign up for a free debt assessment here.
Collectibles
Some collectibles sound fun or even glamorous — artwork, coins, books, instruments — but these are some of the trickiest assets to inherit.
They require specialized valuations, can be overlooked or lost if hidden, and may be worth far less (or far more!) than families assume. Some heirs report nearly tossing out valuables or being misled by dealers.
If you own collectibles, document what they are and where they are, and provide reputable appraisers your heirs can trust.
Cabins and vacation homes
Vacation homes can turn siblings into strangers.
Fights often erupt after parents die, notably about usage schedules, repair costs, buyouts, or whether to sell. Even if everyone gets along, vacation homes come with big costs: mortgages, taxes, insurance, and maintenance.
Experts recommend written co-tenancy agreements and leaving liquid assets to cover upkeep so no one has to pay out of pocket.
Heirlooms
Heirlooms aren't just "stuff." They carry memories — and emotional landmines.
Personal items often cause more conflict than cash because they're hard to divide and easy to overvalue. Jewelry, antiques, and personal collections may be worth far less than expected but still cause fights.
A simple solution: leave a letter of intent or your written instructions (a personal property memorandum) that spells out who gets what. It's not always legally binding, but it can dramatically reduce arguments.
The will
While not an inheritable asset like a property or bank account, it often plays a central role in the inheritance process.
Anything left to heirs through a will must go through probate, a slow, sometimes expensive legal process. The process can tie up assets for months if not years, creating unnecessary stress and conflict.
To avoid probate, many people use transfer-on-death designations or trusts so those assets skip probate entirely.
Firearms
Guns create legal problems if state laws require permits or registration — and state to state, those rules vary dramatically.
In some even executors can only possess firearms temporarily and certain unregistered weapons cannot be passed down at all. Police may even need to store firearms during probate.
If you want heirs to inherit guns, plan early and involve a dealer or attorney familiar with firearm transfer laws.
Bottom line
Some inheritances enrich lives. Others drain bank accounts, inflate tax bills, or create long-lasting family fractures. The best way to help loved ones is to leave behind assets that are simple, clear, and easy to transfer — not expensive emotional puzzles they have to decode while grieving.
For older adults navigating retirement and family planning, staying informed about benefits for seniors can also lighten the financial load for everyone involved.
More from FinanceBuzz:
- 12 ways to pocket up to $300
- Do you owe the IRS >$10K? Ask this company to help you eliminate your late tax debt.
- 12 legit ways to earn extra cash.
- Learn how to escape the paycheck-to-paycheck grind
/images/2021/04/21/adobestock_192812280_1200x628.jpg)
/images/2019/12/06/smart_strategies_to_save_money_on_car_insurance.jpg)
/images/2025/01/28/adobestock_628402894_1.jpeg)
/images/2024/09/04/adobestock_669069249_editorial_use_only_1.jpeg)
/images/2020/03/02/tattoo-woman-bar.jpeg)
/images/2020/12/21/smiling-couple-looking-at-laptop-screen.jpeg)
Benefits Card Details Intro Offer
Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
Annual Fee $0 Why we like it
/images/2025/01/23/discover_it_cash_back_card_art_gold.png)
/images/2025/02/04/person_using_card_in_atm.jpg)
/images/2020/06/29/pensive-woman-looking-at-laptop-screen.jpeg)
/images/2023/04/14/fit_woman_having_fun_with_adorable_mongrel_dogs.jpg)
/images/2024/03/27/customer-holding-pink-stanley-tumbler.jpeg)
/images/2025/11/24/baby-boomer-man.jpg)
/images/2025/09/05/woman-choosing-credit-card-to-use.jpg)
/images/2023/06/05/businesspersons_hand_holding_cheque.jpg)
/images/2024/09/21/graceful-senior-woman-smiling-at-library.jpeg)
/images/2025/11/17/vietnam-veteran-saluting.jpg)
/images/2025/06/23/eggs-in-grocery-store.jpg)
/images/2025/11/18/older-woman-portrait.jpg)
