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Here’s the story of two siblings who had different luck when it came time to inherit their family’s estate. While one reached financial security, the other barely scraped by financially. Feeling desperate, the brother asked his sister for financial help, but she struggled to decide.
Linda’s Family Background
The original poster (OP), whom we’ll refer to as Linda, has an older brother, Ryan. Despite having a different biological father, Linda’s father raised Ryan like his son and wanted to adopt him.
Adoption Request Denied
However, when Linda’s father requested permission to adopt Ryan, Ryan’s biological father refused.
Inheritance and Assets
Unfortunately, Linda’s father passed away when she was a teen. Since he wasn’t married, Linda inherited his entire estate.
Sibling Dynamics
Linda’s inheritance also included half of her grandparents’ assets, which her father inherited as a child. When her grandfather passed away, Linda inherited the remaining portion of her grandparents’ assets.
Financial Decisions
In total, Linda inherited two homes, farmland, and a substantial amount of money. It didn’t take long for Ryan to tell Linda how to spend her money.
Sustaining the Family
Ryan advised Linda to invest her money, but Linda used a good portion of it to pay for college. Additionally, she used part of her inheritance to remodel her childhood home, where her mother had lived.
Paying for Personal Expenses
With the money Linda had left, she planned to pay for the remainder of her college expenses and the repairs required for her second home.
Demanding an Entitlement
Occasionally, Linda gives Ryan money to help pay bills. Ryan works as a freelancer and does odd jobs to help him pay rent.
Ryan’s Claim to a Share of the Inheritance
Despite feeling uncomfortable, Linda has tried to help Ryan by opening a joint business and investing in crypto. However, feeling desperate, Ryan eventually demanded she give him one-third of her inheritance savings.
Help When Needed
“Help him out when he needs it, but the money is safer in your hands.”
Not Legally Entitled
“He can ask for help from you but he cannot demand the money you are legally entitled to.”
Stop Taking Financial Advice
“Sounds like he keeps pressuring you to waste your money. I would stop taking any financial advice from anyone who is not properly qualified and independent. Then go from there.”
Setting Boundaries
Ryan claims that because Linda’s father raised him, he’s entitled to part of the inheritance. However, Linda refuses to give it to him.
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