Apr 27, 2026
Brian thought he was calling into The Ramsey Show with a straightforward question. Instead, it became a clear example of how expected wealth can distort financial decision-making — and how to respond when it does.
The 36-year-old Denver, Colorado, resident recently lost his grandfather at 96 and learned he may inherit roughly $3.5 million.
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This potential inheritance is expected to come in three parts: $100,000 in cash arriving within two years, a $1 million municipal bond he would receive after his 90-year-old grandmother's death, and a share of a $10 million generation-skipping trust tied to commercial real estate in Los Angeles. Brian's parents currently receive the trust's income, while the principal is expected to pass to the grandchildren later.
In the meantime, he has $155,000 in a brokerage account he has built since 2020 — one he vowed to never touch. He also has a $40,000 emergency fund, no debt other than a $500,000 mortgage, and contributes 4% of his income to his 401(k), enough to receive his employer match.
Knowing what's potentially coming his way, Brian wants to know if it's reasonable to pull $40,000–$50,000 from his brokerage account to fund home renovations and incur roughly $10,000 in capital gains taxes next year to do it?
Breaking it down
This was Brian's ask, posed to hosts Ken Coleman and Rachel Cruze. Their answer was essentially yes, but not for the reason he thinks.
"I think that's fine," Cruze said. "I would say you could pull 40 or 50 out of 150 in a brokerage account anyway, regardless of the inheritance. That's cash for you all to use now or later."
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The key word is "anyway." Cruze's reasoning was that a $155,000 brokerage account, minimal debt (a mortgage only), and a solid emergency fund already put Brian in a position where moderate discretionary spending from savings may be reasonable. The expected inheritance is largely irrelevant to that decision.
But the hosts did push back on Brian's retirement contributions. Putting in only 4% — just enough to get the employer match — at 36 is what they focused on.
"I would be investing 15%," Cruze advised, noting that the expected $100,000 cash inheritance within two years could help replenish funds if Brian withdraws from his brokerage in the meantime.
That sequencing is the key: spend from current savings only if it's affordable, increase retirement contributions now, and treat the incoming cash as a future replenishment — not a justification for spending.
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Cruze summed up the bigger picture: "You've stayed out of debt and built up your own emergency fund, your own brokerage, you're doing it. And when money magnifies great habits and stewarding money well, that's a wonderful thing."
'Act like none of it's coming'
The broader lesson is one financial planners raise frequently: anticipated inheritances are just that — anticipated — and not guaranteed or within your control.
Estates can be contested, plans can change, long-term care costs can significantly reduce assets, and probate can delay distributions for months or even years.
About a third of Americans expect to receive an inheritance and are counting on it to support their financial plans, according to Boldin (1).
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In Brian's case, two of his three inheritance events depend on the deaths of relatives who are currently alive, making both the timing and the final amounts uncertain.
Cruze and Coleman's message is that Brian should act like the money isn't coming and make decisions based on what he actually has today.
The $155,000 he built himself already supports some financial flexibility without relying on future wealth, while the future millions — if and when they arrive — should enhance, not replace, disciplined habits.
As Coleman put it, "Act like none of it's coming."
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Boldin (1)
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With a writing and editing career spanning over 13 years, Emma creates and refines content across a broad spectrum of industries, including personal finance, lifestyle, travel, health & wellness, real estate, beauty & fitness and B2B/SaaS/tech. Her versatility comes through contributions to high-profile clients like Moneywise, Healthline, Narcity and Bob Vila, producing content that informs and engages, along with helping book authors tell their stories.
