For some people, inheritance is the only financial relief after losing loved ones, though it doesn’t take away the pain. It provides security and a chance at a more comfortable life. But one woman recently admitted feeling frustrated because her parents are spending their retirement savings, leaving her unsure if she will receive anything.
A 34-year-old woman shared her thoughts anonymously, questioning whether she was being unreasonable. “It’s not something I’m proud to say,” she wrote. “But their dream vacations are draining what I thought would be my inheritance.”
She explained that at her age, she still rents and struggles financially. Unlike her parents’ generation, she and her peers often work freelance or rely on gig jobs instead of having stable careers. She also fears AI will replace many jobs in the future.
She worries that when she finally buys a home, she will be buried in debt without help. Meanwhile, her parents own their home, cars, and travel often. At first, she was happy for them. But as time passed, her struggles made her feel differently.
She recalled how, growing up, their family only took small trips. But once she and her sister moved out, her parents started traveling the world. “At first, I thought, good for them,” she said. “Let them enjoy a few vacations before settling into retirement.”
Now, however, she sees them using their savings and wonders if it’s wrong to think of that money as hers. Her parents had once mentioned that any remaining savings would be shared between her and her sister, and she had been relying on that for financial security.
Many others feel the same way. One of her friends joked that her inheritance was being spent on cocktails in the Caribbean. The debate has sparked discussion online—who is being selfish? The parents for spending their savings? Or the children for expecting it?
Financial experts say these conversations are tough but important. Parents and children need to discuss expectations, consider saving plans, and find a middle ground. In the end, it’s a personal decision every family must navigate.