Planning to leave a substantial inheritance for your loved ones is a noble endeavor. However, according to financial advisors, not all assets make for a good inheritance. In fact, some may prove more of a burden than a blessing. Whether due to high maintenance costs, complex management requirements, or potential tax implications, certain assets may not be the best choices to pass on to your heirs.

GOBankingRates recently engaged with several financial advisors to shed light on this complex matter. The advisors highlighted twelve types of assets, including tax-deferred accounts, real estate properties with high maintenance costs, and even cryptocurrencies, that could potentially cause more harm than good for your heirs. Their insights underline the importance of thoughtful estate planning and the need for professional guidance when deciding what assets to leave for your loved ones.

Financial Advisors Warn Against Leaving These 12 Assets to Your Heirs

In our quest to leave our loved ones with assets that will enrich their lives, it’s crucial to remember that not all assets are created equal. Despite the best intentions, certain assets can prove to be more of a burden than a blessing. GOBankingRates spoke to several financial advisors to shed light on what assets you should reconsider before passing on to your heirs.

Tax-Deferred Accounts and Health Savings Account

Tax-deferred accounts, such as retirement savings, may seem like a wise choice to pass on to your heirs. However, Chad W. Holmes, founder and financial planner at Formula Wealth, suggests that tax brackets play a crucial role in this inheritance strategy. If your tax brackets are lower than your children’s, it could be beneficial to spread IRA withdrawals over a few years. This strategy avoids a spike in tax rates and allows your heirs to reinvest the money into an after-tax account.

On the other hand, Health Savings Accounts (HSA) can be a double-edged sword. According to Pam Horack, a CFP at Pathfinder Planning LLC, if you leave an HSA to a spouse, they can use it tax-free for medical expenses. However, if left to a child or estate, it could be considered income and potentially push your heirs into a higher tax bracket.

Real Estate Properties, Illiquid Investments and Complex Financial Instruments

Leaving real estate properties to your heirs might seem like a generous move, but it can become a burden if the properties require high maintenance or are difficult to manage. Alex Doyle, a CFP at Woodson Wealth Management, suggests selling such properties or converting them into rental properties to generate income.

Doyle also warns against illiquid investments, such as businesses or private equity, and complex financial instruments that may be difficult for heirs to manage. To ease the burden on your heirs, consider diversifying the investment portfolio or transitioning these assets into more liquid options before passing them on.

Collectibles, Businesses, Highly Leveraged Assets and Intellectual Property

Collectibles might be special to you, but they can be hard to sell and may not hold their value over time. If you plan to pass on a family business, it’s crucial to have a clear succession plan in place. Assets with significant debt attached could put your heirs in a precarious financial situation. Intellectual property, although seemingly valuable, might not generate the expected revenue and could require ongoing legal maintenance.

Timeshares, Cryptocurrencies, and Uninsured Assets

Timeshares and fractional ownership often come with maintenance fees and scheduling conflicts, which may not be appealing to your heirs. Cryptocurrencies and digital assets can be challenging to manage for those who are not well-versed in blockchain technology. Lastly, assets that lack proper insurance coverage could lead to financial loss for your heirs in case of unforeseen events.

Expert Takeaways

Overall, planning an inheritance is a complex process that involves understanding the nature of the assets and the financial implications for your heirs. It’s essential to consider the tax implications, liquidity, maintenance costs and the heir’s ability to manage the assets. Consulting with a financial planner can provide valuable insights and strategies to ensure that your hard-earned assets truly enrich your heirs’ lives rather than burdening them.