Major Considerations When You Receive an Inheritance

For many Cardinal Health employees, most financial decisions are tied to familiar rhythms — annual enrollment, 401(k) contributions, HSA planning, bonuses, and long‑term career progression. But every so often, something unexpected enters the picture: an inheritance.

Unlike the structured benefits you’re used to navigating at Cardinal, inheritances arrive without instructions, timelines, or a clear next step. And while it’s easy to assume the “right” move is purely financial, most people quickly discover that inheritances carry far more emotional weight than they expected.

It’s not just money — it’s a connection to someone you loved

When someone receives an inheritance, the questions they wrestle with usually have less to do with investing and more to do with meaning:

• What would my parents or loved ones want me to do with this
• Should I keep it separate from other assets
• Is it okay to use it for my own goals
• What if I make a mistake
• Do I even want to touch it right now

These are human questions, not financial ones. And they deserve space.

It’s okay to pause before making decisions

One of the most helpful things to remember is that there’s no required timeline. You don’t need to have everything figured out immediately. In fact, where possible, we often request that clients wait 6 months or longer before making any large decisions.

It’s perfectly reasonable to:

• Keep the funds in cash for a period of time
• Make decisions gradually instead of all at once
• Use some, invest some, and hold some back
• Wait until life feels more settled before making long‑term choices

There is no “right” way to honor someone’s legacy. There is only the way that aligns with your values, your needs, and your peace of mind.

When you’re ready, planning can help bring clarity

Once the emotional dust settles, the financial questions become easier to address:

• How does this inheritance fit into your long‑term goals
• Should it change your retirement timeline
• Does it affect how much risk you want to take elsewhere
• Are there tax considerations to be aware of
• What’s the best way to structure things for your family

Good planning doesn’t start with charts or allocations. It starts with understanding what the inheritance represents to you — and then building a plan that respects both the financial opportunity and the emotional weight behind it.

A note specifically for Cardinal employees

Many of you are balancing demanding roles, complex schedules, and long‑term financial goals tied closely to your Cardinal benefits — your 401(k), HSA, bonus structure, and long‑term incentives. When an inheritance enters the picture, it can shift the landscape in ways that aren’t always obvious.

Sometimes it creates breathing room.
Sometimes it changes priorities.
Sometimes it simply raises new questions.

There’s no single “right” way to navigate an inheritance. What matters is finding an approach that feels respectful, intentional, and aligned with the life you want to build moving forward.

Take care and, as always, stay the course.

_{Colburn Wealth Management, LLC is a registered investment adviser. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and, unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.}