Why You Shouldn’t Rely On A Large Inheritance

Stepping Into Fees For Returns | The End of Free Returns | Don't Rely on a Large Inheritance Created for {EMAIL} | [Web Version]( January 3, 2024 CONNECT WITH KIPLINGER  [LinkedIn]( [Facebook]( [X]( [Instagram ]( [Youtube]( [SIGN UP]( ⋅ [WEBSITE]( [] INTRODUCTION [] - [Stepping Into Fees For Returns]( I was waiting for the downsides of online shopping to emerge, and the [end of free returns]( embodies the issues. You don’t really know the size, color or quality of an item until you have it in hand. Shopping by trial and error has increased the number of returns retailers must process, and they are now passing back the costs to customers in the form of fees to make returns. Kiplinger contributor Kathryn Pomroy gives you the particulars of this change many stores have implemented. - Donna LeValley, personal finance writer [Minimize Your Tax Burden with Vanguard]( Vanguard Personal Advisor can provide advice on choosing accounts with tax benefits, buying investments that are prone to a lower tax bite, and making strategic moves before year-end to help cut your tax bill. [Start the conversation today]( Paid non-client promotion [LEARN MORE]( ADVERTISEMENT [] TOP STORY [] [The End of Free Returns]( [The End of Free Returns]( (Getty Images) It is anticipated that $148 billion in holiday merchandise will be returned from the 2023 holiday shopping season. I prefer to return in-store when possible to speed up the refund process, and this choice may become mandatory if you don’t want to pay to return merchandise. [Take a look at the new for-fee return policies and where you can expect to pay](. [] INHERITANCE [] [Don't Rely on a Large Inheritance]( [Don't Rely on a Large Inheritance]( (Getty Images) Many people anticipate a large windfall when they receive their inheritance — the reality is very different. The average inheritance doesn’t come close to being six figures and I caution everyone not to plan on paying off debt or plugging holes in retirement or education funds with these funds. [Keep reading to learn how much the average inheritance is and what factors conspire in old age to deplete an estate](. [How automated tech makes investing easy]( Stay chill while your money works for you, with Betterment’s tax-smart tools and automated technology. Investing involves risk. Performance not guaranteed. [LEARN MORE]( ADVERTISEMENT [Advertisement] [] CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT [] [Rates High Over 4% For No-Penalty CDs]( [Rates High Over 4% For No-Penalty CDs]( (Getty Images) 2023 was a great year for savers as the Fed’s interest rate hikes led to increased rates for [high-yield savings accounts]( and CDs. [Kiplinger predicts]( rate cuts could come this year, changing the situation. If you want to lock in a rate while they’re still high, while giving yourself the flexibility to withdraw the funds when you need them, [take a look at these no-penalty CD accounts](. [Have This Much Money? You May Want a Financial Advisor]( Money can't buy happiness, but research finds that if you have this much in household assets, hiring a financial advisor could help heighten your satisfaction levels. Just how much money do you need? [LEARN MORE]( ADVERTISEMENT [] ALSO ON KIPLINGER [] - Nearly 70% of the [richest Americans don't feel wealthy]( - Americans [more optimistic]( about future Social Security benefits - Drugmakers [to hike prices on 500 drugs soon]( - [Mortgage demand drops]( over holiday week ABOUT KIPLINGER When we write about money, we get it right. So the decisions you make with your dollars are also right. Kiplinger is a trusted provider of unbiased financial advice, objective business and economic forecasts, and practical help to millions of business professionals, investors, and individuals seeking to make more profitable decisions with their money. Our [flagship publications]( include [Kiplinger Personal Finance]( magazine, [The Kiplinger Letter]( [The Kiplinger Tax Letter]( [Kiplinger Retirement Report]( and [Kiplinger Investing for Income.]( All are regarded as the leading publications in their respective fields. Every day, millions of readers rely on our [free e-newsletters]( for help on everything from getting the best rate on a mortgage or car loan, to managing their businesses in an uncertain world, avoiding an IRS audit, building wealth for a secure retirement, or investing wisely in any kind of market. Now it’s your turn to reap all the rewards Kiplinger has to offer. Visit [Kiplinger.com](, your gateway to all of the above and much more. Check in any time for our latest advice on how to make more money, and keep more of the money you make. Stay right on the money, with Kiplinger. [Sign Up]( | [Print Publications]( | [Unsubscribe]( [Privacy Policy]( | [Cookies Policy]( | [Terms and Conditions]( CONTACT US: [FEEDBACK](concat('mailto:',$brief_feedback_email)) | [ADVERTISE]( [Future]( Future US LLC © Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY, 10036