This Redditor received a life-changing inheritance but is being pressured to give it up. Should she follow her cousin or decide what to do with it by herself?
100% American
OP (Original Poster) started off by saying that she was born in South Africa but emigrated to the United States when she was only a few months old. So, for her, she is “totally American.”
Apartheid Supporters
However, she came from a family of Apartheid supporters. When the conflict ended, everyone “basically bailed for America.”
She wrote, “My parents and aunts and uncles eventually were educated and came around, but my grandparents, while being very sweet and loving to me, were true believers in what Apartheid stood for.”
Fortune Built on Blood
Her grandparents made a small fortune in South Africa by investing and owning businesses in the Apartheid area. Though they also made a ton of money in the United States, it doesn’t change the fact that they had money because they were White and well-connected in South Africa.
Saying Goodbye to the Matriarch of the Family
Sadly, OP’s grandmother passed away before this story was posted. Though she was old, she lived “pretty lavishly” until the day she died.
OP noted that she lived in a “very exclusive” retirement home in Southern California, so she figured no money wouldn’t be left for their inheritance. She thought she’d only receive some family heirlooms.
Jaw-Dropping Amount
However, to OP’s surprise, she was actually thousands of dollars richer!
She wrote, “My head about popped off when I saw the number me and my cousin will split. It’s about $725,000 each. Money that will literally change my life.”
Two Sides of the Spectrum
Though OP and her cousin would be getting the same amount in terms of inheritances, they do not have the same financial standing.
OP explained that her parents’ business failed, so she wasn’t “nearly as well off” as her cousin. To put things into perspective, she shared that she’s married, lives in Rancho Santa Fe, and will be “just fine without this money.”
Refusing the Cash
Because her cousin’s already wealthy, she doesn’t have any need for her inheritance. So, she claimed she would donate 100% of it to charities in South Africa.
Uncalled-for Criticism
Since they got their inheritance, OP’s cousin has been pressuring her to do the same.
She wrote, “She is seriously chiding me that if I plan on keeping it, then I am taking advantage of blood money built on racism.”
Money That Could Change Her Life
However, OP’s hesitant, as she’s not as wealthy as her cousin. As opposed to her cousin, the money would do her a lot of good.
She could pay off her student loans, make a downpayment on a house, invest, and more.
Torn Between Two Sides
OP said she knew and understood where the money came from. Even so, she couldn’t “possibly imagine” giving it away.
Not Any Better
Additionally, OP isn’t sure if donating money to charities in South Africa would do much good, either.
She wrote, “I have no idea what charities are like in South Africa, and family friends we have that still live there say that corruption has taken over everything from the government to charities, and I’m better off just keeping it.”
I’m Just Human
OP understands her cousin’s point. But at the same time, she’s just human; she’s finding it hard to let go of the inheritance that would most certainly improve her life.
She said, “Man, is it hard to say goodbye to that much money that will change my life.”
What the Online Community Thinks
Redditors wanted OP to remember that no matter what, the money’s hers. No one should be able to influence her into making a decision that doesn’t sit right with her.
One of the top commenters wrote, “I’d just like to repeat this. Not the a**hole. Your money, your choice.”
Then, another said, “Not the a**hole. Let’s make this super duper extra crystal clear: your money, your choice! Choo choo, all aboard the karma train.”
Hilarious Suggestions
Then, some jokingly suggested that OP share her money with people on the thread.
“Not the a**hole. But in case it’s still not clear and the weight of this decision is too much to bear, I’ll make it for you. Deposit it into my account, and I will bear the shoulder-breaking weight of this life-altering decision. I am no hero; I’m just doing what any person would do,” joked one Redditor.
It’s Not Your Responsibility!
All jokes aside, some Redditors reassured OP that she shouldn’t be the one to shoulder other people’s bad decisions and actions.
One user said, “Not the a**hole. OP, you are not responsible for bad things other people did. Whether they support Apartheid or not, you are not responsible for other people’s choices. If you lawfully inherit money that you can use to make your life better, then make your life better.”
The same person said, “Keep that money, and you are looking at a much brighter future. Your cousin is a m**** for giving away her fortune based on idiotic and worthless status signaling. All the impotent virtue signaling in the world will not undo a single bad thing from the past.”
Do you think it’s only right for OP to keep her share of the inheritance? Would you keep it if you were in OP’s shoes?
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This post first appeared as She Refused to Donate the $725,000 Inheritance She Received From Her Grandmother to Charity. But Her Cousin’s Criticizing Her, Saying She’s Taking Advantage of “Blood Money” Built on Racism! on Quote Ambition.
