Prospective Heirs/Beneficiaries Preserve Estate

It is sad, but unfortunately true all too often, that prospective heirs and beneficiaries influence the expected-to-die-first person to conserve resources so that they will receive more later.

As stated by a reader in a recent Bruce Williams column (Avalanche-Journal, Lubbock, Tex., Aug. 22, 2006):

This is not their [prospective heirs/beneficiaries] money; it is the money these folks have worked and saved for all their lives.  My feeling on this with my parents is, I want them to take their last breath when they have spent their last dime.

Mr. Williams responded:

* * * [T]hey will do just about anything to preserve the estate.  The sad thing is, a great many of them would tell you they are only looking out for Dad or Mom’s interest when, in fact, they are looking out for their own interest.