My parents have three sons, with my second brother being an adopted child and I am the youngest. My father worked as a teacher, and my mother sold goods at the market. They spent their entire lives saving money and were able to buy several plots of land. They always told us they would eventually leave everything to us, yet now, as they approach 70, they still have not done so.
My second brother, knowing he is adopted, does not demand anything, despite facing serious financial difficulties. My eldest brother, on the other hand, works manual labor and leads a very challenging life. Last year, he borrowed money from me to buy land and move out.
He has also complained several times to our parents, saying, “Why spend your life saving money if you will not give it to us early? What is the point of inheritance if we only receive it when we are old?”
Since graduating from university, I have always been independent. I refused to accept money from my parents and even paid for my own wedding. However, after hearing what my brother said, I cannot help but agree with his point.
That said, I want to show my children that their father is a self-made man who does not rely on others to succeed. That is why I have never paid much attention to my parents’ assets.
I have often encouraged my parents to sell some of their land, deposit the money in a savings account, and enjoy life. They should travel to new places each year and live comfortably and happily in their old age.
I believe that investing in my children’s education is far more important than leaving them an inheritance. For this reason, I always strive to provide them with the best educational opportunities within my means.
If I have any assets left in the future, I will divide them equally among my children, though I may quietly give a little more to my eldest daughter. But I hope my children will carry on my philosophy and not expect too much from their parents.
If parents have wealth to give, that is great. But if not, it should not matter. I believe family life would be happier and simpler if people viewed inheritance this way.
Would you pass down your assets to your children early, or let them start life without any financial help?
*This opinion was translated into English with the assistance of AI. Readers’ views are personal and do not necessarily match VnExpress’ viewpoints.
