Inheritance Planning

Receiving an inheritance represents a remarkable opportunity. But without a plan, it can create more problems than advantages.

Why inheritance planning matters

Receiving a lump sum of capital is one thing. Knowing what to do with it — and how to make it last — is another. With the right planning, an inheritance can be:

  • A springboard to future financial security

  • A vehicle for intergenerational wealth creation

  • A way to honour family legacy through meaningful impact

  • A powerful opportunity to reset your financial trajectory

But only if it's managed with intention, structure, and foresight.

What is inheritance planning?

Inheritance planning is the process of managing, protecting, and utilising inherited wealth in a way that aligns with your financial goals, family values, and long-term security.

Whether you’re preparing to receive an inheritance, or managing one already received, this is not just a financial event — it’s a deeply personal, often emotional transition. And without the right guidance, it can go sideways quickly.

The common challenges of receiving an inheritance

Many people assume receiving an inheritance is purely positive. But without a plan, it can create more problems than solutions. Some of the most common challenges include:

  • Emotional Decision-Making
    Inheritances are often received during times of grief, which can cloud financial judgment.

  • Lack of Preparation
    Most beneficiaries haven’t thought through how to manage a sudden influx of capital.

  • No Clear Strategy
    Without a structured plan, wealth is often left idle, mismanaged, or spent impulsively.

  • Overwhelming Complexity
    Legal documents, tax implications, family opinions — the pressure to “do the right thing” can be paralysing.

  • Family Conflicts
    Differing expectations between siblings or relatives can turn a gift into a source of tension.

Mistakes we often see with inheritances

If you’ve received — or are about to receive — a significant inheritance, avoid these common pitfalls:

  • Lifestyle Creep
    Increasing your cost of living before understanding the long-term implications.

  • Uncoordinated Investing
    Putting money to work without a cohesive strategy across asset classes or tax structures.

  • Failure to Seek Advice
    Making decisions alone or based on generic advice can lead to unintended consequences.

  • Ignoring Tax and Estate Planning
    Overlooking how inherited wealth impacts your broader financial position — now and in the future.

What we help with

At Centurion Private Wealth, we support individuals and families across Australia in managing inheritance decisions with clarity and care. Our services include:

  • Investment and capital allocation strategies

  • Estate planning coordination

  • Tax optimisation and asset structuring

  • Family wealth education and intergenerational planning

  • Cash flow and liquidity planning

  • Long-term risk management

We act as your personal CFO — calmly, deliberately, and always with your future in mind.

The Centurion Approach

Understanding Your Holistic Financial Situation
We start by mapping your complete wealth picture — assets, liabilities, income streams, and obligations — so we can see exactly how your inheritance fits into, and reshapes, the bigger picture.

Planning for Tax Optimisation and Asset Structuring
From capital gains to cross-jurisdictional issues, we identify the potential pitfalls early. Then we design the right ownership structures and tax strategies to maximise the opportunity while keeping more of what’s yours.

Cash Flow and Lifestyle Planning
We align the use of your inheritance with the life you want to live — now and in the future. That means making sure the flow of capital supports your lifestyle goals without jeopardising your long-term security.

Implementation and Ongoing Stewardship
We execute the plan with precision — coordinating legal, accounting, and investment decisions — and then continue to refine your strategy as your needs, markets, and laws evolve.

FAQs about inheritance planning

  • Generally, inheritances are not taxed in Australia, but there can be tax implications depending on the assets involved — such as capital gains on property or shares. It’s essential to seek advice.

  • It depends on the type of debt, your interest rates, and your long-term goals. Sometimes, investing the funds creates more long-term value than clearing low-interest debt.

  • Don’t rush. Secure the funds, take time to assess your financial position, and speak to a trusted adviser before making major decisions.

Need help planning your inheritance?
Whether you’re preparing for a future inheritance or managing one today, Centurion Private Wealth can help you make confident, informed decisions.

Book a complimentary consultation today and turn uncertainty into opportunity.