Entering your inheritance era

Social media influencer Perrie Sian recently shared some insight into her Inheritance Era on her new podcast, “Can I be candid?”

Her close friends poked fun at her spending choices during this time: McDonald’s each night, Topshop shopping sprees and a brand new car. Perrie admits the inheritance was spent in all of 5 minutes, whilst her friend acknowledged that the inheritance was “never going to be invested into a Stocks and Shares ISA”.

For many – receiving an inheritance can feel more of a burden than blessing, with pressure to spend the money wisely.

If you’ve entered your Inheritance Era, maybe it’s a legacy from family, a gift, or money left when you least expected it, it isn’t just about what you got, it’s about what you make of it.

If you’re coming from a background where money was tight and navigating this new chapter feels confusing, you’re not alone. Let’s walk through how to build a financial safety net that honours what came before and creates space for the life you want.

First Step: Pause and Breathe (Not Spend and Splurge)

Let’s get one thing straight: stepping into a bit of cash doesn’t have to mean going on a shopping spree. Here’s your new mantra: pause, plan, then proceed.

• Take a moment. Sleep on major purchases.
• Ask yourself: Will this bring me long-term peace or just temporary buzz?

Emergency Fund: Your New Best Friend

Life will surprise you! Having a rainy-day stash is the real flex.

• Start small: aim for £500–1,000 in a separate, easy-access account.
• Build gradually: weave it into your weekly/monthly budget
• This fund isn’t a nice-to-have, it’s your peace of mind.

Long-Term Investing: Make Money Work for You

You may not have grown up talking about compound interest, but that doesn’t mean to say it shouldn’t be in your vocabulary now.

• You can start small in a low-fee index fund investing in a SIPP (Self-Invested Personal Pension) or a Stocks and shares ISA.
• Use platforms that let you invest with just a few pounds.
• Set it, and (mostly) forget it. Watch that money grow over time (*remember, your capital is always at risk with investing)

Smart Treats: Because You Deserve Joy

This isn’t about denying yourself, it’s about balancing joy with wisdom.

• Plan a trip, not a shopping splurge. Experiences stay with you longer (and cost less per memory).
• Put aside a “joy fund” every month—just enough for something that lifts your spirit, without undoing your plans.

Build Your Roadmap: One Thoughtful Choice at a Time

• Emergency fund first. Real peace starts here.
• Next: long-term investment. Make money future-focused.
• Then: smart treats, weekly joy, planned splurges, meaningful experiences.
• Finally: check in every few months. Adjust as life changes. Your foundation builds strength every day.

Your inheritance era isn’t just about what landed in your lap, it’s about what you build with it.

Start with small, solid steps. You’re laying down the groundwork for a money story that’s secure, meaningful, and entirely yours.

Perrie Sian shared her story so we can all learn from it.