More money, more problems suggests the old adage, but the truth is, most people would agree that having an estate or at least wealth to manage is a good problem to have. However, most people do so thanks to incremental income improvements over the course of their lifetime, be that their means of getting promoted or developing a business as capably as possible.

However, it’s also possible that you’ll come into money you hadn’t expected. That might involve gaining an inheritance from a relative, or perhaps even winning a large amount of money. Perhaps you’re selling an old asset like a prized antique in your collection, or selling your house and moving on after bereavement.

No matter the reason you might come into a large amount of money, and understanding how to handle it so squandering it is never an option will be a smart move to take. It’s important to remember that you don’t have to be unintelligent to encounter issues when moving large sums of money, so don’t be afraid to utilize baseline advice to help you.

Let’s consider some of the golden principles to keep in mind ahead of time:

Use Wealth Management Services

Wealth management or estate planning services can ensure that you invest in the right ways, that you pay the least amount of tax possible through appropriate, absolutely legal saving mechanisms, that you structure healthy emergency fund and insurance measures, and that you continually review your financial strategy depending on your need. When you can diversify investments and consolidate your position, you’ll be less likely to waste your wealth where it shouldn’t be lost.

Pay for the Essentials

There are two ways to look at spending when you come into money. To start with, you could use it to pay for the things you had never had, like a brand new car of a certain make or another luxury. Or, you could use it to invest in the baseline structure of life in the best possible sense. Having a house paid off, student loans paid, making sure you have an emergency or food budget that you never have to be concerned about, or putting your child through college may not be flashy and luxurious, but they’re certainly massive life aids that can help reduce stress.

Don’t Ignore the Utility of Debt

It’s true that debt can be a bad thing – for example, paying off your student loans is only right. That said, even the affluent can use debt to their advantage over time. That might involve taking out loans using wealth as collateral, financing where appropriate for longer term affordability, and taking on good debt that provides access to assets like a mortgage – you could even get a better deal and let your money work for you in the meantime by taking out a mortgage as opposed to buying a house completely. Wealth management services, as discussed, can help you with the starting approach to that.

With this advice, you’re sure to avoid squandering your inheritance or fortune going forward.