I’m 65 and a widow with 5 children. Should I split my $1.1 million nest egg between them while I’m still alive?

The Moneyist

‘I receive part of my late husband’s government annuity, which is enough for me to live off’

Last Updated: May 14, 2025 at 8:45 a.m. ET
First Published: May 7, 2025 at 5:15 a.m. ET

Dear Quentin,

I’m a widow. My husband died suddenly in a car accident about five years ago, so we didn’t have time to evaluate our wills. I’m 65. I had my children very young — my first son at 16, the second son at 18. I also have three stepdaughters who are about the same age as my sons. All my children are in their 40s now.

After a small bequest to each of the kids (his and mine) I inherited everything, which includes $1.1 million in investments, $140,000 in an investment account and a paid-for house worth $400,000. I also have a 401(k) of my own, worth about $180,000. For daily living, I receive part of my late husband’s government annuity, which is enough for me to live off.