r/Money

People who have won millions or suddenly came into a lot of money—what was it actually like?

Was it as scary or dangerous as people make it sound? Did you ever genuinely feel like someone was trying to take advantage of you?

Everyone warns you about family and friends, but I’d actually be more worried about the people you’re told to trust—the bankers, lawyers, financial advisors, etc.

Did any professional ever try to do something questionable with your money, or make you realize you had to protect yourself from them too?

Just curious what the reality is like from people who have actually lived it.

My company is starting a 401K plan, and I'm 59 years old. I get the whole "no tax up front, taxed when you withdraw" concept but here's the question - do I max out and ride it for 6-8 years or do I just pay my insanely high income tax like I've been doing for years? (no dependas/no debt/no real deductions to speak of)

I can do trad 401k or Roth, or both. Employer will match some, but not all I put in.

I really have no idea about these things, so I'm hoping you money enthusiasts and smarter than me types can help a brotha out :)

I hope this is acceptable for r/Money, I researched groups thoroughly and r/Money seems best. I hope for some good feedback.

30 years ago I mentioned a new motorcycle by Honda which had been released. I may have said something about liking it, possibly even wanting it, but it was just conversation, by no means did I ask her for money to buy the motorcycle.

For a few months she would talk about it, we were both enthusiast. I began talking about the motorcycle and even wanting to get one. Being disabled I knew I could not afford a new motorcycle and insurance so I asked my Dad for a "loan" which he agreed to.

My sister heard about it and then insisted that she and her wealthy husband pay for half of the motorcycle.

I did buy the motor and after eight months riding, a woman cut me off while riding down market street. It was foggy and wet when I rode over the metal grate which was for air circulation below in the trolley tunnel. A woman cut me off and the car almost hit me. I braked suddenly while I tried to correct my balance. Because of my quick maneuver and the slippery, wet and oily grate, traction was gone.

It was like slow motion were I knew I was sliding. Quickly both tires slipped from vertical to horizontal and my bike and I were down on the road. She kept driving, oblivious) I had no injuries to me, except for the ego. The bike thankfully had only very minor cosmetic damage. I rode her home, put her in the garage and never rode it again.

I finally sold the bike, it's value was less than half, but I learned a good lesson.

I told my sister a few months later about what happened and that i sold the bike for $3800, I paid 12k for it new. I didn't even think of my insurance to fix a couple deep scratches, hindsight says I would have got more money for it. Dumbme

When i told sister, she asked "where's the money"? I told her that I used it on my car for tires and she told me that I should have given the money (the gift) back. You ask for a loan, without requesting it, then it's a gift. Or so I thought.

I haven't paid them yet, but I didn't think a gift required repayment. So I am unsure of the right actions to take at this point.

I have some health problems and I want to address this situation before I'm gone. Like I said, I'm unsure, I bet there's reddittors who read this and can advise me on both the legal and moral aspects involved here.

Please advise me. I am open for all opinions, advise me, help me with this dilemma. TIA