David Awoyode
When his aunt Helen passed away unexpectedly in the fall of 2021, Chris Turner-Neal received an inheritance of $20,000. Though they weren’t especially close, he was deeply touched that she had included him in her will.
Managing the Inherited IRA
Because the money came from Helen’s IRA, it had specific tax rules. Chris worked with her financial manager to set up a withdrawal schedule over 10 years, ensuring the funds would be taxed gradually and added to his investment account.
Turning the Gift Into a Travel Fund
Chris decided to dedicate the inheritance to something he had always dreamed of — travel. Working in nonprofit publishing had left him with limited means, but now, his dream trips were within reach.
First Adventure: Nepal and the Red Pandas
For years, Chris had wanted to join a conservation trip with the Red Panda Network in Nepal. Thanks to the inheritance, he not only joined the expedition but also enjoyed a business-class upgrade for part of the journey. He saw five red pandas and spent his 39th birthday making butter at a hillside farm.
A European Debut for Eurovision
In 2024, Chris traveled to Europe for the first time to attend the Eurovision Song Contest. Starting in Ljubljana, Slovenia, and exploring Croatia, he enjoyed stunning meals, scenic drives, and even made local news in Zagreb as an American Eurovision fan.
The Life-Changing Move to Argentina
The most transformative trip was to Argentina, where he visited a friend in Buenos Aires. Chris fell in love with the city’s lifestyle and moved there in summer 2024. Over a year later, he’s thriving and planning more South American adventures.
Honoring Helen in Every Destination
From sipping rhododendron cordial in the Himalayas to enjoying malbec at an Argentine asado, Chris has toasted his aunt’s memory across the globe. With over half the inheritance still left, his next stop is Paraguay.
Rethinking Estate Planning
Helen’s thoughtful gift has inspired Chris to include an “adventure fund” in his own estate plans, alongside donations to nonprofits, so a loved one can also create lifelong memories through travel.
Charles Esther