An Unexpected Gift from Aunt Helen

Saying Goodbye to Helen

Life took an unexpected turn in the fall of 2021. My aunt Helen passed away suddenly. I’d been planning a trip from my home in New Orleans to see her in Dallas. We knew she was unwell, but I didn’t realize how close she was to the end. Despite not being particularly close, she’d always been dear to me. Imagine my surprise when I inherited $20,000 from her.

Being a New Yorker, you’d understand the hustle. I’d loved Helen, but our relationship wasn’t the typical Hallmark movie kind. Yet, her passing left me with a mixed bag of emotions and, quite literally, a bag of money that came with it—specifically, an inherited IRA, not your common lottery win.

Navigating the Inherited IRA

This IRA had some financial strings attached. I could cash it out over ten years, with taxes applied when withdrawn. Her financial manager and I figured out a plan: baby steps in withdrawing and investing. I was ready to make the most of it.

And then came the big revelation—I could travel. From playing with atlases as a kid to adulting in nonprofit publishing, I always dreamt bigger than my wallet allowed. With a travel fund at my disposal, it was all about upgrading from Vienna sausages to “The Blue Danube Waltz” on-site.

Trails in Nepal

The first expedition? Nepal. I’d harbored dreams of seeing red pandas, thanks to my time with the Red Panda Network. Now, the trip was more than just a fantasy; it included flights with an upgrade from Doha to Kathmandu for luxury—think Tom Collins and Joan Crawford flicks. I made sweet, sweet butter on my birthday, among cows and scenic hillsides. I wasn’t just visiting; I was living.

European Adventures

Next stop: Europe for the 2024 Eurovision in Ljubljana—my friends and I soaking up the vibes, right out of a NYC guidebook dream. Slovenia and Croatia didn’t disappoint. I devoured fish by the Adriatic, hobnobbing with locals over Eurovision, and even made it onto the news—Americans, eh?

Splitting costs made the trip easier on the wallet. Who knew bagging an Airbnb and car rental could feel as good as a Broadway show?

A Life Rewritten in Argentina

But here’s where it really flips—Argentina. Visiting Buenos Aires was like finding a hidden speakeasy. The city charmed me so much I moved there by summer 2024. Over a year in, I’m smitten. It’s a continuous honeymoon with tango music and empanadas, and yes, those thrilling South American adventures beckoning.

I’m living the dream. Aunt Helen’s generosity toasted along the way with drinks—from the Himalayas to Argentine asados and Slovenian castles. With more than half of that inheritance still reserved, there’s no end to my wanderlust. Paraguay, watch out—I’m coming for you.

The Legacy of Adventure

Her kindness sparked a flame in me, making me rethink estate planning. My modest estate plans now include an adventure fund—my own tribute to Helen—a baton to pass on to someone who needs it. Her memory lives on, not just in my travels, but in inspiring future journeys.

Cheers to more adventures and to the memories that fuel our spirits.