Legacies - Margaret and Tom

Margaret and her late husband Tom had worked hard to make sure that their two children got a good education, and were able to take part in sporting and social activities when they were growing up. The couple had managed to pay off the mortgage and save about $75,000 in a retirement fund.

Margaret, now in her mid 70s, was very reluctant to touch her nest egg as she wanted to use the money to help pay for the education of her grandchildren. As a result, she had to watch her spending and lived a minimal lifestyle.

Her children, now adults, wanted her to visit her sister and other family in England before she became too frail to travel so far. But Margaret kept saying she couldn't afford it. They suspected she had money tucked away but did not know how much until one day when she asked for them to look over an education investment proposal she was considering.

They were quite shocked that their mother was making sacrifices to benefit their children. They finally convinced her that she should take the trip and spend the rest of her money on a more enjoyable lifestyle. They said leaving the house to the family would be more than enough, and much more than they expected.