Leaving a large inheritance is respectable, but it is equally meaningful if a person spends money wisely during his own life, writes Juhana Rossi.
A farmer from Evijärvi Vilho Mustajärvi died at the age of 84 in 2022 without heirs. Mustajärvi bequeathed his assets to a foundation that supports the hobbies and studies of young people in his home municipality of Evijärvi. The foundation has assets of 4.2 million euros.
Trade magazine told About Mustajärvi’s life and career as an investor on Thursday.
In addition to Evijärvi, for example, at least Askola, Imatra, Isojoki, Tammela, Ylöjärvi, Kuopio and Tohmajärvi have been able to benefit from inheritance income that exceeded the news threshold in the 2020s.
In all cases, the deceased has died without heirs. In some cases, the deceased has thoughtfully bequeathed his property to the municipality. Usually, however, a deceased person who has no heirs has died without a will. In this case, according to the law, the inheritance goes to the state, from which the municipality can apply for a share of the inheritance.
As the baby boomers born between 1946 and 1950 approach the end of their lives, it can be assumed that the number of inheritances that end up in municipalities will increase in the future. People either die without heirs and a will, or they consciously bequeath their property to their home county. Inheritance income will not save the economy of any municipality, but locally they can be important.
A person living without an heir can of course bequeath his inheritance to anyone or anything. The essential thing is that the inheritance goes to the destination according to the will of the deceased.
At best, the inheritance ends up being thoughtfully put to good use in a way where the inheritance has a positive effect for a long time. In this sense, Mustajärvi acted as an example. He planned the use of his inheritance well in advance and directed it to a great purpose, i.e. for the benefit of the young people of his hometown.
Collecting an inheritance is one choice
When a large inheritance ends up for the municipality or some other good cause, sometimes the story is related to the fact that the deceased who left the inheritance has lived an emphasized modest life.
Frugality and judicious use of money are undeniably virtues. Likewise, it is respectable if a person leaves a large inheritance for a good cause.
It is meaningful that elderly people use their wealth to keep their own everyday life good.
On the other hand, the life of an overemphasized smoker in order to accumulate a large inheritance is just one choice among others. When you consider that we only live once and worldly possessions are here to stay, next to thrift is just as sustainable a choice to use money judiciously during one’s own life.
I think it is meaningful that elderly people – if they happen to have wealth – use their wealth to keep their own everyday life and quality of life good. The surplus can then be left to the heirs or to a good cause when the time is up.
The author is the editorial manager responsible for data and information.