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By Melissa Fleur Afshar
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A Reddit user's account of inheriting five unwanted timeshares from a mother-in-law's will has sparked intense discussion among viewers online, highlighting the financial traps that can accompany so-called "gifts" from well-meaning relatives.
The post, shared by an anonymous Reddit user under u/positive_slip9383 on December 12, detailed how the user's mother-in-law insisted on leaving the family five timeshares, despite annual administrative costs of $9,500 and the heirs' clear objections.
"We are not interested in owning timeshares nor are we interested in paying that much in admin costs," the Reddit user said.
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After consulting an attorney, the family members learned that "it is expensive and a hassle to try to get rid of the timeshares," making the inheritance more of a burden than a blessing. The mother-in-law's refusal to amend her will or transfer the timeshares while alive has left the family facing an uncertain financial future.
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"Timeshares are the ultimate gift that 'keeps on taking'," Aneal Bharath, a licensed counselor, told Newsweek. "This situation highlights the complexities of inheritance when the intent behind a gift does not align with the recipient's financial or even emotional well-being."
He added that the perpetuity clause tied to many timeshare agreements, and to the one noted in the post, complicates matters further, passing the financial responsibility to future generations.
"This is a financial and emotional bomb that keeps ticking," Bharath added.
The counselor suggested that the mother-in-law might see the timeshares as valuable assets linked to cherished memories, or symbolic of her generosity.
"When you reject them, she might interpret this as a rejection of her legacy or her ability to provide for her family," he said
For families facing similar dilemmas, Bharath advises open, empathetic communication.
"Express gratitude for her thoughtfulness...But explain that the costs associated with the timeshares would be overwhelming for us," the counselor said.
He also recommends suggesting alternative beneficiaries or working with an attorney to explore other options for transferring the assets.
The post resonated with viewers online, amassing over 12,000 upvotes, with many empathizing with the Reddit user's feelings of stress.
"Unless she is leaving you with enough money to cover the cost of the $9500 in perpetuity, this is in no meaningful way a gift," one viewer said.
Another added: "If she's dumb enough to buy five timeshares, then she probably thinks they're a good deal and would be extremely upset since you're telling her she's wrong."
"I think she's been taken advantage of, and someone convinced her this is a good idea. That it was an investment. To be told that her kids don't want it, and because they're a liability, makes her face that it was actually a bad idea," a third viewer shared. "She thought she was being smart, and now she's confronted with someone saying it's a bad idea. That's what she's reacting to."
In a final piece of advice, Bharath urged the Reddit user and other people in similar situations to set clear financial boundaries.
He said: "The thought counts, but sometimes the thought sucks as well. Two things can be true at the same time."
Newsweek reached out to u/positive_slip9383 for more information via Reddit, and could not verify the details of the case.
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