Dusseldorf According to the Federal Statistical Office, every household in Germany has total net assets of 163,000 euros. This is an average value that is far from reality for many Germans. Anyone who still has such reserves has often not earned them entirely on their own. Inheritances play a large part in this – an issue with the potential for dispute that everyone should deal with sooner or later, no matter how large the financial cushion is.
If the testator does not agree with the legal succession, a will can be worthwhile. However, a lot can go wrong: “A typical mistake is not naming a real heir,” says Katharina Schneider, Handelsblatt expert for investor, consumer and tax issues in an interview with host Lena Jesberg.
So it’s not enough to list which relatives should get the house, the car or the silver cutlery. In addition, a person who officially assumes the inheritance must be identified. This person is then responsible for the funeral and any debts. In the current episode of Handelsblatt Today, Schneider explains what else can go wrong, for whom a will is worthwhile and how inheritance tax can be avoided.
Also: March brings changes. In addition to the elimination of the mask requirement for residents and employees of clinics, nursing homes and medical practices, the electricity and gas price brake will also come into force at the turn of the month. For many consumers, that means more money. But there is also more money for students and technical students. From mid-March they can apply for a flat-rate energy fee of 200 euros. You can find out everything you need to know about the relief in the podcast.
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