Would you tell adult child about forthcoming (quite small) inheritance?

[pumpkinpillow]

DS 25 - happy but hasn't found his feet yet. Works a few different jobs, lives independently and is trying to find more secure/better employment.

Anyway, he wants to buy a car or a house. He has quite good savings.
He won't get a mortgage for a house atm due to his employment status.

His grandmother died recently. Down the road (when her husband dies) there will be significant inheritance, but sooner than that there will be about £5000 from her bank accounts etc coming his way.

If he knew this I think it would give him a boost. He would know he could buy (and run) a car, as well as add to the house deposit he's saving for.

But, as we know, it's best not to consider money as yours until it's actually in your account.

My 15yo will get the same and I will put that in trust for him.

Would you tell you adult child it's probably coming their way? They have no expectation at all and it will be a big surprise for them.

Yes tell him, but work out approximate dates first and explain interest rates so he doesn't get himself in debt anticipating it and paying loads of interest fees.

How would he benefit from knowing this right now? Why would it not be just as good for him to find out about it when the funds become available, or are just about to become available?

Unless there is real certainty around timing, he could end up in a “waiting mode” for this money for however long it takes to come through, instead of doing what he can do right now with his own “good savings.” Plus, £5k probably won’t materially change his current situation - he still won’t be able to get a mortgage without more secure employment, and if he already has “good savings” he may well be able to get a car with or without the extra £5k.

He's actually an adult so if there is money to come why hide this from him?

I have no idea when it might arrive. He's not in a position to buy a house yet and wouldn't get into debt over an anticipated amount of money. I will tell him for sure if I have something in writing from a solicitor.

Yes, this is how I feel as well, but as he's 25 I feel maybe I should tell him and then he can make informed decisions. He's not daft with money.
He doesn't need a car or a house right now so he might consider waiting say 4 months and then reviewing the situation.

Because it's not completely certain. I am a beneficiary so it's me dividing the £ between my sons.
The Will states the bank/building soc assets are to be left to NOK in trust, and then to me and someone else on NOK's death. He wants to waive the trust (he recognises that others will benefit from this £ now) and pass it straight to me and the other person.

nb the family home is the main asset.

But yes, he's an adult. This is why I'm asking, I'm just not sure.

@pumpkinpillow I think just be upfront about the entire situation with everyone, it's easier in the long run!

Just tell him everything you’ve said here. No need for secrecy. If there’s uncertainty, explain that.

These things can take forever to come through (though bank account cash significantly quicker as nothing to sell).

If sensible with money I would mention it - e.g. spending on a slightly better condition car might mean fewer repairs etc so would be good for him to hold out… but underestimate how much and overestimate how long so it doesn’t feel like a let down. Might give him time to plan how he’s going to use it too.

If not great with money I’d just wait, otherwise the ‘buy now pay later’ options can get very tempting for sales shopping etc.

I think you're still thinking of him as a child! Treat him like an adult.

True.
In my head he's my boy.
Then I take a step back and realise he's 25.

nb he's been home over Xmas and has behaved like an utter kid with his younger brother! We do tend to regress when we go back to the family home though, don't we.