Estate planning
By Bankrate.com

Estate planning is vital
Have you updated your will? Do you even have a will? How about a living will in case of a medical emergency? If you die without a will, the state becomes the executor.

Links:
It's never too early to make a living will, What is a will?, Preparing a will, What in the world is a trust?, Beware trust scams, Getting a will through probate, Estate executor: No job for amateurs, Setting up a charitable trust

Receiving an inheritance
Adopt a methodical approach, not an emotional approach. Deposit the money into a liquid fund where it'll earn interest. Step back, decide how you'll use the money, then select the best investing vehicle to meet your goal.

Links:
After an inheritance, emotions, finances mingle, The ABCs of inheritance taxes, Estate taxes basics, Reducing estate taxes, Interviewing a financial adviser, Investigating a financial adviser, Inheriting your parents' debt