Source: Ronald D. White - The L.A. Times

In March, Sukran Sir lost her father. Then she lost her job.

There was more bad news: The 58-year-old Ventura County resident was expecting to get unemployment benefits but hasn't heard whether she qualifies, despite two phone interviews.

Sir, who goes by the nickname "Suki," is counting on her inheritance to help turn things around. Sir's father, Suleyman, a former aerospace engineer, left her about $80,000 in cash and stocks and the family home in Oxnard.

Read Full Article: Windfall won’t ensure a comfortable retirement