Woman Uses Her Disabled Brother’s Inheritance To Start A Business And Now The Money Is Gone
One gamble changes everything for a vulnerable sibling.
When OP’s parents passed away, their estate was split between her and her younger brother, Mark.
The arrangement was never really questioned. Mark has significant physical disabilities and depends on specialized equipment and ongoing care. While the will may not have spelled it out in exact terms, everyone understood that his share existed for one purpose. His future.
OP’s share, on the other hand, was hers to use freely.
Around that time, OP had an idea she truly believed in. A business concept that looked strong on paper and felt like her chance to build something meaningful. The problem was money. Her portion of the inheritance wasn’t enough to launch it properly, and outside funding wasn’t coming together.
So she made a decision she told herself was temporary.
She took some money from Mark’s fund. Not all of it. Not even close. She framed it as an investment. A loan. If the business succeeded, she would pay it back with interest, and Mark would be even more financially secure in the long run.
At least, that was the plan.
She vaguely mentioned moving funds for an investment to her aunt, who helps manage Mark’s day-to-day needs. Nothing concrete. Nothing clearly explained. No formal agreement. The business moved forward.
Then things went wrong.
Supplier issues. Market shifts. Losses that stacked faster than expected. The business hasn’t fully collapsed, but the money OP borrowed is now tied up and impossible to pull out without ending everything.
Now Mark urgently needs a new piece of equipment. Not optional. Not cosmetic. Something that would drastically affect his daily life.
And the money meant for it is gone.
Her aunt is furious. The family is talking about lawyers. Mark knows, even if he doesn’t fully understand why.
OP insists her intentions were good. She believes she was trying to build something for both of them.
Scroll through the screenshots below to see how that belief is being challenged.
Let’s dig into the details
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We gathered some interesting comments from the Reddit community
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“You are a criminal, and please, God, let your brother have a legal guardian who will safeguard his rights.”
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“YTA…You took funds that were not yours to take for your own needs/wants. They were for your brother.”
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“YTA. I hope they sue you and get the money back +damages.”
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“YTA. There is no world in which what you did is right, ethical, or okay in any way.”
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“Not a lawyer, but you've also opened yourself up to being sued by your brother, and he has every right to do so.”
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“You took his money, and gambled it away. God almighty, your parents did so well for you both, and this is what you did.”
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OP believed she was making a calculated risk that could benefit everyone. Her family sees a vulnerable person paying the price for a decision he never agreed to.
The business still existing doesn’t undo the immediate reality of unmet care needs and broken trust. Sometimes good intentions don’t soften the harm they cause.
The question now isn’t just about money, but about responsibility when risk is taken with someone else’s safety net.
What do you think matters more here, intention or outcome? Share your thoughts in the comments.
