When it comes to leaving wealth to our children, many Christian parents struggle with finding the right balance. We want to bless our kids without spoiling them or creating dependency. Recently, I was struck by a caller’s question to Dave Ramsey about his potential $8-12 million nest egg and concerns about how much to leave his four young daughters.
The question resonated with me because it reflects a common misconception in Christian circles: that wealth itself is somehow spiritually dangerous. But as Dave pointed out, the Bible never condemns leaving an inheritance. In fact, Scripture tells us that “a good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children.”
What I found most enlightening was Dave’s perspective on wealth’s true nature. Money isn’t inherently good or bad—it simply magnifies who we already are. This principle changes everything about how we should approach inheritance planning.
The Character Magnification Principle
When someone with anger issues becomes wealthy, they often become more demanding and entitled. But when a generous person gains wealth, they become philanthropists who transform communities. The money itself didn’t change their character—it amplified what was already there.
This insight has profound implications for parents. Our job isn’t to withhold wealth from our children out of fear it will corrupt them. Instead, we should focus on developing their character so they become qualified stewards of whatever resources they receive.
Dave shared two fundamental principles he taught his own children about wealth management:
- You’re not entitled to anything just because you “hit the gene pool lottery”
- You don’t own the wealth—God does, and you’re simply managing it for His glory
These principles shift the entire inheritance conversation from “how much is too much?” to “how do we prepare our children to handle whatever they receive?”
Practical Inheritance Planning
Beyond the philosophical approach, Dave offered practical insights about structuring inheritances. In his own estate planning, he established age-based dispersions with character qualifications. His children couldn’t access certain funds until age 25, and they had to meet specific character requirements to qualify.
What struck me most was his willingness to disinherit any child who demonstrated they weren’t prepared to be good stewards. This isn’t punitive—it’s protective. Giving substantial wealth to someone unprepared to manage it responsibly isn’t generosity; it’s negligence.
If any one of them decides to live a life that disqualifies them as a manager of God’s money, then they don’t get any. They’re taken out of the trust immediately.”
This approach recognizes that inheritance planning isn’t just about money—it’s about stewardship. The goal isn’t to control our children from the grave but to ensure the resources we’ve been blessed with continue to be used wisely.
Breaking Free From Cultural Misconceptions
We often form our views on inheritance based on cautionary tales: lottery winners who squander millions or young athletes who go broke despite eight-figure contracts. But these examples represent people who received sudden wealth without preparation.
Dave pointed out that many NFL players have “one skill in all of their life skill buckets” and lack the financial wisdom to manage their sudden wealth. Their average career lasts just 3.8 years, and most leave the league financially broken.
This is fundamentally different from intentionally preparing our children over decades to receive an inheritance. When we invest in developing their character, financial literacy, and spiritual maturity, we’re not setting them up for failure—we’re equipping them for success.
A Biblical Perspective on Generational Wealth
Perhaps the most powerful point Dave made was his reference to Solomon building the temple with inherited wealth. The temple—one of the most significant structures in biblical history—was built with David’s money that Solomon inherited.
This challenges the notion that spiritual maturity requires starting from nothing. God clearly uses generational wealth for His purposes when it’s managed by people with godly character.
The key isn’t the amount we leave our children but the values we instill in them. When we raise children who understand money as a tool for God’s purposes rather than their own comfort, inheritance becomes an opportunity for expanded impact rather than a spiritual liability.
As I reflect on this conversation, I’m convinced that our focus as parents should be on character development first, financial education second, and inheritance planning third. When we get those priorities right, we can confidently leave our children whatever resources God has entrusted to us, knowing they’ll manage them wisely for His glory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is there a biblical limit to how much wealth we should leave our children?
The Bible doesn’t specify a dollar amount or percentage that’s appropriate for inheritance. Instead, Scripture encourages leaving an inheritance while emphasizing the importance of wisdom and stewardship. The focus should be on preparing your children to manage wealth responsibly rather than limiting the amount.
Q: At what age should children receive their inheritance?
Dave Ramsey structured his estate plan to release funds to his children at age 25, provided they met certain character qualifications. However, the right age varies based on your children’s maturity and financial readiness. Some families use staged distributions (portions at different ages) or milestone-based releases tied to education completion or other achievements.
Q: How can I prevent my wealth from harming my children’s motivation?
Teaching your children that they’re stewards rather than owners of wealth is crucial. Establish clear expectations that they must develop their own skills and work ethic regardless of family resources. Consider requiring them to build their own careers before accessing significant inheritance, and involve them in family philanthropy to develop a giving mindset.
Q: Should inheritance be distributed equally among children?
Equal distribution is common but not required. Some families adjust distributions based on each child’s financial situation, special needs, or involvement in family businesses. The key is making intentional decisions based on your values and communicating clearly with your children about your reasoning. Remember that fairness doesn’t always mean identical treatment—it means doing what’s best for each child’s unique situation.
