Michael Hay, in receipt of a substantial inheritance following his mother’s passing, now grapples with a major emotional and economic shift. This change has imposed upon him the need to responsibly manage his funds, and with his sisters, acclimate to a sudden leap in economic status. Notably, despite coming to terms with his legal entitlement to his inheritance, Hay associates this prosperity with a sense of loss, referring to it as “mom’s money.”
The inheritance, he believes, embodies his mother’s lifelong dedication to her family. He views it as his responsibility to manage this sudden wealth in a way that best honors his mother’s memory, despite the emotional whirlwind that accompanies sudden financial prosperity on the heels of a loved one’s death.
About Time Financial Planning’s Financial Consultant Kathryn Kubiak-Rizzone emphasizes that the intertwining of grief and sudden wealth can indeed be overwhelming. Her advice for beneficiaries in Hay’s position is to defer all major financial decisions for at least six months, allowing for emotional healing and clear-headed decision-making.
This situation isn’t unique.
Wealth transfer through inheritance: economic implications
Data suggests that in the coming decades, significant wealth is set to be transferred from the “silent generation” and baby boomers to millennials and Generation X, potentially reshaping the economy in many ways. The trend could fuel different markets, boost sustainable initiatives, result in greater technology investments, and dramatically change the wealth distribution landscape.
However, the wealth transfer might also increase financial inequality and affect housing prices, necessitating strategic planning by policymakers, corporations, and individuals alike.
As baby boomers age, forming a larger part of the 80-plus demographic, inheritances are expected to significantly increase. Consequently, over the next few decades, a colossal transfer of wealth through inheritance could be witnessed, despite likely disparities in wealth distribution.
The context of this wealth transfer is essential in understanding its potential impact on personal and societal finances. For instance, a Chicago-based research firm survey revealed that a considerable number of millennials anticipate receiving $350,000 or more as inheritance and view it as integral to their retirement plans.
However, financial experts urge caution against such dependence as inheritances could be unpredictable and should not replace personal savings and investments. They advocate for millennials to focus on personal financial management and retirement planning, taking into consideration all possible risks and liabilities.
