Wealthy families often find themselves grappling with how to effectively pass along assets to their children while ensuring those children are ready for the responsibility. As we tread towards the largest generational wealth transfer in history, there is a growing need to ensure those inheriting the assets are adequately prepared to handle them. 

There are a variety of risks involved, including:

• Lack of Financial Literacy: Without proper financial education and guidance, heirs may struggle to manage their wealth effectively, leading to overspending or poor investment decisions.
• Entitlement Issues: Inherited wealth can sometimes foster a sense of entitlement, which may hinder your children’s motivation to work hard and achieve their goals independently.
• Predatory Influences: Wealth can attract unscrupulous individuals seeking to exploit your heirs, potentially leading to financial loss or ruin.
• Family Conflict: Inequities in inheritance distribution or differing views on how to manage family assets can lead to conflicts among siblings or other family members.
• Taxes and Legal Issues: Poor estate planning can result in substantial tax liabilities and legal disputes, eroding the value of the inheritance.

Each of these potential dangers can be mitigated through proper planning. The following are essential strategies for ensuring you and your heirs are prepared. As you read through them, take an honest self-assessment of whether or not you’ve “checked the box” or still have some work to do. 

Educate and Prepare

Begin by providing your children with a solid financial education. Encourage them to develop financial literacy and understand the principles of budgeting, investing and saving. Consider involving them in discussions about your family’s wealth and financial goals.1

Implement a Trust

Establishing a trust can be a powerful tool for protecting your children’s inheritance. A trust allows you to control the distribution of assets, set conditions for access and appoint a trusted trustee to manage the assets on your children’s behalf.2

Gradual Wealth Transfer

Rather than transferring your entire estate to your children at once, consider a gradual approach. Structured distributions over time can help your heirs become accustomed to managing their wealth and reduce the risk of impulsive spending.

Encourage Philanthropy

Instill a sense of responsibility and purpose in your children by involving them in charitable activities and philanthropic endeavors. Creating a family foundation or donor-advised fund can be a meaningful way to teach them the importance of giving back.

Professional Guidance

Engage the services of financial and legal professionals with expertise in estate planning and wealth management. They can help you structure your estate plan to minimize tax liabilities and navigate complex legal issues.

Facilitate Communication

Open and honest communication within the family is paramount. Encourage regular family meetings to discuss financial matters, estate plans and expectations. Clear communication can help prevent misunderstandings and disputes in the future.

Update Your Estate Plan

Review and update your estate plan regularly to ensure it reflects your current wishes and financial circumstances. Changes in tax laws or family dynamics may necessitate adjustments to your plan.

Protecting your children from their inheritance is not about depriving them of wealth or showing a lack of trust in them, but rather about ensuring they are equipped to handle it responsibly. By following these strategies, you can take proactive steps to safeguard your family’s legacy and provide your children with the tools they need to thrive in the world of wealth.

Sources:

• 1Lieber, Ron. The Opposite of Spoiled: Raising Kids Who Are Grounded, Generous, and Smart About Money. HarperCollins, 2015.
• 2The American Bar Association. Family Trusts Guide. americanbar.org/groups/real_property_trust_estate/resources/estate_planning

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