Planning for Multigenerational Wealth

When thinking about wealth, it’s natural to consider personal finance, investments, and retirement. But have you thought about the legacy you want to leave behind? What steps can you take to create and preserve wealth for your loved ones? According to Trust & Will, creating and preserving multigenerational family wealth involves careful planning and education. Legacy and family are inherent parts of wealth planning, and taking steps now can ensure your hard-earned wealth benefits future generations. Multigenerational wealth planning isn’t just about amassing wealth but sustaining it across generations.

According to Forbes, 90% of wealthy families lose their wealth within three generations. This loss often results from poor decisions by heirs and a lack of estate planning, which can lead to significant taxes and probate costs. Even if you successfully build wealth, maintaining it over generations is challenging. Protecting and preserving wealth is as important as creating it. Here’s how you can start planning for multigenerational wealth.

Educating the Younger Generation

Financial education is crucial. According to NBC News, one in four U.S. adults says their parents didn’t teach them about money. Schools also lack financial literacy education, though some are starting to address this gap. Early on, teaching children about money management helps them develop strong financial habits. Discuss basic principles like giving, saving, and spending. This early education increases the likelihood that your heirs will manage their inheritances responsibly, protecting family wealth for years. There are several finance books that teenagers can use to help educate themselves about money:

  • The Teen’s Guide to Personal Finance: Basic Concepts in Personal Finance that Every Teen Should Know by Joshua Holmberg and David Bruzzese
  • I Want More Pizza: Real World Money Skills For High School, College, And Beyond by Steve Burkholder 
  • Smart Money Smart Kids: Raising the Next Generation to Win with Money by Dave Ramsey and Rachel Cruze
  • The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey
  • Rich Dad Poor Dad for Teens: The Secrets About Money – That You Don’t Learn in School! by Robert T. Kiyosaki –

Teaching children basic money principles in a safe environment helps them develop strong financial habits for adulthood. This practice enhances the likelihood of preserving your family’s wealth across generations. You can start by teaching your children about budgeting, saving, and the value of money. Including them in age-appropriate family financial discussions can provide practical learning experiences reinforcing these concepts.

Fostering Financial Transparency

Open discussions about money are essential. Many families avoid talking about finances, considering it taboo. This silence can be harmful because younger generations won’t understand the importance of financial planning. Hold family meetings to discuss financial values and estate plans. This transparency helps ensure everyone understands and supports the family’s financial goals.

Fostering financial transparency builds trust and ensures everyone is on the same page. Regular updates and open communication help keep all family members informed and aligned with the financial plan. By openly discussing financial matters, you can prevent misunderstandings and conflicts. This practice also prepares younger members to handle financial responsibilities confidently. Including all family members in financial planning discussions can make sure that the legacy you leave behind is honored and sustained.

Build & Shape A Legacy with Worth Advisors 

Planning for multigenerational wealth involves educating the younger generation and fostering open financial discussions. These steps help ensure your family’s wealth is preserved and responsibly managed across generations. Schedule a consultation with Worth Advisors today for personalized advice on creating a comprehensive wealth plan tailored to your family’s needs. Together, we can build a strategy that supports your family’s financial legacy.

Disclaimer: Always consult a financial, tax, or legal professional familiar with your unique circumstances before making any financial decisions. This material is intended for educational purposes only. Nothing in this material constitutes a solicitation to sell or purchase any securities. Any rates of return are historical or hypothetical in nature and are not a guarantee of future returns, which may be lower or higher. Investments involve risk. Investment values will fluctuate with market conditions and security positions, which, when sold, may be worth less or more than their original cost.