The Great Wealth Transfer is coming. Some generations are banking on it.
Americans are on the cusp of what some estate-planning experts are calling the Great Wealth Transfer. But while more adults now compared to years past claim they are preparing to leave a financial legacy, the share who expect to receive one has decreased.
Thats according to research from Northwestern Mutuals 2025 Planning and Progress Study, which found 31% of U.S. adults anticipate leaving a financial gift up from 26% in 2024 but only 20% of individuals expect to receive an inheritance, a decrease from the 25% reported last year.
"As people age, they become more comfortable with their wealth or the amount of money they have and how theyll be able to live life in retirement," said Keith Wagner, founder of Dallas-based Perpetuum Advisors and a Northwestern Mutual adviser. "But I think millennials are also encouraging their parents to go and do things, take a certain trip, have experiences that would be fulfilling to them, and are expecting money a little bit less."
Among survey respondents, 20% are classified as high-net-worth individuals.
https://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/news/2025/07/28/inheriting-wealth-cited-as-critical-for-69-of-m.html
Just what we need, more Donald Trumps.