Boomers Going Out with a Bang: A Historic Transfer of Wealth

Maybe we should call them “Generation Generous.”

Over the next few decades, Baby Boomers will pass down an estimated $30 trillion in assets to their children and grandchildren.

It’s money they’ve worked hard to save and want their loved ones to have. And yet, most Boomers — perhaps because they simply can’t imagine growing old, much less dying — have done little to prepare for the challenges that will come with this epic transfer of wealth. Meanwhile, their children — mostly Millennials who, according to recent research, are largely skeptical of professional financial services — are confident they can use do-it-yourself digital tools to deal with Mom and Dad’s money whenever they get it.

They’re both wrong, of course.

There can be dozens of decisions that need to be made to help properly pass down this money — to help preserve it from taxes and avoid going to probate, to make sure it goes to the intended people, is used as the parents intended, to provide asset protection in case a child is divorced or sued, and to ensure the children aren’t accidentally disinherited.

Solid planning can help prevent mistakes that could cause potential arguments or lawsuits and mean trouble for generations to come. Here are some things to consider:

1. Get your children involved with you and your financial professional early on.

At least make an introduction to give them a basic understanding, from a 10,000-foot perspective, of what’s important to you. If you’re comfortable getting into details, consider sharing the types of assets you’ll leave and how you would like them to be divided. You may be surprised at the things that can cause arguments down the road. Often, it isn’t about the money; it’s the sentimental assets, such as a vacation cottage or cabin, or a treasured piece of jewelry or art. You should also be aware that your children’s spouses may get involved and try to influence their expectations. So be clear about who should be included in this conversation.

2. Talk to your financial professional about tax-efficient strategies.

I believe and have read many articles that say a majority of the heirs who inherit an IRA take it as a lump sum, pay all the taxes and blow it within nine months. If this isn’t what you want for your kids — and their kids — talk about multi-generational IRAs, ensuring your children appreciate and understand the advantages of keeping the tax deferral throughout their lifetime. For a generation who likely won’t have pensions, this strategy can legally force them to stretch out the money and may provide a lifetime income stream.

3. Choose a capable decision-maker.

After all debts have been settled, it is up to the executor or successor trustee to distribute the assets to heirs according to the provisions of your will. He or she may have to deal with disappointed family members or others who feel they didn’t get their due and will drag out the process. Ultimately, this may only eat away at the money you’re leaving. This isn’t an honorary title to be bestowed on the eldest son or the favorite child. We think it should be someone who is well-liked, respected, persistent and business-minded, as this is a large responsibility and shouldn’t be taken lightly. This person will have a fiduciary responsibility to follow your wishes as they are stated.

4. Make sure your health care — and end of life — wishes have been made clear to all family members.

Tell them specifically what you want to happen, and try to have that conversation with them all at the same time. This is where we can see fights. For example, one child wants to hold on and keep Mom on a respirator and/or feeding tube. And no one is sure what Mom really wanted because she told each sibling something different. Make sure your wishes are well-documented, and work with your estate-planning attorney so you are clear in your estate documents.

5. Talk about asset protection.

The last thing you want is for some or all of the money you leave to your children and/or grandchildren to go to a potential ex-son-in-law or ex-daughter-in-law, or for it to be lost because of a future legal issue. There may be ways to prevent that through proper estate planning — by setting up different kinds of trusts, by providing clear documentation regarding any gifting, and by keeping property correctly titled, for example. We recommend that you meet with your estate-planning attorney to discuss.

It all starts with communication with your loved ones and your team of financial professionals. Everyone should understand who’s getting what, how, when and why. Some people say, “Well, our family is all spread out — it’s too difficult to get together.” But you can do this with a conference call. Or, if there are visuals — if parents really want to share specifics — you can do it with today’s technology, like Join Me or GoToMeeting.

Just lay it out there to help reduce any problems so everyone knows what Mom and Dad want.

Kirk Cassidy is president of Senior Planning Advisors (www.seniorplanningadvisors.com) and Strategic Investment Advisors. He has passed the Series 65 securities exam, which makes him a fiduciary, and he has a life insurance license in several states including Michigan and California (CA license number 0F68091). He also is a national speaker.

Kim Franke-Folstad contributed to this article.