What Matters Most to Children of Wealth

There’s some good news for high-net-worth parents of Gen Z (ages 16 to 21) and young Millennial (ages 22 to 25) children. According to a recent Wells Fargo study of children in families with an estimated net worth of at least $1 million, these children say the most important thing they will inherit from their parents isn’t their wealth but their values.

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The news gets event better. These same children say they want to carry on their families’ legacies too, which indicates that the children are seeing their families’ wealth as more than just something that can just make life easier for them.

Hearing Directly from the Children

This study was unique because it was one of the first where we are hearing directly from the children and not from the parents or grandparents about what they think the children’s priorities or perceptions are. When the children had the opportunity to share their perspectives, they were quite brave about what they revealed. They had some encouraging things to say and made it clear they could use some help, too.

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More than four out of five (84%) say they want to sustain and build on their family's legacy.
The survey found that four in 10 children want to have more say in their family's philanthropic strategies.
The next generation is confident and wants to take on the responsibility of stewardship regarding the family’s wealth and legacy, yet realize they need help with gaining the financial acumen and preparation to do so.
Few children indicate their families meet to discuss finances, yet more than half think it would be a good idea.

This data can be distilled in to three main themes, which any family, not just wealthy families, can address with their children about money: communication, values and preparation.

Communication

Most everyone has good intentions when it comes to their families. However, some need help with interacting on topics related to wealth because those discussions can be scary. Many of us are taught that to talk about money is taboo, or parents are afraid that sharing facts and figures with their children might make their children lazy or entitled. It is vital, however, to talk with your children about money and your family’s money culture, and not just once but regularly.

Family meetings, mission statements and understanding children's desires and concerns can be helpful in making those conversations easier, and you might be surprised at how well the children respond to being brought into the inner circle. One way to start that conversation could be to establish some basic ground rules for the meeting — like no sarcasm, no interrupting, all ideas welcome — to make the space feel safe to start these conversations.

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Philanthropy

Philanthropy can also be a tool to help navigate discussions about wealth, values and priorities. The survey shows that two out of three families now give together as a family. But children want to take an even more active role in shaping how much their family gives and to what causes. Having discussions about what might interest the children, what challenges they see in the world and ideas for how to solve them can be a great start for discussions about philanthropy.

You can give your children a set amount of money to donate to a charity they choose, but before they make the donation, ask them to answer some basic questions about how they want their donation to make an impact, why they are choosing that charity, etc., and ask them to share that with you at a family meeting.

Financial Literacy

Even though a majority of respondents (65%) say they are confident they can manage family wealth, the children of millionaires give themselves mediocre grades (B- average) on their overall financial literacy. This reveals an opportunity to help the children learn more about basic financial literacy, protecting themselves and stewarding the family assets.

Business leaders spend a lot of time and energy on building a pipeline of up-and-coming leaders, training, educating and mentoring them to eventually lead the business. Enterprising families can apply these same principles to prepare the next generation to step in to the role of wealth stewards too.

It is vital to establish solid and open communication, create a shared purpose and educate our children so that they are prepared for stewardship. When families work together, communicate clearly and maintain a shared purpose, the financial and emotional wealth created is much more stable and enduring.

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Survey Details — On behalf of Wells Fargo Private Bank, Versta Research conducted a national survey of 1,000 Gen Z (ages 16-21) and young Millennials (ages 22-26) whose parents have an estimated net worth of at least $1 million, and the questions related to their thoughts on money and values, conversations with parents, expectations around wealth, future plans, financial acumen, etc.

Wells Fargo Private Bank provide products and services through Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. and its various affiliates and subsidiaries. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. is the banking affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company.

Disclaimer

This article was written by and presents the views of our contributing adviser, not the Kiplinger editorial staff. You can check adviser records with the SEC or with FINRA.

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Katherine Dean is the Head of Family Dynamics for Wells Fargo Private Bank. Dean leads the ongoing evolution of the Family Dynamics program curriculum as well as the management of the Family Dynamics team that is distributed across the country. The Family Dynamics team helps families sustain their wealth across generations, by facilitating decision-making about the complex issues that arise as a result of substantial wealth.