Not many parents like to talk to their children about their wealth. How much money people have is usually considered a private matter, something impolite to talk about. But not talking to your children about how much they may inherit can leave them unprepared to handle even a modest amount.
This is becoming especially important because children of baby boomers are due to inherit more wealth than ever before. It has been estimated that baby boomers will inherit $12 trillion from their parents and will leave an additional $30 trillion to their own children over the next thirty to forty years.
Many who have substantial wealth are concerned that letting their children know how much they have will remove any motivation for the children to be productive and involved citizens. A child who knows he or she is going to inherit millions someday might just be a beach bum on Maui and wait for Mom and Dad to die. Wealthy parents often want their children to learn how to live in the world as “normal” people, to be productive and successful in their own right, and may be reluctant to let their children know how wealthy they are so their children do not start to think they are better than others.
Even those who are less wealthy may not want to let their children know how much they have. They may be concerned that all of their savings will be needed for retirement, medical expenses, and end-of-life expenses. If that turns out to be the case, their kids would not receive an inheritance they may have been counting on.
However, not knowing what they may inherit leaves children in the dark and can actually hinder their ability to handle money wisely. Those who inherit a substantial amount may be unprepared for what to do with that much money. Many find they suddenly feel separated from their friends, isolated, and even confused about how to handle relationships; some are wasteful and lazy. Those who inherit even a modest amount are likely to be just as irresponsible; stories of inheritances being squandered on an expensive sports car, lavish vacations, and fast living are all too common.
Experts agree that it is important to talk to your children about money and wealth, at least in generalities. You do not need to show them bank and financial statements. Instead of concentrating on money and material things, you can talk to them about your values, the opportunities money can provide, and what you want to accomplish with it. Most parents want their children to think about others, and many want to encourage entrepreneurship. Some give their children a small amount of money at a young age and teach them how to save and invest, give a certain amount to charity, and spend wisely.
The most effective way to teach your children about your views on money and your values is to be an example and model. Let them see you using your money in ways that reinforce your values around it. Many parents show how they value family relationships by spending their money on family vacations or buying a second home where the entire family can gather for summers and holidays. If your children see you being charitable and helping others, chances are they will become charitable, too. If they see you comparison shopping and looking for value, they will likely not be wasteful with their own money—or with yours when they inherit it.
