Generational Wealth Transfer

 

This month, we want the charts to do the talking. We’ve seen an increase in headlines about transferring this wealth from the Baby Boomers to the next generations. Let’s dive into the data and see how this may shape the economy and our world.

 

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Source: Federal Reserve

Notes: As of the fourth quarter of 2022. The total amount accounts for liabilities, but the individual asset categories do not account for liabilities and do not add up to the $140 trillion total. The total assets when not accounting for liabilities is $158 trillion. Pensions include the present value of future benefits as well as the value of annuities sold by life insurance companies.

 

Looking at the chart below, the Baby Boomers have the lion’s share of wealth.

 

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Source: Federal Reserve Board Financial Accounts of the United States, Distributional Financial Accounts (DFA).

 

In addition to the 74.8 trillion in net worth referenced above, there is an additional $1 trillion in life insurance proceeds that will be transferred to the next generations.

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Source: Federal Reserve Board Financial Accounts of the United States, Distributional Financial Accounts (DFA).

 

At the same time, GenX and Millennials are taking on bigger mortgages and payments as they try to grow their families.

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Source: Federal Reserve Board Financial Accounts of the United States, Distributional Financial Accounts (DFA).

 

In addition to the higher mortgage balances, GenX & Millennials have a growing level of credit card, auto, and personal loans.

august monthly movements

Source: Federal Reserve Board Financial Accounts of the United States, Distributional Financial Accounts (DFA).

 

This wealth transfer will shape and mold government, policies, taxation, and more in the coming decades. Does the government use this tidal wave of assets to restructure how estates are taxed? Does the increase in potential inheritance motivate or demotivate the younger generations? Only time will tell!

Andrew Cialek, CFP®

 

The views expressed in this commentary are subject to change based on market and other conditions. These documents may contain certain statements that may be deemed forward‐looking statements. Please note that any such statements are not guarantees of any future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected. Any projections, market outlooks, or estimates are based upon certain assumptions and should not be construed as indicative of actual events that will occur. The information provided does not constitute investment advice and should not be relied on as such. It should not be considered a solicitation to buy or an offer to sell a security. It does not take into account any investor’s particular investment objectives, strategies, tax status, or investment horizon. You should consult your attorney or tax advisor. Principle Wealth Partners LLC is a registered investment advisor. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Principle Wealth Partners and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. For additional information, please visit our website at https://principlewealthpartners.com.