Carnegie Conjecture “the parent who leaves his son enormous wealth generally deadens the talents and energies of the son, and tempts him to lead a less useful and less worthy life than he otherwise would…” The US Federal Reserve have completed a study on how intergenerational wealth transmission can affect wealth concentration. The issue of “inequality” is a popular one – the notion that the rich are the primary beneficiaries of national economic benefit (at the expenses of others, whatever that means), and the lack of economic mobility. I will tackle these issues in more depth in future newsletters.The stats in the report are revealing. More than 70% of intergenerational gifts given while the beneficiary is alive are less than USD 50K, but the gifts of greater than USD 1M account for nearly 50% of gifts by value. This points to a two-speed intergenerational wealth transfer: let’s call them mid-range and high-end. This is an important point to note when reading commentary on this issue – these two groups display very different attributes with respect to wealth transmission.Another important observation of the report are the indirect forms of intergenerational wealth transmission (which apply to both groups). While I abhor popular connotations of the term, they relate to family “privilege” that is self-perpetuating in wealthy families. In addition to financial gifts, a very important thing we can transmit to the next generation is access: to a good education, to a powerful network, and to employment opportunities. The value of these should not be underestimated.Consider This: Are you (and your family) aware of both the direct and indirect ways wealth is transmitted? This can make for a good family discussion about the value and meaning of wealth.Original article: https://www.federalreserve.gov/econres/notes/feds-notes/how-does-intergenerational-wealth-transmission-affect-wealth-concentration-20180601.htmFor more in-depth, thought-provoking discussion points and commentary including non-financial aspects of family and business #conflictresolution #intergenerationalequity, sign-up to gain access to the archives of my Familosophy (formerly Family Matters) newsletter: https://www.transitionbook.co/member-area/6cf3b890596 or book a call or speaking engagement at https://www.davidwerdiger.com influenced and partly based on the Book E-Myth Revisited case study. As a third party advisor to #familyoffice and #familybusiness Werdiger often helps guide the #intergenerational parties to a win-win-win result. Family Business Advisors-Counseling Actionable Generational Wealth Succession.#newfamilyoffice #familyworth #nextgeneration #newmoney #intergenerationalwealth #entrepreneurship #IntergenerationalTransition
