Retirement
Australians not prepared for ‘largest’ transfer in history
Despite being the largest transfer of intergenerational wealth, the vast majority of Australians are not prepared, according to new figures.
Australians not prepared for ‘largest’ transfer in history
Despite being the largest transfer of intergenerational wealth, the vast majority of Australians are not prepared, according to new figures.
Perpetual has revealed that 56 per cent of Australians do not have a current will, while 53 per cent of parents have not discussed their will and legacy with their children.
Perpetual Private’s Andrew Baker, general manager of private clients, believes the majority of parents wish their children would use their inheritance wisely and build for the future, but research shows the opposite is happening.
He conceded, however, that the rising costs of living, slow wage growth and a volatile property market is painting a different picture of wealth today than it was 30 years ago.
“It is estimated that 70 per cent of families will lose their wealth by the second generation and 90 per cent will lose it by the third,” said Mr Baker.
To offset risks of families losing their wealth, Mr Baker advocates for discussions around wills and inheritance be broken down so all parties can be prepared and have a plan in place.
“As humans, we tend to shy away from discussing money amongst our families and friends.”
“However, as we approach the largest intergenerational wealth transfer in history with more than half of Australians expecting to inherit, why have only just over a third discussed their wishes with their children?” Mr Baker said.
The wealth manager believes normalising discussions around money and the future can preserve wealth across generations.
About the author
About the author
Estate planning
Australians encouraged to review their estate plans
Individuals should make sure their current estate plan is up to date. Read more
Estate planning
Why would a person want to set up a trust?
Why would a person want to set up a trust? We list down the reasons that may motivate you to call your attorney today. Read more
Estate planning
Will v trust: Which is best for you?
Should you create a will or a trust? Learn about their differences to know which is the best option for your estate planning. Read more
Estate planning
Executor of will and power of attorney: What’s the difference?
What is the difference between an executor of will and power of attorney? Let’s discuss their roles and why they are both important tools in estate planning. Read more
Estate planning
When is the best time to start estate planning?
One of the biggest misconceptions about estate planning is that you should start developing one only when you’re old. We discuss why you should create one as soon as you can. Read more
Estate planning
Advisers warned on limitations with life expectancy estimates
Jeremy Cooper has highlighted some of the limitations in using average life expectancies when planning retirement income for individual SMSF clients. Read more
Estate planning
Deadly estate planning mistakes and how to overcome them
Estate planning can be a complex process. Here are some of the mistakes you should avoid when getting your affairs in order. Read more
Estate planning
Death benefit rules ‘due for an overhaul’
With the existing legislation around the payment of lump-sum death benefits leading to inadvertent breaches by SMSFs, a technical expert says a more practical approach is needed in this area. Read more
Estate planning
Australians encouraged to review their estate plans
Individuals should make sure their current estate plan is up to date. Read more
Estate planning
Why would a person want to set up a trust?
Why would a person want to set up a trust? We list down the reasons that may motivate you to call your attorney today. Read more
Estate planning
Will v trust: Which is best for you?
Should you create a will or a trust? Learn about their differences to know which is the best option for your estate planning. Read more
Estate planning
Executor of will and power of attorney: What’s the difference?
What is the difference between an executor of will and power of attorney? Let’s discuss their roles and why they are both important tools in estate planning. Read more
Estate planning
When is the best time to start estate planning?
One of the biggest misconceptions about estate planning is that you should start developing one only when you’re old. We discuss why you should create one as soon as you can. Read more
Estate planning
Advisers warned on limitations with life expectancy estimates
Jeremy Cooper has highlighted some of the limitations in using average life expectancies when planning retirement income for individual SMSF clients. Read more
Estate planning
Deadly estate planning mistakes and how to overcome them
Estate planning can be a complex process. Here are some of the mistakes you should avoid when getting your affairs in order. Read more
Estate planning
Death benefit rules ‘due for an overhaul’
With the existing legislation around the payment of lump-sum death benefits leading to inadvertent breaches by SMSFs, a technical expert says a more practical approach is needed in this area. Read more