The transfer of wealth from the Baby Boomer generation to their heirs could be far less than anticipated, according to recent research. This could have significant implications for the US economy in the years to come, as Baby Boomers are expected to inherit trillions of dollars over the next decade.
The Baby Boomer generation, those born between 1946 and 1964, are estimated to own around $18.4 trillion in assets. As they age, the transfer of this wealth to their heirs could help to stimulate the economy with an increase in consumer spending.
However, according to a recent report from the St. Louis Federal Reserve Bank, this so-called “Inheritance Boom” may not be as large as expected. The report analyzed data on the wealth of Baby Boomers from 2005 to 2017, and found that much of the assets held by Baby Boomers have already been transferred to heirs, or are in the process of being transferred. This means that the boom may have already partly occurred, and the expected boom may be significantly smaller than previously anticipated.
The report cited several factors that could explain this: including Baby Boomers’ decision to spend more of their wealth on their own needs, and an increase in investment and retirement planning. Other factors such as tax law changes, which have increased estate taxes, could have also reduced the size of the inheritance boom.
The findings of the report could have wide-reaching implications for the US economy, as it could leave the next generation with fewer resources for investment than expected. It could also have an impact on those who have already started to receive their inheritance, as this could leave them with lower gains than they initially expected.
In conclusion, while Baby Boomer are expected to transfer trillions of dollars in wealth to their heirs over the next decade, recent research suggests that this transfer could be far less than expected, due to a number of factors. This could have significant implications for the US economy, not only for the next generation, but also for those who have already begun receiving their inheritance.
