Baby boomers – an iconic slice of American history. Making up almost 20% of the United States population, baby boomers are reaching retirement age in large numbers. As they retire and eventually pass away, they stand to pass on more than a good name or a quirky family legend. In fact, baby boomers are expected to transfer up to $68 trillion in wealth to their heirs in the coming decades. In this article, we will explore some of the wealth transfer strategies for baby boomers. Securing Wealth Beyond the Next Generation An unsettling number of wealth transfers fail by the second generation. Handling large estates can be overwhelming, especially when handed down in one lump sum. Actions to Ease the Wealth Transfer Transitioning money from one generation to the next doesn’t have to be difficult. Consider the following: Prepare an estate plan. If you die without leaving at least a valid Will, your property will pass according to Florida intestacy laws. Your assets will become probate assets unless you have made other arrangements, like beneficiary designations. A large estate trapped in probate court can result in substantial expenses to the estate and, even worse, cause valuable assets to deteriorate. Better yet, consider using a trust-based plan. Trusts offer benefits that Wills do not. Prepare your heirs. It is generally a good idea to talk to your family about your estate plan. Also, if appropriate to your situation, include family members in managing business interests and other real estate concerns. Protect your beneficiaries. Some trusts provide asset protection and spread out the transfer of wealth. For example, a dynasty trust offers benefits like asset protection, tax reduction, and preservation. In addition, wealth transfer strategies may protect your beneficiaries from creditors, civil judgments, and ex-spouses. The important thing is to act now to preserve your wealth for future generations. Baby Boomer or Not, Wealth Transfer Strategies May Help You and Your Heirs. It’s probably never too early to get started to start preparing to hand your wealth on to your kids, grandkids, and even beyond. Law Offices of John Mangan, PAPalm City-Stuart, FLCALL: 1 (772) 218-0480 Do you question the need for attorney guidance with so many online resources? Because laws and regulations are complex, and because every person has a lot at risk, more people than ever are seeking professional guidance from an experienced, knowledgeable source. That helps explain the rapid growth of our firm. Whether you happened upon this website by accident or are one of the many referrals we receive from a nearly 15-year collection of satisfied clients, our staff can provide customized estate planning guidance for you. Call us. Our number: 1 (772) 218-0480 Written by: John Mangan, JD, MBA
