Standing on the cusp of one of the most significant economic events in recent history, it’s essential to grasp the magnitude and implications of what has been termed “The Greatest Wealth Transfer in History.” Over the next few decades, an estimated $68 trillion of wealth is expected to change hands from the Baby Boomers to their heirs, primarily Gen X and Millennials, in what could be the most significant financial shift of our era. Sixty-eight trillion dollars. That is $68,000,000,000,000. 68 followed by 12 zeros – that’s a lot of money.
The Genesis of the Wealth Transfer
The origins of this massive wealth transfer can be traced back to the post-World War II era. The Baby Boomer generation, born between 1946 and 1964, witnessed an era of unprecedented economic growth and prosperity. Benefiting from rising real estate values, a booming stock market, and substantial improvements in healthcare, this generation accumulated wealth at levels never seen before in history.
As they age, Baby Boomers are beginning to pass down their accumulated assets, either through inheritance at death or as living bequests, to their children and grandchildren. This transition is not just a transfer of wealth but also a transfer of economic power and influence.
The Impact on Industries and Markets
The wealth transfer will likely have profound effects on various industries and markets. The financial services industry is preparing for a seismic shift as younger generations with different attitudes toward investing and wealth management inherit these assets.
Unlike their parents, Gen X and Millennials tend to be more tech-savvy. When looking for advice that improves their quality of life and frees their time to focus on their life’s purpose, more attention is focused on digital platforms and the client experience. The traditional in-person advisor must adapt to work seamlessly with technology to make even better decisions around their wealth (compared to the financial services industry standard just 20 years ago).
Real estate is another sector that could experience significant changes. As Baby Boomers downsize or pass on property, there could be a surge in the real estate market, potentially affecting property values. However, younger generations may not follow in their parents’ footsteps of home ownership due to lifestyle choices and economic pressures. Real estate inventory is down and demand is up. Many savvy young investors would opt to rent a nice home or apartment and have the funds that would be locked up for down payments used for other investments and to support lifestyle choices.
Challenges and Opportunities
The wealth transfer isn’t without its challenges. There’s a looming concern that younger generations may not be adequately prepared for the responsibility of managing significant wealth. Financial literacy and understanding of wealth preservation strategies will be critical in ensuring that this wealth transfer doesn’t lead to a rapid depletion of assets.
For example, the Vanderbilt family ranks as one of the wealthiest, most powerful families in the history of the United States. Anderson Cooper, the famous anchor for CNN, is a direct decedent of the Vanderbilt family. It’s a good thing Anderson worked hard to become a great success in journalism, because there was nothing left in his trust fund due to overspending through the generations depleting the family’s wealth. If that can happen to one of the wealthiest families in the history of the world, it can happen to any family. It’s imperative that younger generations expecting to inherit significant wealth work with a wealth management team to help them address the massive economic responsibly.
On the flip side, this looming mass transfer of wealth presents an immense opportunity for financial advisors, wealth managers, and the fintech industry to cater to the needs of a new generation of wealth holders. Tailoring services to be more aligned with the values, technological preferences, and investment styles of Gen X and Millennials will be crucial for companies looking to capitalize on this shift.
Within the financial services industry, the private wealth side has its own challenges, as well. Currently there are roughly 300,000 financial advisors in the United States, to advise over 10 million families with at least $1 Million of investable assets. Let’s take this figure with a grain of salt, as many advisers are insurance and/or mutual funds salespeople and not true holistic, fiduciary wealth managers.
Additionally, almost two thirds are over the age of 65 and are Baby Boomers themselves, set to retire. This leaves a very small number of wealth management firms and advisors who have the appropriate advisory platform and process to provide this advice to this tsunami of families and their wealth.
We designed our firm as an enterprise. One reason so few people want to enter the wealth management business is once someone is hired, they have to sell their firm’s financial products to earn a living. This can present a conflict of interest should they desire to build a wealth management practice. Then, it can take years, even decades, to build up the clientele, and many just don’t have the staying power.
Here at Gold, we work as a team. Advisors are hired to not only to provide white-glove service to our clients, but also to collaborate with the team and paid a salary and bonus with the potential to become an equity partner over time. The structure shares similarities with an associate who joins a law firm. This organization design is not new, but it may be transformational to the wealth management industry by allowing for people to feel confident to enter this wonderful industry and to help people do so without the stress of the “eat what you kill” mentality.
The greatest wealth transfer in history is not just an economic event; it’s a generational, cultural, and societal shift. As Baby Boomers begin to pass on their legacy, the ripple effects will be felt across all sectors of the economy. For individuals, families, businesses, and industries, understanding the nuances of this wealth transfer will be key to navigating this tectonic shift of assets and the opportunities and challenges that come with it. One thing is certain: the impact of this monumental transfer will shape the economic landscape for decades to come.
