The great wealth transfer reality check
New research suggests that the 'great wealth transfer' from baby boomers to younger generations will be significantly smaller than headline figures suggest. After accounting for taxes, fees, and retirement spending, only a fraction of the $93 trillion in boomer assets will reach heirs and impact consumer spending.
Why it matters
Understanding the actual scale of inherited wealth is crucial for businesses and policymakers to predict future consumer behavior and economic trends.
July 2026 – It’s been called the greatest wealth transfer in history. But how big will it be? Pick a number, any number: $110 trillion? $124 trillion? The answer depends on who is counting and what they are measuring, which creates noise but not necessarily clarity on what matters: how much will be passed down and how will it impact consumer spending.
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