Giving Your Kids a Living Inheritance? Why It Might Be Necessary With Today’s Cost of Living

Cynthia Measom   Tue, June 18, 2024

Depending on their goals, wealthy parents or grandparents may opt to give a living inheritance instead of waiting until they die to pass on their assets.

Dana Blue, Esq., an experienced estate planning attorney at Dana Blue Law, explained that a living inheritance — also known as an accelerated inheritance — means giving some of your money or assets to your family while you’re still alive, rather than waiting until after you’re gone.

 “It’s like helping them out when they need it, whether it’s for buying a house, starting a business or paying for education,” she said.

Understanding more about why a living inheritance may be helpful to your loved ones and its pros and cons helps you decide if it’s the right choice for your financial planning.

Are More People Opting To Give a Living Inheritance?

“In my job as an estate planning attorney in Philadelphia, I’ve noticed more families considering this option lately,” Blue said. “With today’s high costs of living and uncertain economic times, many people see it as a better way to provide financial support when it can make the most difference. It’s about directly impacting and easing financial worries during important milestones.”

“Several factors contribute to the growing necessity of living inheritances today,” said Marty Burbank, an expert in estate planning and elder law and owner of OC Elder Law. “One key reason is the rising cost of living and education expenses that younger generations face. Additionally, witnessing their descendants benefit from their financial support and ensuring that assets are transferred tax-efficiently are strong motivators for benefactors.”

Why Might a Living Inheritance Be More Necessary Now?

https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/giving-kids-living-inheritance-why-130019103.html