Research

2025 Family and Finance Study

This study aims to understand how American families are handling the intragenerational wealth transfer, estate planning, and the discussions they are having (or not having) with the next generation.

Key Takeaways

Families believe planning matters but many still aren’t prepared. 30% of parents haven't created a will and estate plan that they feel confident about. This gap between intention and action reveals a major preparedness challenge.
Inheritance remains a sensitive topic that most families avoid. Parents overwhelmingly shy away from discussing inheritance amounts, net worth, or estate wishes with their children—leaving future heirs in the dark and at risk of confusion or conflict later on.
Parents and adult children have very different expectations. From financial readiness to caregiving roles, parents and their adult children hold dramatically different views about the future.
Families who engage in ongoing conversations about wishes, responsibilities, and values are far more confident that their estate plans will be carried out smoothly. Communication, not just documentation, is the game changer.

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2025 Family and Finance Study

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2025 Family and Finance Study

This study aims to understand how American families are handling the intragenerational wealth transfer, estate planning, and the discussions they are having (or not having) with the next generation.

Creating client conversations that count

Questions to help you deepen client relationships at every level of the Advice Value Stack®.

Wealthy next generation investors want something new from their investments and advisors

Highlights from Fidelity’s 2025 Investor Insights Study.

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