Older adults are making difficult choices about leaving an inheritance to their children, and it’s sparking family feuds.
Your kids might be expecting a nice inheritance—but what if you decide not to leave them a dime? More and more Boomers are rethinking the idea of passing down their wealth, and it’s leading to some heated family battles.
Some adult children feel entitled to a financial safety net, while their parents are questioning whether they should hand over their hard-earned money at all. It’s a growing trend that’s challenging long-held traditions—and leaving plenty of kids feeling shocked and betrayed.
1. They worked hard for their money and want to enjoy it while they can.
Boomers spent decades grinding at their jobs, saving diligently, and making sacrifices to build their wealth. Now that they’re in their golden years, many are asking themselves: Why should they pinch pennies just to leave a big inheritance? According to Cabot Wealth, they’d rather use their money to travel, pursue hobbies, and fully enjoy retirement. After all, they earned it. And let’s be honest—no one wants to reach the end of their life wishing they had spent more time and money on themselves.
2. Their kids are financially stable and don’t need the money.
Some Boomers look at their adult children and see successful careers, solid investments, and comfortable lifestyles. If their kids are already financially secure, why should they feel pressured to leave behind a pile of cash? Many parents believe their money is better spent on their own needs, experiences, or even charitable causes. Plus, they don’t want to create a situation where their children rely on an inheritance instead of taking responsibility for their own financial future.
3. They don’t trust their kids to handle a windfall responsibly.
Not every adult child is great with money. Some Boomers worry that if they leave a large inheritance, their kids will blow through it on luxury cars, bad investments, or a string of questionable life choices. They’ve seen too many stories of people squandering inheritances within a few years—or even months. Instead, they’d rather enjoy their money themselves or find more meaningful ways to distribute their wealth while they’re still alive.
4. They believe leaving too much money will make their kids lazy.
Many Boomers worked their way up from nothing, and they want their kids to have that same drive and ambition. They worry that a big inheritance could take away their children’s motivation to work hard and achieve their own success. After all, if someone knows they have a financial cushion coming, what’s stopping them from coasting through life? Some parents see inheritance as more of a curse than a gift and would rather their kids build their own wealth.
5. They’d rather spend their money helping their kids now instead of later.
Why wait until they’re gone to give their kids financial support? Many Boomers prefer to help out while they’re still alive, whether it’s with a down payment on a house, funding their grandkids’ education, or bailing them out of a rough patch. This way, they can actually see their money making a difference instead of just leaving it in a will. Plus, giving money now allows them to set clear boundaries and control how their wealth is used.
6. They want to give back to charity instead of passing it all down.
For some Boomers, leaving a legacy means more than just passing wealth to their kids—it means making an impact on the world. Many are choosing to donate to causes they care deeply about, whether it’s education, healthcare, or environmental conservation. They feel that giving to charity will do more good than leaving a lump sum to their children. And, let’s be real—some parents believe their kids don’t need another vacation home, but the world sure could use more kindness.
7. They don’t want their money causing fights after they’re gone.
Inheritance disputes can tear families apart. Boomers have seen it happen—siblings arguing over assets, lawsuits being filed, and family bonds crumbling over money. The last thing they want is for their kids to turn on each other over who gets what. Some parents believe the best way to avoid drama is to simply spend it all or set up a clear, structured financial plan that benefits causes they care about instead of fueling family feuds.
8. They’re prioritizing their own long-term care over inheritance.
The cost of healthcare and assisted living is skyrocketing, and Boomers know they need to prepare for whatever the future holds. Many are choosing to keep their money for potential medical expenses, ensuring they can afford quality care without becoming a financial burden on their kids. They’d rather be self-sufficient than drain their children’s resources later on. And if that means there’s nothing left to inherit? Well, at least they’ll have peace of mind in their later years.
9. They believe inheritance should be earned, not expected.
Boomers grew up with a different mentality—nothing was handed to them, and they didn’t expect it to be. Now, they want their kids to understand the value of hard work and financial independence. They don’t like the idea of their children feeling entitled to money they didn’t earn. Some parents even see withholding an inheritance as a lesson in self-sufficiency, believing their kids will be better off in the long run without a guaranteed financial cushion.
10. They’ve watched other families get ruined by inheritances gone wrong.
Some Boomers have seen firsthand what happens when inheritances lead to greed, entitlement, and resentment. Whether it was a friend, a distant relative, or even their own parents, they’ve witnessed families fracture over money. They don’t want to put their own children in that position. Instead, they’d rather leave behind memories, values, and life lessons—not a financial situation that could tear their family apart.
11. They’re living longer and want to make sure their money lasts.
With advancements in healthcare, many Boomers expect to live well into their 80s or 90s. That means they need to make their money stretch further than previous generations. Rather than worrying about leaving behind an inheritance, they’re focusing on making sure they have enough to sustain their lifestyle for decades. The reality is, they’d rather have financial security than risk running out of money just to leave a bigger nest egg for their kids.