Financial Coaching for Heirs

Why Most Inheritances Don’t Last

You’ve spent a lifetime building your wealth, and likely want to leave more than money behind. You want stability, opportunity, and peace of mind for the people you care about most.

But the truth is sobering:

70% of inherited wealth is gone by the second generation. 90% by the third. – National Endowment for Financial Education

This isn't about a lack of character or good intentions. Most heirs simply haven’t had the experience or support they need to manage sudden wealth. Often, they haven’t yet built meaningful assets of their own. They may not know how to set financial priorities, work within a budget, or make long-term decisions with large sums of money. And inheritance often comes at a moment of emotional upheaval—adding even more pressure.

Without preparation, even the most thoughtful heirs can fall into common traps: overspending, poor investments, giving out money too freely, or creating conflict in their relationships.

Your wealth was hard-earned. Passing it on shouldn’t feel like a risk.

What your heirs need isn’t a warning. They need a plan—and time to learn how to use it.

Inheritance Doesn’t Come With Instructions

Many heirs are well-meaning, but not well-prepared. They’ve never managed six or seven figures before. They’ve never had to think about long-term wealth. And when that windfall arrives, they may not even be emotionally ready for it, especially if they’re grieving a loved one at the same time.

The result? A perfect storm of poor financial choices and emotional decision-making.

Common Pitfalls We See

Here are just a few ways inheritors unintentionally squander wealth:

• Lifestyle Inflation – Suddenly upgrading homes, cars, and travel... and then realizing the money doesn’t stretch as far as it seemed.

• Emotional Spending – Trying to “feel better” or “honor someone’s memory” by spending impulsively.

• Poor Investments or Scams – Without financial education or experience, it’s easy to make risky bets—or get taken advantage of.

• Gifting & Pressure – Feeling obligated to help everyone around them, from siblings to friends.

• Relationship Strain – Financial disagreements between partners can quickly escalate, especially when one is managing the inheritance and the other isn’t aligned.

• Lack of a Plan – Perhaps the most common issue. Without a clear roadmap, even responsible people default to short-term thinking.

It’s Not About Discipline. It’s About Preparation.

Most people don’t need stricter rules—they need better tools. Without the financial knowledge, emotional clarity, and practical habits to handle a windfall, many heirs feel overwhelmed and alone. And they burn through what was meant to sustain them for years—or generations.

That’s why coaching before the inheritance changes hands is so important. It gives them time to build skills, set values, and get clear on their purpose—so they’re ready when the time comes.