How to Protect Generational Wealth

For many people, a home is their family’s most valuable asset. It serves as a wealth-generating opportunity for current and future generations as the home’s value appreciates over time. Yet, for hundreds of thousands of people who inherited their land and homes from family members, these assets could be at risk.

Many families have experienced problems with properties that have been passed down without a will or estate plan. These properties are referred to as “heirs’ property.”

If the deed for a property is in the name of the deceased relative and a will does not exist, it results in a “fractured” or “tangled” title shared among all multiple family members or “heirs.” This makes it difficult for heirs to maintain and manage the property in several ways, like securing a loan or selling the property. Additionally, heirs’ property owners are often cut off from accessing governmental repair, rebuilding and property tax relief programs.

A key driver of heirs’ property is a lack of formal estate planning.

“In some families, money, and particularly estate planning, is a taboo subject — but it needs to be discussed. Assets can easily be lost if steps aren’t taken to protect them,” says Stacy Spann, head of Housing Access and Affordability Philanthropy at Wells Fargo. “One of the ways we can help close the wealth gap in many communities is by empowering people to maintain home ownership from one generation to the next.”

Here are some tips to get you started:

Start planning today — whatever your age or financial circumstances.

Record an inventory of all your assets.

Create a will providing specific instructions for your wishes for all your assets.

Designate beneficiaries. You can set up beneficiary designations for bank and investment accounts, personal property and real estate.

Beyond building generational wealth, taking steps to protect it is essential. With proper planning, diligence and time, you can pass down assets to loved ones that will open the door to new opportunities and advantages.

PHOTO SOURCE: (c) Buccina Studios / iStock via Getty Images Plus

Words courtesy Statepoint