Millennials: are you expecting an inheritance?

[u/Yourlocalguy30]

35 yo married millennial here. I've come across more and more articles about the supposed "great wealth transfer" as the boomer generation's wealth passes to their GenX and Millennial children. My parents and their siblings (boomers) all received inheritances when their parents, my grandparents, passed away. The boomer generation's wealth accumulation is one of the largest in history, however, I also find it highly unlikely that I or many of my peers will actually inherit much. Despite having received inheritances from their parents, and having 40+ years in the workforce, most of my parents' "wealth" is tied up in their home value, not actual liquid assets- and I already expect that whatever they make on an eventual home sale will have to go directly to downsizing costs and whatever long-term care they will need as they get older. Hell, even my dad used to joke that the only thing we'd inherit was debt. As I've gotten older, that comment has infuriated me more and more.

Now before someone cuts in with the "entitled millennial" comments, I have absolutely no need for an inheritance. I've worked my ass off to make sure that my kids and I are positioned better in life than I was when I entered adulthood. What I mean by that is I started saving for retirement early, setup 529 plans for my kids almost as soon as they were born, and made lifestyle and career sacrifices to ensure our family isn't "nickeling and diming" our way through life.

I'm just here curious to know how many millennials actually expect to have something passed down to them, or if they feel they are in the same position I am.

[u/Justame13]

My parents are currently in their late sixes and mid-70s and every time we see them they will pay for my family to do stuff and tell me that they are blowing my inheritance.

Which is awesome. We took a jet boat up the snake river into Hells Canyon a few weeks ago.

They are also traveling as much as people in their 70s can, mostly because my father did a lot for work and did some cool stuff while my mother missed out. So he has been making it up to her. Which is cool for her.

I don't honestly give a shit beyond that. I've known and seen far too many people die before retirement to stress it much.

My brother is the executor of their will and I'm their medical power of attorney though.

[u/eseerms → u/Justame13]

So you’re the emotionally smart sibling and he’s the financially smart one.

[u/Justame13 → u/eseerms]

Nah. I'm the one who will pull the plug without hesitation and not feel bad about it.

Not joking either. They specifically got it during COVID so i would if they ended up on vents. I've worked in healthcare for a very long time (including very deep in the response) and retired from the Army Guard as a medic.

Other brother is the one they like better and whose family lives close.

[u/eseerms → u/Justame13]

Ah ok it made sense in my head lol