The Great Wealth Transfer Sounds Huge — But Who Is Actually Getting the Money?

The Great Wealth Transfer could move $84.4 trillion through 2045, but the money will reach families unevenly through inheritances, gifts, property, investments, and business interests – Shutterstock

The Great Wealth Transfer gets tossed around like every American is about to receive a surprise check. That is not how inheritance works.

Research firm Cerulli Associates projects that $84.4 trillion could transfer from U.S. households through 2045. About $72.6 trillion would go to heirs, while roughly $11.9 trillion would go to charities. More than $53 trillion could come from Baby Boomer households.