We are on the edge of the largest generational wealth transfer in history and women are poised to inherit a substantial portion of it.
Yet according to UBS’s recent survey, most women aren’t ready.
The numbers tell a sobering story:
- 80% of women who inherited wealth reported facing significant challenges
- 83% of widows struggled to take sole control of household finances
- 75% of future inheritors say they don’t feel prepared
- 40% inherited without a wealth transfer plan
- 33% had never even had a conversation with their parents about it
These aren’t just sobering statistics. They represent moments of stress and overwhelm—often layered on top of deep grief. Let’s change that. Let’s bring preparation, clarity, and compassion to the forefront, so women can step into their financial power with grace, not guesswork.
The Emotional Side of Inheriting Wealth
Wealth transfer is more than a transaction, it’s a transition where the power of your family wealth is put in your hands. For many women, it arrives in the wake of heartbreak: the death of a parent or spouse, or the dissolution of a partnership. Emotions run high and without a clear plan in place, uncertainty only adds to the burden.
The study found that more than half of women inheritors encountered unexpected financial surprises, like unanticipated taxes or delays accessing funds. But what’s even more troubling is that so many were never brought into the conversation in the first place.
When we don’t talk about wealth, we rob women of the context, confidence, and clarity they deserve. My goal is to educate, so women can stand in their power.
How Can You Prepare?
Whether you’re preparing to inherit, preparing to pass wealth on, or navigating both, these steps will help you lead with intention.
1. Start the Conversation, Especially with Your Parents
Estate plans aren’t just legal documents, they’re roadmaps. But if you’ve never seen the map, or didn’t even know one existed, it’s nearly impossible to navigate what comes next. Many in our parents’ generation were taught not to talk about money. That silence can create confusion and conflict later.
Start gently. Ask for an introduction to their estate planning attorney or express your desire to ensure their wishes are honored. Once the door is open, learn whether you’ve been named in any roles, such as power of attorney or trustee, that would require you to act on their behalf.
It’s also critical to align your own documents with theirs. If their plan assumes you’ll take over certain responsibilities, or exercise specific powers, your legal documents need to support that. A mismatch could create delays, disputes, or missed opportunities. This isn’t prying. It’s preparing. And your future self will thank you.
2. Understand What You’re Inheriting So You Can Plan for It
You can’t plan well if you don’t know what you’re planning with.
Are there illiquid assets? An art collection? Out-of-state property? A family business or legacy trust? These may come with special responsibilities, tax implications, or unique handling instructions.
Waiting to find out “what’s in the will” after someone dies isn’t a strategy—it’s a gamble. And it leaves you vulnerable to emotional and financial chaos at one of the most tender moments of life.
If you are single, divorced, widowed, or aging without a strong family network, understanding what you’ll inherit is even more important. The absence of a clear plan leaves too many women at risk—physically, emotionally, and financially. Take inventory. Ask questions. Document what you learn. This isn’t about entitlement, it’s about readiness.
3. Build Your Team, Because You Need One Now
Death and diminished capacity are 100% guaranteed. The question is: will you face them alone, or with a plan?
Everyone needs a trusted team. Your financial advisor, CPA, estate attorney, and (if needed) a professional trustee should be in place long before you need them. They should talk to each other. They should know your wishes. And they should have access to your legal and financial documents. They should be guiding you by providing education and helping you make informed choices.
I’ve worked with women who waited too long. These were smart, capable women who didn’t realize what they were putting off until it was too late. And I’ve seen the consequences: family conflict, court delays, elder neglect, or exploitation. You deserve better and you don’t have to do it alone.
4. Put Your Own Plan in Place—and Keep It Current
Women are often the caregivers, the stewards, the glue that holds families together. But too many neglect their own plans while supporting everyone else.
At minimum, you need:
- A health care proxy (for medical decisions)
- A durable power of attorney (for financial decisions while you are alive)
- A will (dictates how you want your assets distributed)
- Ideally, a revocable trust with a co-trustee (this can avoid probate and keeps your information private)
And here’s the key: choose people you trust, not people who expect to be chosen. If you don’t have family members who are appropriate or available, engage professionals. There is no shame in that. In fact, it may be the wisest path forward. Don’t let perfection stand in the way of completed. You can always revise your documents later. Make sure your trusted people know your plan, and their role in it.
Planning doesn’t guarantee perfection. But it does offer peace of mind. It creates clarity, reduces conflict, and gives you a voice—now and later.
Your wealth is not just a number. It’s your story and it carries your values and your impact.
Whether you’re on the receiving end or preparing to pass it on, take the time to get clear. Ask the questions, do the work and surround yourself with people who support your vision.
Let’s make sure the legacy you inherit or leave behind is a gift, not a burden. Contact the Twelve Points team today!
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