22. Debunking The Great Wealth Transfer: Facts vs. Fiction with Dr. Jim Grubman

Apr 10, 2025

Dr. Jim Grubman, an internationally recognized wealth psychology expert, takes listeners on a revealing journey through the myths surrounding the Great Wealth Transfer. He challenges the validity of the infamous statistic about wealth loss across generations, offering a more hopeful analysis based on rigorous research. Grubman emphasizes the importance of relationship-building for financial advisors, urging them to focus on interpersonal skills rather than merely chasing projected wealth shifts. His insights equip advisors with a clearer understanding of the evolving landscape of family wealth dynamics.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

ANECDOTE

Dr. Grubman's Journey

Dr. Jim Grubman's father died unexpectedly, prompting his exploration of wealth and inheritance.
This personal experience led him to the nascent field of wealth psychology.

INSIGHT

Origins of the Great Wealth Transfer

The "great wealth transfer" originates from a 1999 study by the Boston Center for Wealth and Philanthropy.
The study predicted a large wealth transfer starting around 2020-2025 due to asset creation and demographics.

INSIGHT

Wealth Transfer Rate vs. Baseline

The great wealth transfer's rate remains consistent at 1-1.5% annually.
The perceived increase comes from a much larger baseline of total household wealth, not an increased transfer rate.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

Text us to share what you found helpful!

Ever wondered where that "$84 trillion wealth transfer" statistic actually came from? In this internationally recognized wealth psychology expert Dr. Jim Grubman separates fact from fiction about the much-hyped "Great Wealth Transfer." Drawing from decades of experience consulting with wealthy families and their advisors, Dr. Grubman reveals why many commonly cited statistics about generational wealth transfers are misleading as new research has emerged. From debunking the infamous "shirtsleeves to shirtsleeves in three generations" myth to providing clarity on actual wealth transfer patterns, this conversation equips advisors with a more accurate understanding of what's really happening with client wealth. Dr. Grubman emphasizes that successful advisors should focus less on chasing massive predicted wealth movements and more on developing the relationship skills needed to support families navigating the psychological complexities of wealth transfer at any level. This is a must listen episode to any and every advisor.

Key Takeaways:

The widely cited statistic that 70% of wealthy families lose their wealth by the second generation and 90% by the third is not supported by rigorous research. More recent, better-designed research suggests a more positive outlook for wealth preservation when following the family's journey rather than just individual businesses.
The wealth transfer rate remains consistent at about 1-1.5% annually – what's changed is the baseline value of total household wealth, creating the illusion of a much larger transfer.
Focus on developing the human skills needed to work effectively with clients at their current wealth level – listening, asking better questions, and navigating the complexity that comes with wealth.

Resources and Guest Information:

Take Action:

Expand Your Discovery Process: Incorporate questions about family dynamics, values, and aspirations that go beyond tax-driven planning to values-driven conversations about wealth.
Help fellow advisors grow by leaving us a review!

Connect with host Ashley Quamme: