What’s the Average Inheritance American Retirees Leave to Heirs?

Editor's Note: This story originally appeared on Boldin.

Many of us would like to leave behind something to our heirs. But first, we need to fund our own lives in retirement, and that can sometimes seem nearly impossible.

This article explores average inheritance numbers. Do you expect to be above or below average?

Key takeaways:

• Averages aren’t that meaningful.
• Sharing while you are still alive can be impactful and more efficient.
• Be realistic and don’t forget about your own needs.

Average Inheritance in the United States

Different studies suggest different levels of average inheritance. The estimates vary widely. And, perhaps more importantly, average inheritance is impacted by factors like race, education level and certainly income.

Average Inheritance by Education Level

The Federal Reserve reports data on average inheritance based on whether or not the household has a college degree. Those with a college education leave behind more than those without:

• $76,200 for people without a college degree
• $92,700 for those with a college education

Average Inheritance and Trusts

The Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF), reports that the median inheritance was $69,000 (the average was $707,291):

• For trust funds, that median wealth transfer was way, way higher — $285,000.
• The average was a whopping $4,062,918.

Average Inheritance by Age of Death

In a study by United Income, CEO Matt Fellowes looked at how retirees feel and how their spending levels change during retirement and found that:

• The average retired adult who dies in their 60s leaves behind $296,000 in net wealth.
• $313,000 in their 70s
• $315,000 in their 80s
• $283,000 in their 90s

Average Inheritance by Wealth

While it appears that the “average” inheritance is between $100,000 and more than $1 million, even this broad range of numbers can be incredibly misleading.

Because the very rich have so much more money than the middle and lower classes, the average inheritance numbers are incredibly lopsided.

When you break down average inheritance by the economic status of the household, the numbers look very different. According to analysis by Demos:

• The least wealthy group of families have received, on average, $6,100 in inheritance.
• The wealthiest 1% of families have received, on average, $2.7 million in inheritance.

A further breakdown of these numbers reveals:

“The wealthiest 1% of families have inherited $447 for every $1 the least wealthy group of families has. Those in the middling wealth ranges — $25K–$50K, $50K–$100K, and $100K–$250K — have received inheritances of $14.8K, $22.5K, and $51.4K respectively.”

So, the wealthiest in the United States are able to leave behind very large inheritances, and this skews the average numbers to be nowhere near average for the majority of retirees.

Leaving an Inheritance Versus Sharing Wealth While You’re Still Alive

Besides the vast differences between the very wealthy and the rest of us, there are other reasons why you might not be leaving behind an “average” inheritance.

Many households share their wealth with younger generations while they are still alive. Parents and grandparents pay for their offspring’s education, joint vacations, and even living expenses. Many households also help family members buy houses or cars and pay off debt.

And, multigenerational living has increased dramatically.

Now, let’s go over some key tips for inheritance and your retirement.

1. Money Is Not Everything

If you cannot afford to leave behind financial wealth (and even if you can), remember that inheritances can come in many different guises — your culture, values, sense of humor, and more.

Sharing your time and interests with your heirs is a meaningful inheritance.

2. Be Realistic and Understand Your Finances

In all aspects of life, there is what we want to do and there is what we can do. Leaving behind an inheritance or helping other family members while you are still alive is no exception — make sure you understand what is feasible.

It is very important that you are realistic about what you can afford. Creating and maintaining a detailed retirement plan can help you assess what is possible.

3. Set Goals

Set a goal for leaving an estate. You can also have goals for funding retirement through your longevity.

You can update your goals at any time.

4. There’s More to End-of-Life Planning Than an Estate

You may have scrimped and saved so that you can leave something behind for your heirs. However, there is a lot more you need to do to ensure that your end of life and afterlife wishes are fulfilled.

There are at least four documents that everyone must have. Learn more in Estate Planning 101.

5. Use Caution if You Plan to Receive an Inheritance

Many retirees are hoping to receive an inheritance to help fund their life in retirement. However, as people live longer and health expenses go higher, more and more people are running through their financial resources — even their home equity.

So, if you are planning on an inheritance to fund your own retirement, you may want to assess whether your expectations are realistic or not.

Explore 7 ways to plan for an inheritance.

6. Manage Expectations With Heirs

Different families and different cultures have varying expectations for inheritance.

However, most studies suggest that heirs would rather that their parents live a comfortable life in retirement over potentially receiving money upon their death.

No matter what might happen in your situation, it is a good idea to discuss various scenarios with your loved ones.