NewRetirement
Average Inheritance: How Much Are Retirees Leaving to Heirs?
 Editorial Team
2 years ago
Categories:Estate Planning
Many of us would like to leave behind something to our heirs. But, first things 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?

The Big Takeaways
Sharing while you are still alive can be as impactful as building up a large inheritable sum.
Be realistic and don’t forget about your own needs when it comes to your end of life wishes.
You can quickly find out how much you’ll be able to leave to heirs with the NewRetirement Planner.
Average Inheritance in the United States
Different studies suggest different levels of average inheritance.
According to a 2015 HSBC survey, American retirees expect to leave an average inheritance of almost $177,000 to their heirs.
The Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF), reported that median inheritance was $69,000 (the average was $707,291). For trust funds, that median wealth transfer was way, way higher — $285,000 (and the average was $4,062,918).
A new 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 $296K in net wealth,
$313K in their 70s, $315K in their 80s
$283K in their 90s
