The $84 Trillion Women's Wealth Transfer: Navigating the Greatest Financial Shift in History

This monumental shift represents far more than numbers on a balance sheet—it's reshaping the very foundations of American wealth and why it's more important than ever that women become comfortable and confident with managing money and planning strategically for their financial future. 

Understanding the Scale of Change 

Recent research reveals that close to $100 trillion of the $124 trillion great wealth transfer will go to women, with $47 trillion shifting to women in younger generations as inherited wealth and $54 trillion going to surviving spouses, 95% of whom are expected to be women.² By 2030, women in the United States are expected to control $34 trillion in financial assets, up from $7.3 trillion just a decade ago.³ 

Several converging factors are driving this trend: women's longer life expectancies, rising career earnings, and the natural progression of generational wealth transfer as Baby Boomers—who accumulated wealth during decades of economic prosperity—begin passing their assets to heirs. 

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The Challenges and Opportunities Women Face 

Despite this historic opportunity, significant challenges remain. Recent surveys reveal that 84% of women lack confidence in their ability to manage an inheritance or financial windfall, compared to 73% of men⁴. The root causes run deep: 

Lack of Communication and Planning: Only a quarter of families have discussed generational wealth transfer, and more than a third (38%) of US women do not plan to have these conversations.⁵ Nearly one-third of women who inherited from parents had no prior conversations about the transfer, and four in ten inherited without any estate plans in place.⁶ 

Limited Financial Preparation: Among women, 35% have not yet established an estate plan, including 41% of Baby Boomers and 37% of Generation X.⁴ 

Education and Engagement Gaps: 54% of women said they would listen in on financial discussions but would not actively participate, compared with 40% of men.⁴ 

Strong Performance as Investors: However, research consistently shows that women outperform men as investors. Fidelity's analysis of 5.2 million accounts over a 10-year period revealed that women achieved returns 0.4% higher than men—a difference that compounds to tens of thousands of dollars over time—primarily due to their disciplined buy-and-hold strategy, more diversified portfolios, and tendency to trade less frequently.⁷  

The Emotional and Strategic Dimensions 

For women, intergenerational wealth offers more than financial resources—it's an expression of core values such as security, freedom, and well-being. According to research, 87% of women define the purpose of wealth as a means to gain financial security and the freedom to live the life they want.⁵ 

The emotional weight of receiving or managing inherited wealth can be staggering, particularly during times of grief or major life transitions. These stressors can be properly managed with the help of a wealth management professional. 

Practical Steps for Success 

Women can take decisive action to prepare for and maximize this historic opportunity: 

Start the Conversation: Open communication with family members about estate planning is crucial. Among women who've inherited, 90% emphasized the importance of understanding the size and structure of an inheritance ahead of time, while 87% stressed planning for taxes.⁶ 

Build Financial Confidence: 90% of women express a desire to work with a financial advisor, with nearly half (43%) wanting an advisor who provides sound advice while also acting as an educator.⁴ Research shows that the money confidence gap between men and women shrinks when women work with financial advisors. That's why a partnership approach to building and educating clients about their financial plan is something we're deeply committed to at WHZ.  

Develop a Strategic Plan: Having a clear wealth management strategy before inheriting assets makes the difference between financial stress and empowerment. Don't wait—getting a plan in place now ensures the least amount of stress and best possible transition when the time comes. 

The Broader Impact 

This wealth transfer will extend far beyond individual families. Women's increased financial power is expected to reshape philanthropy, investment priorities, and lifestyle industries. Women already represent 85% of solo travelers,² and financial services companies are adapting to meet women's unique preferences and needs. 

Looking Forward 

 The $84 trillion women's wealth transfer represents a pivotal moment in American financial history. While challenges exist, they are not insurmountable. With proper preparation, open communication, and professional guidance, women can successfully navigate this transition and leverage it to create lasting financial security for themselves and future generations. 

The key is to start preparing now. By building financial literacy, establishing clear communication channels with family members, and working with trusted advisors, women can transform this historic opportunity into lasting financial empowerment. 

Contact our team at WHZ Strategic Wealth Advisors today to develop a comprehensive strategy tailored to your unique situation and goals. Our team is knowledgeable and experienced in helping women navigate complex financial transitions with confidence and clarity. Schedule your consultation online at whzwealth.com or by calling (860) 928-2341. 

Authored by WHZ Managing Partner, Advisory Leisl L. Langevin CFP® CDFA®. AI may have been used in the research and initial drafting of this piece. Securities and advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser. 697 Pomfret Street, Pomfret Center, CT 06259 and 392-A Merrow Road, Tolland, CT 06084, 860.928.2341. http://www.whzwealth.com. These materials are general in nature and do not address your specific situation. WHZ Strategic Wealth Advisors does not provide tax or legal advice, and nothing in the accompanying pages should be construed as specific tax or legal advice.   

Sources:

1. Cerulli Associates. (2022). "Cerulli Anticipates $84 Trillion in Wealth Transfers Through 2045."
2. Bank of America Institute. (2025). "Women as the Next Wave of Growth in US Wealth Management."
3. Empower. (2025). "The $34 Trillion Shift: How Women Are Reshaping Wealth and Legacy." 
4. Citizens Bank. (2025). "The Great Wealth Transfer and the Future of Women's Wealth Survey."
5. Edward Jones, Morning Consult, and NEXT360 Partners. (2024). "The Great Wealth Transfer Research."
6. UBS. (2025). "Own Your Worth Report: Heir Dynamics: Money in Motion."
7. Fidelity Investments. (2021). "Women and Investing Study."