CNBC
By Sarah Agostino
November 25th, 2025
Reluctance to divulge estate plans is common, financial advisors say— But avoiding the conversation usually creates bigger problems later…
Reasons can include concerns about demotivating their kids or starting conflict, or even just an unease with discussing money in general, said certified financial planner Mitchell Kraus, founder and principal of Capital Intelligence Associates in Santa Monica, California. “But avoiding the conversation usually creates bigger problems later,” Kraus said.
Most retirees don’t tell adult children about their inheritance, research shows:
Just two-thirds of parents age 55 or older with at least $500,000 in investable assets haven’t shared with their grown children what they’ll inherit or if they’ll inherit anything at all, according to a new study. However, avoiding the conversation can cause problems after you’re gone, especially if you plan to distribute your assets among your heirs unevenly. Financial advisors typically recommend discussing your estate plans with your adult children — even if you only offer a broad overview.
