Why Now Is the Time to Plan for What You’ve Built
Axis Estate Planning | Trusted. Thoughtful. Here for what matters most.
Over the next 20 years, the United States will experience the largest transfer of wealth in history. According to Cerulli Associates, Baby Boomers are expected to pass down more than $105 trillion in assets to their heirs—primarily Gen X and Millennials.
This moment presents a tremendous opportunity—but also a risk. Studies show that 70% of family wealth is lost by the second generation, and 90% disappears by the third. The culprit? A lack of planning.
At Axis Estate Planning, we help Michigan families make sure the legacy they’ve worked hard to build doesn’t get lost in transition. Because preserving generational wealth isn’t just about having savings or investments—it’s about intentionally protecting what matters most.
1. Don’t Rely on a Will Alone
A will is an important first step, but it does not protect your assets from probate. Probate is a public, often lengthy, and expensive process that can leave families tied up in legal delays when they should be healing and moving forward.
A Revocable Living Trust is one of the most effective ways to privately and efficiently transfer wealth. It keeps your estate out of court, maintains your privacy, and allows for clear incapacity planning should you become unable to manage your affairs during life.
2. Be Strategic About Beneficiaries and Taxes
Thanks to legislation like the SECURE Act, many beneficiaries must now withdraw inherited IRAs within 10 years, dramatically increasing their tax burden.
Our team at Axis Estate Planning works with clients to implement tax-efficient strategies, such as:
- Retirement Trusts
- Charitable Remainder Trusts
- Roth Conversions & Timing Tactics
These tools can reduce tax exposure and help your assets last longer across generations.
3. Prepare Your Heirs—Not Just Their Inheritance
One of the most overlooked aspects of estate planning is preparing the people, not just the plan.
Many families lose wealth not because of poor investments, but because heirs aren’t ready to manage it. An effective estate plan builds in education, structure, and protection through staged distributions and purpose-driven trusts. These can:
- Shield assets from divorce or lawsuits
- Protect beneficiaries from poor financial habits
- Align distributions with your values
This Is More Than a Transfer—It’s a Turning Point
The coming wealth transfer isn’t just a financial event—it’s a chance to shape your family’s future.
Whether you’re just starting the conversation or reviewing a plan that’s years old, now is the time to act. The steps you take today can secure your legacy for generations to come.
Let’s Talk About What Comes Next
At Axis Estate Planning, we guide families with thoughtful, future-focused solutions. We believe in building estate plans that work—not just on paper, but in real life.
Ready to start the conversation?
Visit Us: 900 Wilshire Drive, Suite 105, Troy, MI 48084
Call Us: (248) 251-1001
Learn More: www.axisattorneys.com
Axis Estate Planning
Trusted. Thoughtful. Here for what matters most.
