The $1 trillion time bomb: Why Kiwi families are blowing the inheritance conversation

New Zealand is in the middle of a $1 trillion inheritance wave, and most families are walking into it completely unprepared.As Baby Boomers move into their 70s and 80s, we’re experiencing the biggest intergenerational wealth transfer in the country’s history. But the money isn’t the problem, it’s the silence.In this episode of Making Cents, financial journalist Frances Cook is joined by Katie Wesney from EnableMe to break down the inheritance conversations Kiwis aren’t having, and the painful consequences when families avoid them.The truth is that most New Zealand families have no plan for what happens when assets are passed on.Whether the estate is large or small, failing to talk about money, wills, and expectations can lead to legal mess, financial loss, and long-term family rifts.We explore:Why inheritance is about more than money, it’s about love, fairness, and recognitionThe real-world emotional and financial fallout of poor estate planningWhy avoiding the hard conversations now can destroy relationships laterWhere families should start when they realise it’s time to talkIf you want to protect your family and your finances, this episode is your must-listen guide to having the inheritance conversation before it’s too late.LinksFollow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.This podcast was filmed and produced by FanaticalsVideo editing & content production by Lana Byrne Audio engineering by Tash Chittock