The recession could either speed up or slow down when you get your inheritance—experts say these are the huge deciding factors

It’s projected that $84 trillion will be passed down in the ‘great wealth transfer’ by 2045—but the timeline could change if an economic downturn hits. JPMorgan economists have raised the probability of a U.S. recession this year up to 40%—here are the deciding factors experts say will sway the speed of monetary gifting.

America’s retirees and baby boomers are holding onto a mountain of wealth, but that will all change in the next couple decades. A possible recession could speed up or slow down the timeline of the ‘great wealth transfer’ depending on three key factors.

For more information see Emma Burleigh “The recession could either speed up or slow down when you get your inheritance—experts say these are the huge deciding factors,” Fortune.com, March 25, 2025. 

Special thanks to Naomi Cahn (University of Virginia School of Law) for bringing this article to my attention.