When should we start planning for intergenerational wealth?
Intergenerational wealth planning isn’t just for the wealthy — and it’s not something to leave until later in life. In reality, the best time to start planning is when your financial journey begins, and then refine your strategy as life evolves.
The earlier you start, the more flexibility, control and opportunity you create for future generations.
Here’s how intergenerational wealth planning applies at different life stages.
Young families: Laying the foundations early
For young families, intergenerational wealth planning is about building strong financial foundations while protecting what matters most.
Key focus areas may include:
Managing cash flow and household budgets
Reducing and structuring debt effectively
Building savings and beginning to invest
Establishing personal insurance to protect income and family security
Creating a basic estate plan, including wills and guardianship considerations
At this stage, small, consistent decisions can have a powerful long-term impact — setting children up for opportunity, not obligation.
Mid-career: Growing and structuring wealth
Mid-career is often when wealth accelerates. Incomes increase, assets grow, and financial complexity rises — making this a critical time to be strategic.
Planning may focus on:
Growing investments and diversifying assets
Optimising superannuation contributions
Reviewing ownership structures for tax effectiveness
Updating estate planning as family circumstances change
Considering education funding or early assistance for adult children
This stage is about turning wealth accumulation into long-term structure and strategy.
Pre-retirement and retirees: Protecting and transitioning wealth
Later life planning shifts the focus from accumulation to protection, sustainability and legacy.
Key considerations often include:
Ensuring retirement income will last
Structuring superannuation and pension strategies
Managing aged care and health-related financial decisions
Updating estate plans to reflect current wishes
Minimising tax and ensuring assets pass efficiently to beneficiaries
A well-coordinated plan provides clarity, reduces family stress and helps ensure wealth is transferred as intended.
Why ongoing planning matters
Intergenerational wealth planning is not a one-off conversation. Life changes — families grow, markets shift, laws evolve — and your strategy should adapt with you.
Working with a financial advisor helps ensure your plan remains aligned with your goals, values and family circumstances at every stage of life.
Thinking about the legacy you want to leave?
Strategem’s advisors work with individuals and families to build, protect and transition wealth — today and for generations to come.
We are here to help
If you need further advice, please do not hesitate to contact our office on (03) 5445 4777 and one of our Accountants & Advisors are available to support you.
Contact Us
If you have any concerns or general questions, or would like to learn more about superannuation and tax planning, book a chat today.
