Why waiting to transfer wealth might miss the moment

Article

Updated: November 4, 2025 |

Rethinking the timing of generosity

Many Australians plan to leave a meaningful inheritance, imagining it as a final act of love. However, as seen in the graph below, research shows the average inheritance in Australia is received when the recipient is aged between 50 and 64 - often well into their own peak earning years, with major expenses like home buying, child-rearing, and education already behind them, or they are already retired. At that stage, the gift may provide comfort, but it rarely changes life in a transformative way.

Source: Productivity Commission – Wealth transfers and their economic effects

Contrast this with support given to someone in their 20s, 30s, or early 40s. That same money might enable the purchase of a first home, support a career change, or allow a young family to breathe a little easier. Money has the most impact when it intersects with need and opportunity. Earlier gifts aren’t just financial - they’re empowering.

The three currencies of life

Bill Perkins, author of ‘Die With Zero’, discusses the concept of the “three currencies” we trade throughout life: money, time, and health. Rarely do we possess all three in abundance at once. In youth, we have health and time, but little money. In older years, we may finally have money and time, but health begins to limit what we can do. The same pattern often applies to our children—they benefit most from financial support during their early life-building years, not decades later when the window to make the most of it may have passed.

Young	Adult	Old
Time	Time	Time
Health	Health	Health
Wealth	Wealth	Wealth

Source: Die With Zero by Bill Perkins

Strategic wealth transfer: planning with purpose

Intergenerational wealth transfer shouldn’t be an afterthought. It deserves planning, strategy, and honest family conversations. The goal isn’t to give recklessly or undermine financial independence - it is to give purposefully, in a way that aligns with your values and timing. A well-structured wealth transfer plan can help you:

Maximise the impact of your resources
Support loved ones when it matters most
Align your giving with your family’s needs and opportunities
Ensure your legacy reflects your intentions.

Key considerations for early giving

When considering early wealth transfer, it’s important to:

Assess your own financial security and future needs
Understand the tax and legal implications of gifting
Communicate openly with family members about intentions and expectations
Seek professional advice to structure gifts in a way that supports both your goals and those of your recipients
Early, purposeful giving can be a powerful tool for wealth creation and protection, helping your family thrive across generations.

Why act now?

Delaying wealth transfer may mean missing the opportunity to make a meaningful difference when it matters most. By acting earlier, you can:

Empower the next generation to pursue education, home ownership, or entrepreneurial ventures
Reduce financial stress for loved ones during critical life stages
Witness the positive impact of your generosity.

How BDO can help

If you’re considering how best to support your children or pass on wealth, now or later, contact us. A well-structured intergenerational wealth plan can help you make the most of your resources while you’re still here to see the impact.

Disclaimer

This publication has been carefully prepared, but it has been written in general terms and should be seen as broad guidance only. The publication cannot be relied upon to cover specific situations and you should not act, or refrain from acting, upon the information contained therein without obtaining specific professional advice. Please contact the BDO member firms in Australia to discuss these matters in the context of your particular circumstances. BDO Australia Ltd and each BDO member firm in Australia, their partners and/or directors, employees and agents do not accept or assume any liability or duty of care for any loss arising from any action taken or not taken by anyone in reliance on the information in this publication or for any decision based on it.

BDO Private Wealth Advisers Pty Ltd ABN 62 805 149 677 AFS Licence No. 238280 is a member of a national association of separate member firms which are all members of BDO Australia Ltd ABN 77 050 110 275, an Australian company limited by guarantee. BDO Private Wealth Advisers Pty Ltd and BDO Australia Ltd are members of BDO International Ltd, a UK company limited by guarantee, and form part of the international BDO network of separate member firms. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.

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