Many parents work hard towards providing an inheritance to their children upon their death. This usually involves foregoing spending on otherwise worthwhile things simply to "save more" for their kids to inherit. Often, this endeavor doesn't have a particular number goal at all; it's simply "as much as I can." It's a worthy sentiment, but perhaps there is a better way: what I call *timely inheritances*. The goal of an inheritance is to help pass along wealth to your heirs, who are presumably people you care deeply about and want to help even after you're gone. But that doesn't mean this money arrives at the most opportune time in your childrens' lives. Many parents die when their children are already approaching retirement age themselves[^1]. That means that they're more likely to already be well established in their career, earning more money than they ever have, and have substantial assets of their own. You can have a bigger impact on your childrens' lives by providing at least a portion of their inheritance long before your death—in the timely moments when it can provide the greatest benefit. At the very least, you could invest in meaningful experiences that will shape their lives. And it ensures that you do leave an inheritance, which frees you from the stress related to your own future spending (aka, “should I use this money for me, or save it for my children?”). # Common objections ### But what if my children can't afford to have a retirement? - then earlier experiences are worth even more - and earlier money, for which they can invest and grow or use to grow their income or reduce debt. These all have better outcomes than a late bailout, which only helps them for their remaining years. instead, they could have felt more secure throughout their life, maybe start that business, or move to a better career, or leave their failed marriage sooner. ### What if they blow the money? - You get to decide when and how much to give, or even how to fund it (slowly vs all at once) - Focus on things that accrue value in time, like a college education or down payment on a house or a gap year of travel - It doesn’t have to be a direct cash payment, it could be some memories you create with them—a three month trip in Central America or something - There's the pressure of you still being alive to see how they use the money - The same risk is true after you die, too. In fact, are they more likely to blow it during a period of grief from the death of their parents? I would imagine so. ### I don't know how much to give - the point of saving isn’t to die with the most unused money, it’s to put that money to use at the necessary time - also allows you to experience the joy of giving _before_ you're dead [^1]: I want to acknowledge that current and future generations may not have the same shot at retirement wealth as the last several generations have. However, you'll see that my point is further reinforced by this sad state of affairs.