The Transfer of Wealth
Are you ready?
Greetings Prosperous Souls,
I’ve spoken before about the coming transfer of wealth. It’s a shift that Scripture refers to in Proverbs:
“A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous.” — Proverbs 13:22
But today, I’d like to discuss another, more immediate transfer. In fact, it’s already here.
It’s not prophetic. It’s demographic.
The Wealthiest Generation
For decades, the Baby Boomer generation (born 1946–1964) has been the wealthiest group in history. Arguably, it’s the wealthiest generation to ever exist on the planet.
In total, baby boomers own over $84 trillion in U.S. wealth. The next generation, Gen X, owns just 37 trillion.
This prosperity isn’t by accident. Boomers entered the workforce at the perfect time:
By the 1980s, many boomers were in their 20s and 30s, buying homes, starting families, and entering the workforce just as the economy surged.
By the 1990s, many were in their 30s to 50s, reaching peak earning potential, assuming leadership roles, and accumulating massive wealth.
By the 2000s, boomers were in executive positions with investments in real estate, stocks, and retirement accounts.
Cheap housing, post-WWII prosperity, and a stock market that saw historic long-term gains, positioned them for unimaginable growth.
Today, the oldest Boomers are entering their 80s and the youngest are nearing retirement. This means a massive wealth transfer is upon us.
The Great Wealth Transfer (2025–2040)
Over the next 20 years (2025-2040):
$72 trillion will pass down to Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z.
$12 trillion will go to charities, taxes, and estate costs.
This wealth transfer isn’t just an opportunity—it’s a test.
We often quote Proverbs 13:22 about wealth being stored up for the righteous. But here’s the question:
What happens when wealth moves into the hands of people who aren’t prepared for it?
Many have heard the 3rd-generation curse—that 90% of family wealth is lost by the third generation. The reason? Wealth without wisdom destroys.
Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z have an unparalleled opportunity to inherit billions, even trillions—but without the character, discipline, and financial wisdom to handle such wealth, it won’t save them. It will crush them.
How to Prepare for the Coming Wealth Transfer
If you’re in Gen X, Millennial, or Gen Z, here’s how to position yourself wisely:
Master Financial Stewardship – Learn how money works before it comes to you.
Break Generational Poverty Mindsets – Wealth is a tool, not a god. Get rid of fear, greed, and scarcity thinking.
Create a Kingdom Legacy Plan – Don’t just inherit. Build a plan that lasts.
Develop Wise Investing Strategies – Learn how to multiply money instead of consuming it.
Seek God’s Wisdom on Wealth – Ask what He wants you to do with financial increase.
Will You Be Ready?
We’re entering a historic wealth transfer. The question isn’t if the money will change hands. The question is:
Will it live on through the generations?
Or will it be destroyed by mismanagement, consumerism, and foolish decisions?
Plan ahead now, so that when your inheritance arrives, you can steward it… not squander it.
God bless your Prosperous Soul,
Stephen K. De Silva
About: Stephen K. De Silva is an author, speaker, and financial mentor. From 1995 until 2017, he served as the CFO of Bethel Church, and a member of the senior leadership team. Stephen’s blend of experience, training, and gifting make him a pioneer in the subject of money. You can reach Stephen at hello@prosperoussoul.com