In the next decade, 15% of American adults expect to receive an inheritance, according to the latest findings from the New York Life Wealth Watch survey. But they’re not all confident they’ll be able to manage the funds. On average, adults who expect to receive an inheritance anticipate receiving $740,000. But just 42% feel very comfortable handling that new wealth.
At the same time, a separate study shows while 90% of Americans know the importance of having a will, nearly 60% haven’t taken any steps to protect their loved ones.
What makes this survey even more alarming is that the lack of a will can be damaging to family relationships. In fact, 58% of respondents reported experiencing conflict, or know someone who has, due to the absence of an estate plan or will.
This post originally appeared at Kiplinger.