In this episode of ThimbleberryU, we explore the concept of building intergenerational wealth. Amy Walls and Jon "Jag" Gay dive into the importance of ensuring your own financial independence before focusing on wealth for future generations. We begin by discussing the need to establish a solid financial foundation for yourself first, covering goals like education, retirement, and potential medical costs. This ensures that you’re not only able to support your family but also secure your own future, which is a crucial first step.

Once you’re financially independent, the next phase is about bringing together a team of professionals—a financial advisor, tax advisor, and estate planning attorney. These experts help create a strategic plan tailored to your specific financial situation and goals. Amy explains that intergenerational wealth-building strategies should focus on both tax efficiency and long-term growth, which often means taking a more aggressive investment approach with money earmarked for future generations.

Several financial tools can assist in this process. Amy mentions 529 plans for education, Roth IRAs for tax-free growth, and even life insurance policies that pass wealth tax-free. These instruments provide flexibility and potential tax advantages that help protect and grow wealth over time.

A significant aspect of wealth-building is education and passing down financial wisdom. As Amy points out, financial literacy is just as important as the money itself. Teaching children and grandchildren how to manage money responsibly, giving them opportunities to practice, and allowing them to make mistakes are crucial for ensuring that the wealth you’ve built doesn’t get squandered by future generations.

We wrap by emphasizing the importance of legal protections, such as insurance and estate planning, to safeguard wealth. From umbrella liability policies to updating estate plans regularly, it’s essential to have the right protections in place to ensure that your wealth transfers smoothly and securely when the time comes.

Amy encourages listeners to start planning today, whether they’re still in the dreaming phase or ready to take action, and to seek professional help to feel more confident in their decisions.

To get in touch with Amy and her team at Thimbleberry Financial, call 503-610-6510 or visit thimbleberryfinancial.com.