How Women Will Lead the Great Wealth Transfer

You may have heard of the Great Wealth Transfer—the massive shift in assets taking place as Baby Boomers pass their wealth on to future generations. What you may not know is that women are set to inherit the majority of this wealth. This trend presents a unique opportunity for women to shape a new legacy of generosity, stewardship, and impact.

A Horizontal Transfer: Wealth Passing to Widows First While we often think of the Great Wealth Transfer as moving directly from parents to children, it’s often more of a horizontal transfer, with wealth first passing to widows before reaching the next generation. Because women typically outlive men by about six to seven years, they are the primary inheritors of private wealth before it’s eventually transferred to children or other beneficiaries. In fact, studies suggest that around 70% of women will experience widowhood and inherit their husband’s share of their combined assets.

On top of inheriting from their spouses, many women will also receive wealth from their parents. Add in income from their own careers, and this creates a significant flow of wealth into women’s hands. With multiple streams of financial resources, women have the unique potential to shape a legacy that reflects their values, priorities, and faith.

Research by the management consulting firm McKinsey and Company suggests that by 2030, just a few years from now, women are expected to control two-thirds of U.S. assets—an estimated $30 trillion. This unprecedented wealth transfer represents more than just financial power; it’s an opportunity for women to live out their natural inclination toward generosity. Research shows that women who inherit or accumulate wealth often prioritize giving back and supporting causes that align with their beliefs and passions. Three Key Factors for Generosity

Generosity is more than an impulse—it’s a way of life rooted in intentionality. Three key factors contribute to a life of generosity: purpose, passion, and planning.

1. Purpose: A clear sense of purpose is essential for generous living. Research by Women Doing Well reveals that women with a high sense of purpose give significantly more—14% of their income on average—compared to those with a lower sense of purpose, who give around 9%. Purpose drives generosity because it clarifies values and inspires women to give in ways that reflect their deepest beliefs.
2. Passion: Passion is another powerful motivator for giving. It’s more than enthusiasm; it’s a deeply held conviction that often comes from personal experiences of pain, sacrifice, or suffering. When our hearts align with God’s, we begin to see what He sees and love whom He loves. Passion empowers women to give with courage, conviction, and compassion.
3. Planning: Finally, having a financial plan is critical for enabling greater generosity. Among aspiring givers, the two main obstacles to giving more were a lack of financial planning (53%) and a lack of passion (48%). Without a plan, the best intentions for generosity often remain unfulfilled. Creating a thoughtful, intentional plan allows women to steward their resources wisely and give in ways that align with their goals.

Building a Foundation for Stewardship For women who may not have previously managed finances, inheriting wealth can feel overwhelming. That’s why preparation is essential. The foundation for responsible stewardship starts with understanding core biblical principles and spiritual disciplines—principles we emphasize here at FaithFi. A recent study revealed the top three influences that shape women’s generosity:

• A growing conviction that God owns it all: 90% of women cited this belief as highly influential in shaping their approach to generosity.
• Personal spiritual disciplines of Bible study and prayer: 81% said these disciplines played a significant role.
• Receiving Bible teaching on stewardship: 76% pointed to stewardship teachings as a significant influence on their giving.

Building these foundations helps women view wealth not as their own but as a resource entrusted to them by God to be used for His purposes.

For married women who may not actively manage family finances, now is a great time to become more involved. Understanding and participating in family financial decisions is a valuable step in preparing for the future. Not only does this build confidence, but it also equips women to make wise, faith-centered financial decisions if they become the primary managers of their wealth.

As women inherit significant assets in the years to come, they have the potential to reshape the landscape of generosity, faith, and stewardship. By embracing purpose and passion and planning and preparing spiritually and practically, women can create a lasting legacy of faith-filled generosity. You can also listen to the related podcast on this topic.