Inheritance can destroy a family or be a life-changing gift. Here's how I advise my clients as an estate-planning attorney.

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a woman stands on a bridge in a white top and blue skirt
Dana Blue suggests everyone have a will.

Courtesy of Dana Blue

Boomers spent their lives accumulating stuff. Now their kids are stuck with it.

Tech Insider : Economy
A mountain of antique items with a cutout in the shape of a person with their arms on their hips in the center of the pile

Getty Images; iStock; Natalie Ammari/BI

I'm a multimillionaire, but I'm not leaving my kids any cash inheritance. I think it would be a mistake to make them wealthy.

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George Appling smiling and sitting at a restaurant.
George Appling had $1 million in the bank by the age of 36.

Courtesy of George Appling

An oil tycoon sold his company for $26 billion this year — but died before the deal closed

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Autry Stephens, founder of Endeavor Energy oil company
The late Autry Stephens founded Endeavor Energy.

Endeavor Energy

I inherited $250,000 from my grandmother and regret how I spent it. I wish I had overcome my fears around money sooner.

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Sara Faith Jacobsen.

Courtesy of Sara Faith Jacobsen

The Hermès heir who planned to leave billions to his gardener now says his fortune is gone

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People walking past an Hermès storefront.
An Hermès storefront in Hong Kong.

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A boomer helped pay for his daughter's college and her husband's student debt. He won't start gifting their inheritance until they curb their spending.

Tech Insider : Economy
Woman shopping

Images By Tang Ming Tung/Getty Images

Boomers who want to transfer wealth to their adult kids should make sure their finances can pass a stress test

Tech Insider : Economy
Man taking a photo of woman near the ocean
Financial planners say baby boomers need to make sure they're financially set before passing down wealth.

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I'm a millionaire, but I'm only leaving my kids a small inheritance. I want them to earn their money like I did.

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Payam Zamani and his family at a restaurant, sitting in a booth and smiling at the camera.
Payam Zamani arrived in the US with only $75 and is now a multimillionaire.

Courtesy Payam Zamani

Inheritance can tear families apart. A financial therapist shares 3 ways to manage conflict.

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Two comic-book like illustrations of women covering their eyes in front of dollar bills.
Inheritance can bring up guilt, shame and resentment in families.

Rebecca Zisser/BI

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