American Family Families and the Inheritance Conversation: Why Your Mission Statement Matters More Than Ever

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“American Family employees often find that clear, values-based conversations around inheritance can ease future family tension, making thoughtful planning paired with open dialogue key to aligning your intentions with your long-term legacy.” — Michael Corgiat, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

“American Family employees can reinforce family understanding and potentially reduce future conflict by pairing a well-structured estate plan with honest discussions about the intentions behind it.” — Brent Wolf, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

In this article, we will discuss:

1. Why many families delay inheritance conversations.

2. How communicating your values can help reduce future conflict.

3. Ways to approach estate planning with clarity and guidance.

Delaying estate planning discussions can create misunderstandings later on, yet many American retirees—including long-tenured professionals at American Family—choose not to tell their relatives the specifics of their inheritance arrangements. According to a Fidelity study, 68% of parents aged 55 and older with at least $500,000 in investable assets have not informed their adult children what they will inherit or whether they will inherit anything at all. ¹  Many cited concerns about family conflict or discomfort discussing finances.

However, research shows that trillions of dollars in wealth will transfer between generations over the next several decades, ²  highlighting the importance of open conversations about estate planning for American Family employees and their families.

Your Family's Blueprint: Your Estate Plan

An estate plan goes far beyond legal paperwork. In addition to outlining how assets will be handled, it may include vital directives such as who will have financial or medical power of attorney in the event of incapacity—an especially important consideration for employees preparing for retirement from American Family. Many financial professionals highlight the value of discussing your broader goals with loved ones rather than focusing solely on dollar amounts.

'Your estate plan is really the last expression of your life's financial mission statement,' says Kevin Landis, CFP®, Senior Vice President and Financial Advisor at Wealth Enhancement. Sharing the reasoning behind your decisions—the values and intentions shaping your plan—helps reduce disagreements and preserve your legacy.

The Value of Explaining Your “Why”

While you are not required to disclose exact figures—which naturally shift based on market performance and personal needs—it can be helpful to outline the structure of your plan and the purpose behind it, especially if your approach results in unequal distributions. These discussions can be particularly meaningful for families where one beneficiary may have provided additional care or support during your career at American Family.

'When clients decide to divide assets unevenly, it's usually for a deeply personal, well-thought-out reason—perhaps compensating a child who served as a caregiver, or supporting another with a unique financial challenge,' says Neva Bradley, CFP®, Financial Advisor at Wealth Enhancement.

Clear communication today can help reduce emotional strain and confusion tomorrow.

Warren Buffett’s Wisdom

Renowned investor Warren Buffett once said: “Give children enough money so they would feel they could do anything, but not so much that they could do nothing.” ³  He also shared another key insight: “Someone’s sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.” ⁴  These principles resonate strongly for families planning long-term legacies, including those with ties to American Family.

Thoughtful preparation paired with intentional communication strengthens your family's understanding of your wishes.

Making Plans With Assistance

Building a comprehensive estate plan can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to navigate the process alone. The Retirement Group can support you in reviewing retirement options, exploring wealth transfer approaches, and preparing for meaningful family conversations. For guidance with your planning needs, call our team at  (800) 900-5867 .

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Sources:

1.  Fidelity Investments. ' 2025 Family and Finance Study. ' 2025. 

2. “Cerulli Anticipates $124 Trillion in Wealth Will Transfer Through 2048.”  Cerulli Associates, 5 Dec. 2024,  www.cerulli.com/press-releases/cerulli-anticipates-124-trillion-in-wealth-will-transfer-through-2048 .

3. Mind MY Business. ' Money Talks: How To Discuss Wealth Planning With Your Kids ,' by Tayyab Naveed. Sep. 12, 2025.

4. yahoo!finance. ' Warren Buffett: Someone's Sitting in the Shade Today Because Someone Planted a Tree Long Ago ,' by Caleb Naysmith. Jan. 31, 2023. 

Other Resources:

1. “7 Inheritance Mistakes and How to Avoid Them.”  AARP, 21 Aug. 2024,  www.aarp.org/money/personal-finance/overcoming-inheritance-challenges/ .