Breakout Session Recap 2: The Effect of Received and Expected Inheritance on Retirement Savings Adequacy

Written By: Adrienne Ross

Michelle Kruger, who is pursuing her Ph.D. in Financial Planning, Housing, and Consumer Economics at the University of Georgia, conducted a study investigating the impact of expecting an inheritance on families’ retirement savings and readiness for retirement. The study had mixed results. The hypothesis was that individuals who received an inheritance are more likely to be adequately prepared for retirement. This was supported by the results; however, results did not support the hypothesis that individuals who expected to receive an inheritance will currently be less likely to be prepared for retirement than those who do not expect to receive one. This appears to be a novel topic with scant other research available. Michelle can be reached at mkruger@uga.edu.