Gifting money or leaving an inheritance: what makes more sense?

Many people wait until the end to pass something on. But a growing number think about doing it sooner, while they're still alive to see the impact. "Giving while living" has a certain appeal. But the execution raises questions: how much can you afford to give away, what are the tax rules, and what does it do to your own financial security?

The emotional and financial side of gifting

Gifting money isn't just a tax question. It also touches on what you want to leave behind, how you want to support the recipient, and what you still need for yourself. Someone at 65 with potentially 30 years ahead calculates differently than someone at 80 arranging their estate. That time horizon makes a fundamental difference in what's sensible.

Questions that matter

• How much do you still need for your own life, including unexpected care costs?
• What are the annual gift exemptions, and how can you use them optimally?
• Do you want to help recipients now, at a moment when it makes a real difference to them?
• How are family dynamics, and could gifting create tensions?
• Is there a will, and does gifting fit within it, or does it need updating?

What Beslisflow does for you

Beslisflow asks you ten focused questions about your financial situation and your intentions. Based on your answers, you get a personal report that lays out your considerations clearly and points to the direction that makes most sense for you to explore.

Frequently asked questions