What's the right way to pass wealth to the next generation? How much inheritance is too much?

We explore the deeper questions behind inheritance planning in this Beyond Budgets® episode … questions about stewardship, generosity, and financial responsibility. You'll learn how to balance financial legacy with personal growth and create an inheritance plan that aligns with your family's values.

Net worth is only one part of the equation, and money amplifies character (or lack thereof). Inheritance can lead to overspending, entitlement, and a lack of direction without proper guidance. Smart estate planning includes trustees who guide beneficiaries and flexibility for real-life needs.

Listen to this episode if you're a parent who wants to define your family's version of "enough" and the related episode 12, Mastering Estate Planning.

Episode Highlights

• [0:00:00] – The dangers of comparison, greed, and lifestyle inflation

• [0:04:46] – How to determine "how much is enough" vs. "too much" inheritance

• [0:17:26] – How to use Roth IRA matching to build good money habits in children

• [0:20:00] – How donor-advised funds can create a family culture of giving

• [0:27:56] – Pros and cons of liquid vs. illiquid assets like real estate and family businesses

Q&A

1. What is considered too much inheritance?

There is no fixed dollar amount that defines "too much" inheritance. It becomes excessive when it reduces a beneficiary's motivation or ability to develop financial independence. The focus should be on preparing heirs, not just funding them.

1. How can parents prevent inheritance from creating entitlement?

Parents can prevent entitlement by:

• Teaching financial literacy early

• Encouraging saving and investing habits

• Modeling generosity and stewardship

Both have value. Liquid assets provide flexibility and immediate access, while real estate and business assets can build long-term wealth. A balanced mix is typically the best strategy.

Both can coexist. Generosity during life can teach values, while a thoughtfully structured inheritance can support future generations without creating dependency.

In this special Podcasthon 2026 episode, host and Catholic financial planner Deb Meyer sits down with Deborah Johns, Chief Growth Officer of Unbound, to explore a radically different approach to poverty relief. It's one that puts decision-making directly into the hands of families.

From direct cash transfers to child and elder sponsorship, you'll hear how small, consistent support can transform not just one life but entire communities.

As parents managing your household budget, this conversation reframes giving:

• It's not about how much you give

• Intentional, consistent impact matters more

• Model generosity and global awareness for your kids

Consider this a way to build your "family impact plan" alongside your financial plan.

• (01:14) What makes Unbound's self-directed model different from traditional charities
  
  

• (05:27) How direct cash transfers empower families to solve their most urgent needs
  
  

• (09:11) Why supporting mothers creates ripple effects for years to come
  
  

• (11:43)The often-overlooked need for elder sponsorship and social connection
  
  

• (16:05)How education, especially for girls, breaks generational poverty cycles
  
  

Unbound is an international nonprofit working in 16 countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Each year, they provide over $100 million in direct support to children, elders, and families living in poverty.

Their mission is simple but powerful:
👉 Put choice, dignity, and decision-making back into the hands of those experiencing poverty.

Unbound stands out for stewardship:

• 90%+ of funds go directly to programs
  
  

• Top ratings from charity evaluators like Charity Navigator
  
  

• Full transparency with publicly available financials

Visit: unbound.org to sponsor a child or elder

Grief can reshape your parenting, relationships, and decision-making. In Episode 59 of the Beyond Budgets® podcast, host and Catholic financial planner Deb Meyer talks with hospice nurse and Catholic grief coach Nichole Haugen about what healthy grieving looks like for parents, how surrender can support healing, and why it's wise to pause major financial decisions during seasons of profound loss.

This episode is for parents navigating any kind of grief: the death of a loved one, sudden loss, divorce, addiction in the family, or the grief that comes from life not turning out the way you expected.

You'll learn:

• (03:49) What "healthy grieving" looks like (and what it can look like when you're stuck)

• (07:14) A simple first step when you know you're not coping well

• (16:54) How to parent through grief while still caring for your nervous system

• (27:38) Why big financial moves can backfire during intense grief

• (29:07) How faith, surrender, and trust can help you release what you can't control

This conversation offers both practical grounding and genuine hope if you're trying to keep life moving for your kids while you're hurting inside.

✨ Don't forget to leave a rating or review if this episode helped you!

And please note our schedule change for March 2026: only one episode will be published on Thursday, 3/19/26, for Podcasthon. The following solo episode will air on Thursday, 4/2/26.

Founder of WorthyNest®, helping faith-driven parents build financial plans that reflect their values.

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