The Hidden Reason Most Family Fortunes Disappear

If you stopped working tomorrow… how long would your wealth actually last? In this episode of the Wealth Planning Podcast with Brister Law, Anthony Brister dives into the sobering reality that 90% of wealth is gone by the third generation—and more importantly, what to do about it.

 

This episode isn’t just about tax savings or business structuring—it’s about rethinking your entire approach to legacy. If you’re serious about protecting and multiplying your wealth for your children, grandchildren, and beyond, this one’s for you.

 

0:00 – The big question: “If you stopped working tomorrow, how long would your wealth last?” Introduction to the core issue of generational wealth.

0:40 – Main topic revealed: Anthony introduces the goal of creating a plan that protects and multiplies wealth for generations.

1:10 – Common mistake: Emphasis that most families lose wealth by the third generation not due to income, but due to lack of long-term thinking.

2:02 – Case study 1: The story of a grandfather who built a $6M real estate portfolio—lost due to no estate plan.

3:17 – Case study 2: A hardworking immigrant father with real estate wealth, unaware of looming estate taxes.

4:19 – Emotional anchor: Anthony shares how losing his mother without a will shaped his mission—conflict and grief due to no plan.

5:29 – Warning: “If your entire wealth plan is built around this year’s taxes, it’s already broken.”

6:01 – Case study 3: A doctor with growing income but no long-term strategy—solution through structured planning.

6:36 – Foundational concept: The “three legs” of generational wealth – structure, stewardship, and story.

7:10 – Common pitfall: Real estate in your personal name isn’t wealth—it’s a liability. More restructuring advice.

9:06 – Mindset shift: Wealth-building families stop thinking like individuals and start thinking like institutions.

10:25 – Challenge: Think about your family’s 30-year vision and intentionally define your legacy—don’t leave it to chance.

 

✅ Call to Action: Don’t just hope your wealth lasts—plan for it. 🎧 Listen, take notes, and subscribe to the Wealth Planning Podcast with Brister Law. Your future generations will thank you.