Why Your Grandkids Don’t Actually Want Your Inheritance (They Want You)
Photo source: openverse, BusyBI.MTS.Grandma, Flickr
For many New Zealand grandparents, planning an inheritance for grandkids feels like one of the most loving things they can do. Yet ask most grandchildren what they truly treasure, and the answer rarely starts with money. It starts with memories. A holiday at the bach, Sunday roast, and the sound of your voice telling old family stories. These are the things grandkids carry with them long after any inheritance is spent.
This does not mean planning an inheritance for grandkids is unimportant. Financial gifts can genuinely help with study costs, a first car, or a deposit on a home in today’s tough property market. But research into family relationships consistently shows that connection matters more to younger generations than the size of a bequest. What grandkids remember is time spent together, not dollar figures written into a will.
Presence Over Presents
Many older New Zealanders assume that leaving a larger inheritance shows more love. In reality, grandchildren often say they would trade a bigger sum for more visits, more phone calls, and more shared experiences while their grandparents are still here. Simple things like teaching a grandchild to fish, sharing recipes, or attending their school events tend to leave a deeper mark than any legal document.
A Balanced Approach to Inheritance for Grandkids
The good news is that presence and financial planning are not mutually exclusive. Grandparents across New Zealand can do both by staying involved in family life while also setting up sensible, well-structured plans for the future. This might include speaking with a financial adviser or solicitor about wills, trusts, or early gifting options that suit your personal circumstances.
Start the Conversation Early
Talking openly with family about intentions around inheritance for grandkids can reduce confusion and tension later on. It also creates space for grandkids to express what actually matters to them, which is often simply more time with you.
The Real Legacy
At the end of the day, an inheritance for grandkids is only one part of the legacy grandparents leave behind. Stories, traditions, values, and love tend to outlast any financial gift. Investing time now, alongside thoughtful financial planning, gives grandchildren both the practical support and the relationship they will value most.
