What Impacts Will the Greatest Wealth Transfer Have on Missoula?

You may have heard that the largest wealth transfer in history is currently underway. This monumental shift involves the transfer of wealth from the Baby Boomer and Silent Generation to younger generations.

The term ‘Baby Boomer’ originated during a period of robust postwar economic growth, as Americans’ confidence led to larger families, resulting in a population and economic boom. This economic prosperity translated into substantial wealth accumulation for the Baby Boomer generation.

As the Baby Boomers retire, require long-term care, and eventually pass away, their amassed wealth, estimated at around $30 trillion to $68 trillion, will be passed down to their children, grandchildren, and other beneficiaries. This significant wealth transfer is expected to have broad implications for the entire U.S. economy, and it is already underway in Missoula. Projections indicate that by 2030, approximately $3.6 billion will be transferred from one generation to the next in Missoula County.*

Missoula was built by Missoulians, and together we can ensure that it thrives and retains it’s unique character for the next generation. If we capture just 5% of this wealth transfer for Missoula, we can generate $8.1 million to support this special place. At the Missoula Community Foundation, our role is to make it easy to harness this 5% for Missoula, by providing the resources, expertise and outreach needed to make it happen.

*This study was commissioned by The Montana Community Foundation (MCF)