Just die already: Millions relying on inheritance for financial stability
Millions of Australians are relying on an inheritance for financial stability, according to new research by Finder.
A Finder survey of 1,017 respondents revealed 2 in 5 (41%) – equivalent to 8.8 million people – are slated for a bequest.
The research found 1 in 10 (10%) say they are dependent on an inheritance to achieve major financial goals including buying a house or retiring.
Almost 1 in 5 (19%) admit the anticipated fortune will significantly improve their financial situation but they aren't solely dependent on it.
A further 12% say the legacy they are set to receive won't have a major impact on their financial plans.
Half of Australians (49%) say their family is not in a position to leave an inheritance.
Sarah Megginson, personal finance expert at Finder, said family wealth is becoming a crucial financial lifeline as Australians grapple with the cost of living.
"Millions are quietly depending on family support to achieve their financial goals, whether it's purchasing a home, sending their kids to private school or settling debts.
"With sky-high living costs and loads of wealth being held by older generations in property and super, it's understandable that some Australians are banking on an inheritance. But, don't put all your eggs in that basket.
"Many people are surprised after a loved one passes away to discover their financial situation is not what they expected, or that assets have been left to other people."
Of those who expect to receive an inheritance, 15% say they are due to inherit it within the next 1 to 5 years.
Nearly 1 in 4 (23%) expect to receive an inheritance within the next 6 to 10 years, while 26% believe it's at least a decade away.
More than 1 in 3 (36%) remain uncertain about when, if ever, they'll receive their share.
Megginson said counting on money you haven't yet received can lead to delaying important financial decisions and foster a false sense of security.
"It's important to remember that not everyone has the luxury of a family windfall.
"Relying solely on this potential future support can be a gamble, so make sure you're proactively building your own financial security at the same time.
"A sudden influx of money, even a substantial one, can quickly disappear without a clear financial strategy in place."
Are you expecting to receive an inheritance and how crucial will it be for your financial future?
| Yes, and it will significantly improve my financial situation, but I'm not solely dependent on it | 19% |
| Yes, but it's unlikely to have a major impact on my financial plans | 12% |
| Yes, and I'm relying on it for major financial goals (e.g. house deposit, retirement) | 10% |
| No, due to family circumstances (e.g. no family, strained relationships) | 9% |
| No, my family is not in a position to leave an inheritance | 49% |
| Source: Finder survey of 1,017 respondents, June 2025 |  |
When do you anticipate you will receive your inheritance?
| Within the next 1-5 years | 15% |
| Within the next 6-10 years | 23% |
| In more than 10 years | 26% |
| It's uncertain, I have no clear timeline | 36% |
| Source: Finder survey of 1,017 respondents, 426 of whom expect to receive an inheritance, June 2025 | |
Sources
Methodology
- Finder's Consumer Sentiment Tracker is a monthly recurring nationally representative survey of more than 60,000 respondents.
- Figures in this release are based on 1,017 respondents from June 2025.
- The Consumer Sentiment Tracker is owned by Finder and operated by Qualtrics.
- The survey has been running monthly since May 2019.
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