{"type":"document","data":{"id":"32de881d-088f-4656-95ea-0f769a7ca599","localeString":"en-GB","publishDate":"2026-03-31T14:04:55.982+02:00","contentType":"onecms:productPage","hasMacro":false,"flexPageMetadata":{"afmBanner":false,"robotInstruction":{"noIndex":false,"noFollow":false},"description":"Discover key considerations for transferring wealth within families: breaking taboos, expert insights, and tips for building a successful future."},"mainHeaderZone":{"componentType":"productHeader","coreHeader":{"body":"Discover key considerations for transferring wealth within families: breaking taboos, expert insights, and tips for building a successful future.","headerImage":{"transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/19d6ad52-2d22-4ead-8330-7c5a040ece0c/600580931","type":"image","width":2100,"original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/4e2fcf53c99369dd/original/600580931.jpg","extension":"jpg"},"title":"Wealth transfer and the importance of openness within families"},"backLink":{"textLink":{"url":"/en/private-banking/knowledge-and-insights/wealth-planning","text":"Wealth planning"}}},"flexZone":{"flexComponents":[{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"<p><strong>Key takeaways: </strong></p><ul><li><p><strong>Breaking taboos:</strong> Learn why discussing wealth transfer is often a sensitive topic within families—and why openness is essential. </p></li></ul><ul><li><p><strong>Expert advice:</strong> Gain insights from specialists like Liesbeth Pörtzgen and experienced family coach Bart Maussen on how to manage wealth transfer and family relationships. </p></li></ul><ul><li><p><strong>Start now, don’t delay:</strong> Prepare for the transfer of wealth in good time. This helps prevent misunderstandings and conflicts within the family and supports the preservation of wealth across generations. </p></li></ul>"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"The challenge of preserving family wealth"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"<p>In the coming years, an above-average number of wealth transfers are expected to take place. Yet this process often remains a taboo subject within families, with both parents and children hesitant to initiate the conversation. </p><p>Preserving family wealth is a challenge, as the saying “create, inherit, and squander” within three generations suggests. Emotions often play a significant role. </p><p>At <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"internal\" href=\"/en/private-banking\">ING Private Banking and Wealth Management</a>, we aim to make the topic of wealth transfer more open and approachable. A well-prepared next generation not only has the ability to maintain family harmony but also to preserve family capital across generations—while fulfilling the parents’ wishes for a more meaningful life. </p><p>We spoke with our colleague Liesbeth Pörtzgen, Financial Engineer at ING Private Banking and Wealth Management, and Bart Maussen, an experienced coach for entrepreneurial and affluent families. </p><p> </p><p><strong>Liesbeth, could you briefly introduce yourself? </strong></p><p>I’m Liesbeth Pörtzgen. My focus is on structuring wealth, where openness and transparency are key. Tax considerations are often secondary, and it’s never too early to start the conversation. </p><p> </p><p><strong>Bart, would you like to share your experience? </strong></p><p>My name is Bart Maussen. My goal is to help balance family dynamics, and I speak from personal experience, having grown up in an entrepreneurial family. </p><p>Bart shares his personal story about the loss of the family business, where a lack of communication and involvement had a profound impact on his identity and well-being. </p>"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"The importance of timely communication"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"<p>In the podcast, Liesbeth and Bart emphasize the importance of timely communication within families—about emotions, pain, grief, and joy. Bart reflects on what he would have done differently, highlighting the value of frequent conversations and opening a dialogue with parents. </p><p>Liesbeth, who regularly works with families facing similar challenges, shares her experience in making the topic of wealth more approachable. Addressing the issue early and gradually involving heirs is crucial. </p><p>The discussion focuses on the role of trust between the older and younger generations. Transparency and involvement are seen as essential ingredients for a successful wealth transfer. </p><p>Timing proves to be a critical factor. It’s never too early to start introducing children to the topic—ideally from around the age of twelve. Preparing heirs is a gradual process, and openness can help reduce fear and uncertainty. </p><p>At its core, successful wealth transfer within families depends on timely communication, openness, and involvement. Sharing experiences and addressing emotions are essential to ensuring the long-term, peaceful management of family wealth. </p>"}},{"componentType":"cta"}]},"complementaryZone":{"flexComponents":[{"componentType":"cards","cards":[{"componentType":"productCard","cardType":"product","cardSize":"small","title":"Make an appointment","intro":"Let's start a conversation.","image":{"transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/3e538078-976f-4b74-b49c-90d7cd895df2/Web-12","type":"image","width":307,"original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/1d41bac33a10b194/original/Web-12.svg","extension":"svg"},"link":{"url":"/en/private-banking/customer-service"}},{"componentType":"productCard","cardType":"product","cardSize":"small","title":"Log in to My ING","intro":"Quick insights into your financial situation","image":{"transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/33c4e3a2-7e3d-47a1-9c6f-1993eedcdb8c/Web-13","type":"image","width":307,"original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/5aecfb619a645cd6/original/Web-13.svg","extension":"svg"},"link":{"url":"https://mijn.ing.nl/login"}}]}]}}}