The oldest members of Generation X are celebrating their 60th birthdays, a time when people often make decisions about what happens to their property when they die. But according to a USA Today article, “Retirement is looming. Generation X doesn’t have an estate plan,” three-quarters of this generation have not done any estate planning.
Generation X, born between 1965 and 1980, is often described as the pre-technology generation, growing up in a non-digital world and maturing along with a tidal wave of digital devices. They are less likely than older or younger generations to have addressed estate planning. This is a mistake, as estate planning documents are needed to protect individuals and families during their lifetimes and after their passing.
Without a financial power of attorney, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) authorization form, healthcare power of attorney, will or trust, Gen X’s parents or adult children won’t be able to help in case of incapacity. Inheritances may not end up in the right hands.
Wills and trusts are used to instruct how assets are to be distributed upon death. When someone dies without a will, the court uses state law to distribute their assets.
Trusts can be used while you are living and after your passing. Assets placed in trusts don’t go through probate; instead, they go directly to beneficiaries. Trusts are commonly used by “regular” people to maintain control of assets, minimize court involvement and maintain privacy.
People generally put off estate planning because they don’t like to contemplate their own death or incapacity. It also requires making decisions about what you want to happen to your property, which can be perplexing, especially in blended families.
Failing to have an estate plan creates chaos. Without healthcare directives, family members must go to court to be able to talk with doctors during a medical crisis. If there is no power of attorney for financial matters, bills can’t be paid and costs can mount quickly. Not having a will could lead to a lifetime of earnings being passed to the wrong person.
An experienced estate planning attorney navigates these issues daily. They can help clarify wishes and prevent the family from added stress during an already difficult time. No matter what generation you belong to, you need an estate plan.
Generation X’s reluctance to create estate plans may be a negative response to digital companies’ heavy promotion of online estate-planning documents. They are right to be skeptical. No matter how good the AI may be, no system can replace the knowledge of an estate planning attorney gathered from years of personal experience with the law and working with families. Start the conversation today—it’s worthwhile for all generations.
Reference: USA Today (April 18, 2026) “Retirement is looming. Generation X doesn’t have an estate plan”