This paper investigates the impact of inheritances and gifts received on the distribution of wealth among older … marketable wealth, we consider broader measures including public and private pensions. We find that once pension wealth is … included, inheritances and gifts no longer have an equalising impact on the distribution of wealth. Without pension wealth …

wealth accumulation is to finance future consumption, either their own or that of heirs. The paper concludes that the … simplest model that explains the relevant facts is one in which either consumers regard the accumulation of wealth as an end in … itself, or unspent wealth yields a flow of services (such as power or social status) which have the same practical effect on …

wealth accumulation is to finance future consumption, either their own or that of heirs. The paper concludes that the … simplest model that explains the relevant facts is one in which either consumers regard the accumulation of wealth as an end in … itself, or unspent wealth yields a flow of services (such as power or social status) which have the same practical effect on …