富不过三代, do you agreed?

[106gunner]

Look at what happening to SG now

So many F&B and companies closing down and restructuring

 

[Bam25th]

Disagree.
They are closing down, restructuring, and opening.
It’s not as if the shops are vacant.

Just look at vivocity, so many new restaurants, and all are packed.

 

[herzberg]

三代 ish jin good liao. My unker ish 一代 nia, squandered the inheritance from ah kong on stupiak biz ventures and jiken, now nothing left, wanna sit at kopitiam lim jiu also too broke

 

[Linguist]

Look at what happening to SG now

So many F&B and companies closing down and restructuring

Disagree... got one party hits 4th liao... somemore is more and more positions and etc involved...

 

[popsune1]

yes, I think so.

 

[carlongerdidu93]

[deepseek ai]:

3. Statistics & Studies​

• A UBS study (2023) found that only about 20% of family businesses survive past the third generation globally.
• In China, 90% of private enterprises are family-run, but many struggle with succession.

4. Exceptions & Counterexamples​

Some families defy the trend:

• The Rockefeller family (US) – Maintained wealth for over 6 generations through disciplined trusts.
• Li Ka-shing (Hong Kong) – Structured his empire to ensure smooth succession.
• European aristocrats – Some families (e.g., Rothschilds) preserved wealth for centuries.

Spoiler: full results

The saying **"富不过三代"** (Wealth does not pass three generations) is a common Chinese proverb reflecting the observation that family fortunes often decline by the third generation. But how true is this prediction in reality?

### **1. Historical & Cultural Basis**
The saying stems from traditional Chinese society, where wealth preservation was challenging due to:
- **Lack of financial systems** – No modern banking, trusts, or investment tools to protect wealth.
- **Confucian values** – Later generations might focus on scholarly pursuits rather than business, leading to mismanagement.
- **Division of wealth** – Inheritance was split among heirs, diluting family assets over time.

### **2. Modern Relevance**
While the proverb still holds some truth, modern financial systems and education have changed the dynamics:
**Wealth management tools** – Trust funds, estate planning, and professional advisors help preserve wealth.
**Globalization & diversification** – Wealthy families invest internationally, reducing risk.
**Stronger education** – Many affluent families now train heirs in finance and business.

However, challenges remain:
**Mismanagement & entitlement** – Spoiled heirs may squander wealth (e.g., luxury spending, bad investments).
**Family conflicts** – Disputes over inheritance can destroy fortunes.
**Economic shifts** – Market crashes, political changes, or industry disruptions can wipe out wealth.

### **3. Statistics & Studies**
- A **UBS study (2023)** found that **only about 20% of family businesses survive past the third generation** globally.
- In China, **90% of private enterprises are family-run**, but many struggle with succession.

### **4. Exceptions & Counterexamples**
Some families defy the trend:
- **The Rockefeller family (US)** – Maintained wealth for over 6 generations through disciplined trusts.
- **Li Ka-shing (Hong Kong)** – Structured his empire to ensure smooth succession.
- **European aristocrats** – Some families (e.g., Rothschilds) preserved wealth for centuries.

### **Conclusion**
The proverb **"富不过三代"** remains *partially true*—many families do lose wealth by the third generation due to poor planning, entitlement, or economic shifts. However, **with proper financial education, structured inheritance plans, and disciplined management, wealth can endure beyond three generations**.

Would you like insights on how to avoid this fate in family wealth planning?

 

[buttbERry]

not for all cases ba

 

[hoks]

Those that cannot 过三代 ish becos they not 富 enuf.

 

[coyote]

Look at what happening to SG now

So many F&B and companies closing down and restructuring

Hard for edmwers to answer your question as most here said they are poor and no intention to have babies... So they are not rich and don't even have next generation, let alone rich and with 3 generations.

 

[Kaylin]

depends. old moneh can last, new moneh cannot

 

[niefeng80]

Okay: my grandfather and father were quite successful. I am the third generation. Actually, if I have the right ingredients, I should also be able to make it quite successfully. It’s actually quite easy.

I think as long as don't gamble, take drugs or have many divorces, should be quite safe.

 

[rodimus_prime]

Okay: my grandfather and father were quite successful. I am the third generation. Actually, if I have the right ingredients, I should also be able to make it quite successfully. It’s actually quite easy.

since they were both quite successful, why would you not have the right ‘ingredients’ ?

 

[106gunner]

I think as long as don't gamble, take drugs or have many divorces, should be quite safe.

Nah when a country have high inflation and high living cost and the leader only think of their own pocket and choose to lepak and monitor

Even if you are well educated, decent and never get involved with drugs and crime, you will still met with stiff competition and difficulties

Imagine so many FT and new citizen and graduates competing you with jobs, housing etc

 

[popdod]

Nonsense.
UOB family standing strong.

 

[arsenalfc85]

It’s very very very very hard for a rich family to toh one la

Need maybe 2 consecutive ultra beh kan generations to wipe out the wealth

 

[jack-320]

富不过三代 has nothing to do with F&B and companies closing down and restructuring

 

[sseasea]

Yes agree
翻译卖国传十代

 

[botak33]

Not true. Those kinds of comments usually come from people who lack ability and just want to boost their own ego.

 

[Eureka75]

Not true. Those kinds of comments usually come from people who lack ability and just want to boost their own ego.

Ah Gong's own family fell apart when he passed away, now LWL also passed away and LHY seek asylum in UK.

 

[niefeng80]

Nah when a country have high inflation and high living cost and the leader only think of their own pocket and choose to lepak and monitor

Even if you are well educated, decent and never get involved with drugs and crime, you will still met with stiff competition and difficulties

Imagine so many FT and new citizen and graduates competing you with jobs, housing etc

talking about those super wealth passed down from Gen 1.