BEQUESTS, GIFTS, AND EDUCATION Swedish evidence on parents transfer behavior

Abstract

We study the motives behind parents' transfers to their children, and the relationship between tangible transfers and educational investments. Another issue is the channels parents choose for tangible transfers. Do they use bequests and inter vivos gifts as substitutes or complements? We use a recent Swedish data set. It is superior to previously used data as it has information on both inheritances and gifts received. Our empirical analysis gives some support for parents having altruistic motive for their transfers. We also find evidence that parents use bequest and gifts as substitutes.