You work hard, make a fortune, then what? Most people imagine passing it on to their kids without a second thought. But some of the world’s richest have other plans entirely. These ultra-wealthy names are keeping the cash close or giving it away, and their reasons might surprise you.
Mark Zuckerberg
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Mark Zuckerberg has no intention of leaving his tech fortune to his daughters, Maxima, August, and Aurelia. Instead, he and Priscilla Chan committed to using their wealth to fight disease and improve education. Through the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, billions are being invested in global causes.
Jackie Chan
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Jackie Chan has long stated his son Jaycee won't inherit his fortune, just so he doesn’t reward laziness with luxury. Chan has an estimated $400 million in 2025 from global blockbusters and brand deals, and is channeling his money into education, medical support, and scholarships through the charitable foundation that bears his name.
Nigella Lawson
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Growing up around money didn’t make Nigella Lawson eager to pass it down. Despite a successful career in publishing and broadcasting, she has said she refuses to give her kids financial security. Her goal is to push them toward independence.
George Lucas
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Once George Lucas stepped away from directing, his life revolved around philanthropy. As part of the Giving Pledge, he promised to give away at least half his wealth. His children won’t inherit his billions, since he believes their futures should be built on purpose.
Simon Cowell
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No one made sharper calls onstage than Simon Cowell, but his biggest decision happened offscreen. He’s not handing his $600 million to Eric. Instead, he’s directing it to charity. Cowell says money dulls ambition. He’d rather his son work for applause than coast on royalty checks.
Philip Seymour Hoffman
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Few actors embraced grit like Philip Seymour Hoffman, and that same mindset shaped his private life. He refused to make his children heirs. Instead, he trusted their mother with the estate and trusted they’d grow stronger without a financial cushion. Security, in his view, cheapened motivation.
Elton John
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Elton John has no plans to pass down his immense fortune to his sons. While he and David Furnish raise Elijah and Zachary in luxury, he believes inheritance spoils ambition. Only a modest amount will be set aside—the rest will support causes far beyond his family.
Warren Buffett
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In his own words, kids should have enough to do something, but not enough to do nothing. That belief shaped how Warren Buffett divided his wealth. He’s not leaving it to his children. Instead, he’s using it to fund change at a global scale.
Bill Gates
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Estimated at $122 billion, Bill Gates’ fortune won’t stay in the family. Instead of creating heirs to vast wealth, he’s directed the majority of his resources toward public health, education, and technology access. His children will benefit from opportunity, not unlimited financial inheritance.
James Brown
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Most of his $100 million estate was set aside for charity, but James Brown’s final wishes sparked years of legal battles. His plan was clear: fund scholarships for poor children in South Carolina and Georgia. After a lengthy dispute, the courts finally honored that intent in 2020.
Joan Crawford
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By leaving two of her four children out of her will, Joan Crawford made one of the most talked-about estate decisions in Hollywood. The split wasn’t equal, and the reasons were never publicly explained. The memoirs, interviews, and speculation that followed kept the controversy alive long after she passed.
Andrew Lloyd Webber
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Andrew Lloyd Webber doesn’t believe children should inherit wealth they didn’t earn. He has stated that giving them money removes any reason to work. His estate, estimated at over $1 billion, is being directed toward scholarships and music programs that support young talent starting with limited resources.
Ted Turner
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Estimated at $2.2 billion, Ted Turner’s wealth is being used to tackle global issues. His Giving Pledge letter made his philosophy clear: set goals that outlast a single lifetime. Most of his estate supports environmental protection and humanitarian aid.
Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis
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No trust funds are being prepared for Wyatt and Dimitri. Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis decided early that their money should support outside causes. Kutcher has said their kids have enough and that real success should come from personal effort.
Daniel Craig
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James Bond won’t be leaving a fortune behind—not for his kids, anyway. Daniel Craig has called inheritances “distasteful” and says he plans to give away or spend most of his money during his lifetime. He believes each generation should build its own success, not live off the last one.