Most parents have made a financial sacrifice to help their adult children

Most parents have made a financial sacrifice to help their adult children
Emergency savings, debt payments, even retirement savings are at risk.
MAY 31, 2024

As parents we make a lot of sacrifices for our children, and this extends to potentially risking our own financial security to help them out even in adulthood.

That’s according to a new report from Bankrate.com which found that three in five survey respondents have make at least one financial sacrifice so they can help their adult children financially.  Emergency savings (43%), paying down debt (41%), and retirement savings (37%) are among the sacrifices made, along with their ability to reach other financial milestones (44%).

“Parents are least likely to sacrifice their retirement savings in order to help their adult children financially," said Bankrate Chief Financial Analyst Greg McBride, CFA. “The fact that other financial milestones are first on the chopping block does suggest parents are appropriately prioritizing retirement savings – whether that is continuing to save or preserving what they’ve already saved.”

The report found that more than a quarter of adults (aged 23+) said their parents have supported them financially or are currently doing so. While Gen Zs are most likely to say this (42%), Millennials (42%), Gen Xers (22%), and Bomers (10%) have also received help from their parents.

This is most often housing costs with 49% having received financial help for this such as assistance with rent payments or being allowed to live with their parents for a low rent or rent free. Around half have also received ongoing support for everyday expenses.

“Housing costs and everyday expenses are the most common areas where adults are receiving, or have received, financial assistance from their parents,” added McBride. “Persistent inflation and housing affordability woes make it unlikely that this will change any time soon.”Those adults who return home to live with their parents, so called ‘Boomerang Kids’ are rising their own finances and those of their parents according to a recent Thrivent survey.

Latest News

FINRA suspends Centaurus broker who piled clients into REITS, BDCs
FINRA suspends Centaurus broker who piled clients into REITS, BDCs

Most firms place a limit on advisors’ sales of alternative investments to clients in the neighborhood of 10% a customer’s net worth.

Advisor moves: LPL Financial, Osaic, Raymond James all welcome new teams
Advisor moves: LPL Financial, Osaic, Raymond James all welcome new teams

Those jumping ship include women advisors and breakaways.

Mariner announces an acquisition double, adding $1.7B to its AUA
Mariner announces an acquisition double, adding $1.7B to its AUA

Firms in New York and Arizona are the latest additions to the mega-RIA.

Michigan insurance agent to stand trial after charges of insurance fraud
Michigan insurance agent to stand trial after charges of insurance fraud

The agent, Todd Bernstein, 67, has been charged with four counts of insurance fraud linked to allegedly switching clients from one set of annuities to another.

NY Appeals court tosses $500M civil fraud penalty against Trump; upholds injunctive relief
NY Appeals court tosses $500M civil fraud penalty against Trump; upholds injunctive relief

“While harm certainly occurred, it was not the cataclysmic harm that can justify a nearly half billion-dollar award to the State,” Justice Peter Moulton wrote, while Trump will face limits in his ability to do business in New York.

SPONSORED How advisors can build for high-net-worth complexity

Orion's Tom Wilson on delivering coordinated, high-touch service in a world where returns alone no longer set you apart.

SPONSORED RILAs bring stability, growth during volatile markets

Barely a decade old, registered index-linked annuities have quickly surged in popularity, thanks to their unique blend of protection and growth potential—an appealing option for investors looking to chart a steadier course through today's choppy market waters, says Myles Lambert, Brighthouse Financial.