Sorry kids, it’s time for “the talk.” While most people instinctively cringe at memories of awkward conversations with parents about sex and reproduction, this time it’s about personal finances (thankfully).
A new survey from AgeUp, an annuity issued by MassMutual finds money second only to sex on the scale of squirm-inducing subjects.
The online survey conducted in January 2020 assessed whether adult children are comfortable talking with loved ones about their retirement savings, and whether they expect to provide financial support for their parents once they reach their 90s.
The research found that while the majority of millennials and Gen Xers believe they will provide financial support for their parents in their old age, they don’t want to ask them about it—and they’re not currently factoring it into their own financial planning.
By the numbers
Of note:
- 80% of millennials and Gen Xers surveyed agreed that parents and in-laws should be taken into account when thinking about their own long-term financial plans.
- 68% think they will provide financial contributions to their parents should they outlive their retirement savings.
- 67% said they anticipate that they’ll make the majority of their parents’ financial decisions if they reach their 90s.
- 47% said that it is either “very important” or “extremely important” to talk to their parents about their retirement savings.
However:
- Only 37% have already taken their parents and in-laws into account for their long-term financial plans.
- Respondents ranked talking about their parents’ personal finances as one of the “most awkward” subjects, second only to sex.
- 71% said they know “little” or “nothing” about their parents’ finances.
- 56% report either “never” speaking with their parents about their financial plans for retirement or speak about it “rarely” (once per year).
“This new research confirms that the country is facing a looming financial crisis,” the company notes. “As the Baby Boomer generation grows older, the gap between their retirement savings and longevity will increase exponentially—and the financial burden is poised to fall squarely on the shoulders of their adult children.”
With more than 20 years serving financial markets, John Sullivan is the former editor-in-chief of Investment Advisor magazine and retirement editor of ThinkAdvisor.com. Sullivan is also the former editor of Boomer Market Advisor and Bank Advisor magazines, and has a background in the insurance and investment industries in addition to his journalism roots.
