Striking the right balance

It comes as no surprise, with financial challenges impacting everyone’s pockets, that parents are prioritising worries regarding their children’s finances above their own, a trend highlighted in a recent survey of advisers1. 

According to the survey, 55% of respondents specified that amid cost-of-living challenges adult children were being prioritised in clients’ wealth planning, with many stepping in to help with their offspring’s financial struggles. 

Top requests made by parents keen to provide financial support include releasing funds (25%) for their adult children. While 55% of the surveyed advisers have clients choosing to access their pension savings to enhance their disposable income to support family members, with 18% of those clients taking an additional lump sum specifically to help their grown-up children. Over half of advisers have clients keen to adjust their finances, with 40% reportedly requesting advice on ensuring investments stay ahead of inflation. 

Although people are understandably concerned about their children’s financial circumstances, it’s important to be mindful about striking the right balance and not to lose focus on your own financial objectives. 

1Royal London, 2023 

It is important to take professional advice before making any decision relating to your personal finances. Information within this article is based on our current understanding and can be subject to change without notice and the accuracy and completeness of the information cannot be guaranteed. It does not provide individual tailored investment advice and is for guidance only. Some rules may vary in different parts of the UK.