Story perspectives

Parents’ Financial Support Risks Retirement Savings for Many

12/20/2025

Summary

Story summary

Financial support from parents to adult children, especially after pandemic-related disruptions, can create dependency and jeopardize retirement savings.
A LIMRA survey shows 17% of middle-aged Americans with significant assets support children over 26, affecting financial security.
Additionally, 23% report that "boomerang" children negatively affect retirement savings.
Financial psychologist Brad Klontz says this depends on behavior reinforcement, not morality, and giving can encourage dependency.

1 of 1

Story summary

Financial support from parents to adult children, especially after pandemic-related disruptions, can create dependency and jeopardize retirement savings.
A LIMRA survey shows 17% of middle-aged Americans with significant assets support children over 26, affecting financial security.
Additionally, 23% report that "boomerang" children negatively affect retirement savings.
Financial psychologist Brad Klontz says this depends on behavior reinforcement, not morality, and giving can encourage dependency.