Prioritizing your financial well-being while supporting your loved ones isn't easy. Learn more about how you can simplify these responsibilities here.
Each family is unique—and so is their financial situation. No matter who’s in your circle, at Huntington we’re with you every step of the way. Our resident expert Jessica Bole, Wealth Planner at Huntington, shares some high-level financial guidance that could help save you and your loved ones a lot of time, headache, and (hopefully) a lot of money. Remember, no matter what, take care of yourself, too—you’re the center of the financial circle.
It’s a reality: Teaching financial literacy isn't a priority in most schools, so it’s up to you—and you can make sure time is on your side.
“Start early,” encourages Jessica. “Children are eager to learn and understand the world around them. You may be surprised just how curious they are about money.”
That curiosity can lead kids as young as toddlers to start grasping concepts like saving and spending. Teaching kids about money is as vital as teaching them manners or why hand-washing matters. Just remember to make it fun and hands-on. Show them how to understand prices at the grocery store. Deposit birthday or allowance money into a savings account. Let them see their balance grow over time, maybe even with interest through a high-yield account. It’s like a piggy bank—but better.
Most of all, don’t stress about doing it perfectly. Focus on your own comfort level and family priorities. What really matters is modeling good habits.
Teens are more financially savvy than you might think. “Fundamentals of financial literacy are applicable to our tweens and teens,” Jessica says. “We just need to put the concepts into situations that they relate to.”
Consider setting your teen up with a teen checking account and debit card, and let them manage their own accounts. Help them create a list of wants – a new game, a trip, or a gadget – to prioritize spending. Encourage earning through chores, allowances, or incentives like report cards. They’ll feel empowered as they save for things that really matter to them.
Research from the National Endowment for Financial Education shows that learning about money helps teens make smarter choices later in life, like managing college loans and avoiding high-interest debt. These years are perfect for teaching long-term habits.
While it may be difficult, it’s also important to let them stumble. Teens may blow their money on impulse buys or come up short for an important purchase. Resist the temptation to swoop in and rescue them. The small lessons they learn now can prevent bigger money missteps later.
Financial freedom starts with guidance and trust. Show them the ropes, give them space, and watch them grow into money-smart adults. It’s a win for their future and for yours!
It’s a conversation many people dread: How to talk to aging parents about their finances. While the topic can be tricky, it’s essential. They’ve worked hard their whole lives and may feel defensive, so approach the topic with empathy and respect. Money often stirs emotions: regret, guilt, even fear of losing independence.
“Be aware of your loved one’s needs, meet them where they are, and avoid asserting too much control too quickly or waiting too long to assist,” Jessica suggests. “Understand your role now, and recognize that your involvement may be a progression as their needs increase.”
It’s important to start the conversation early, before a crisis hits. It’s easier when they’re healthy and independent. A good entry point? Share your own financial planning: “Our advisor suggested long-term insurance and a living will. What do you think about that?” Framing it this way keeps the focus off them and opens the door for dialogue.
Prepare by consulting a trusted advisor to navigate legal and healthcare complexities. They’ll give you the tools to guide these discussions confidently.
And don’t forget—you still have to put yourself first. Solidify your own financial plan before taking on more responsibilities. When you’re on a plane, the flight attendants tell you to put on your own oxygen mask first. When you feel secure, you’re in a better position to help those you love.
These conversations aren’t easy, but they can be a gift. They ensure your parents feel supported while keeping everyone’s financial futures on track.
“The ‘sandwich generation’ encounters a unique set of circumstances where they are caring for younger children, excited to gain more independence, as well as their aging parents, who may need to rely on them for more support, all while still managing their own finances,” Jessica explains.
“Prioritize your own financial health, set and stick to a budget, and if financial assistance is needed for loved ones, assess how that support fits into your own financial plan before committing dollars which impact the future success of your own goals,” she says.
Apply the same financial strategies you use for your kids to your own needs. Consult a financial advisor, optimize your savings, and assess how supporting your parents fits into your plans. Balance is crucial. Don’t overextend yourself.
For your parents, an authorized user on a bank account, or a joint bank account may help manage their finances without overstepping. Think bill-pay services or savings accounts. Expecting greater needs from them in the future? A financial power of attorney is essential. It ensures someone trusted can make critical decisions on your parents’ behalf when needed.
You’re navigating a tough role, but planning ahead and prioritizing your well-being can ease the pressure.
The information provided in this document is intended solely for general informational purposes and is provided with the understanding that neither Huntington, its affiliates nor any other party is engaging in rendering financial, legal, technical or other professional advice or services, or endorsing any third-party product or service. Any use of this information should be done only in consultation with a qualified and licensed professional who can take into account all relevant factors and desired outcomes in the context of the facts surrounding your particular circumstances. The information in this document was developed with reasonable care and attention. However, it is possible that some of the information is incomplete, incorrect, or inapplicable to particular circumstances or conditions. NEITHER HUNTINGTON NOR ITS AFFILIATES SHALL HAVE LIABILITY FOR ANY DAMAGES, LOSSES, COSTS OR EXPENSES (DIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, SPECIAL, INDIRECT OR OTHERWISE) RESULTING FROM USING, RELYING ON OR ACTING UPON INFORMATION IN THIS DOCUMENT EVEN IF HUNTINGTON AND/OR ITS AFFILIATES HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF OR FORESEEN THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES, LOSSES, COSTS OR EXPENSES.
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