Talking about money can be a recipe for tension and miscommunication between family members. Throw in retirement and estate planning—and your aging parents—and you’ve got a conversation no one really wants to have. I’ve previously discussed how aging parents can broach this topic with their adult children , but what about the reverse? How can adult children talk to their parents about retirement, estate, and other long-term financial plans?
How to Talk to Your Parents and Grandparents About Their Estate Planning
Discussing retirement planning with your aging parents can be difficult, but it’s a necessary conversation to have. As your parents get older, they’ll need support and help planning for their golden years. I spoke with Mitch Mitchell, associate counsel at Trust & Will, for tips on navigating this crucial financial conversation with your parents.
Choose a time when you and your parents are both relaxed and not rushed or stressed. Avoid bringing up the topic of retirement during large family gatherings or holidays. Instead, set aside a separate time for this conversation.
Before the conversation, take some time to think about the questions you want to ask. Write down topics such as living arrangements, finances, health care, estate planning, social activities, etc. This will help keep the discussion focused and productive.
