Family Duties Can Threaten Retirement (InvestmentNews)

Market volatility, high unemployment, rising health-care costs and plummeting home values have done a number on baby boomers’ finances for sure, but have you considered the impact on their families? Research commissioned by Ameriprise Financial Inc. shows 58% of boomer assist their aging parents in some way, and 93% provide financial support to their adult children. Knowing how clients are supporting their parents or adult children can help them plan for retirement. First, couples should discuss their expectations openly between each other. Once on the same page, clients should have a financial discussion with their adult children and a discussion with their parents about health-care costs. Finally, the clients should share their own retirement plans with family members.