The past few weeks brought along a few trials that I wasn’t financially prepared for. Trying to provide for medical costs for my Dad and making sure their monthly rent is paid for along with other expenses that seem to pop up takes a toll on a person, especially someone who is not bringing in an income high enough to provide for two households.

This situation paints a grim picture of parents who spend their lives trying to fix their adult children’s problems by putting their own financial future at risk. No, this is not brave or generous. It is plain stupid!

Once your kids are old enough to have a life of their own, cut the purse strings. Focus on your own money and be wise with it. You can help out your children in other ways. I know life happens, you want to help your kids, your grand kids etc etc but at the end of the day, do you seriously think that any one of them would turn around and fund your medical costs, pay all your bills AND put food on your table for the rest of your life?  Sure, you may find a handful of golden children who would but unless you take care of yourself, you can’t depend on anyone else to do it for you (this goes for everyone!) I’m not saying this to be mean but to give you a glimpse of what life could be like if you do not plan!

I am not a parent (nor do I have any desire to be one) so I can’t speak for the whole bond between a parent and child and all that good stuff. But I do know that, as a person with SOME common sense, I would make sure that I prepare for my older years in some way and not expect someone else to do it for me.

There is a reason why they ask you to put your own oxygen mask on first before you help your child when you are on a flight! They know that you can’t really help anyone else unless you help yourself first!