Many older people across the United States have not talked to their adult children about impending retirement plans, which can generate a lot of questions and confusion about what the future holds. A fidelity study conducted in 2016 identified that more than one-third of parents had never talked to their adult children about retiring because they felt that the conversation never came up. However, any detailed conversation about estate and financial planning, including conceptions about when retirement may occur, can give everyone greater peace of mind and confidence. 

Although some families still treat conversations about money, retirement and finances as taboo, it is critical to ensure that your children give you a chance to say what you need to say when the topic of finances comes up. It can be hard to gauge generational gaps in conversation and lack of clarity about estate planning and retirement planning strategies, but sitting down with a lawyer can help. Before adult children make suggestions, they should do their own research.

They should never come to the table without having an open mind about what their parents believe to be their own best interests. Many times, adult children may not be clear about what the parent intends to accomplish with his or her retirement planning or the assets held in place. Having a conversation about these issues, as well as any long-term care insurance policies is important.