July 8, 2026
Balancing family support and retirement goals – take time to reflect this summer
| New research has found that 61% of parents with children over 18 are providing financial support | Helping children financially works best when it sits within an agreed, sustainable plan and clear boundaries | Talk it through – a fresh perspective can help balance generosity today with security tomorrow |
As we settle into the summer, many of us finally find the breathing space to pause and reflect. The longer evenings and holiday mindset often encourage a wider perspective – not just on where we are today, but on the future we want to enjoy.
For many families, however, retirement planning can quietly slip down the priority list when adult children need support. Whether helping with rising living costs, a first property deposit, university fees or simply navigating a challenging economy, parents are increasingly stepping in financially long after their children reach adulthood.
The growing cost of supporting adult children
New research1 has found that 61% of parents with children over 18 are providing financial support, with one in seven expecting this generosity to delay or reduce their retirement plans. Some are dipping into savings, others are reducing pension contributions and many acknowledge that supporting family has affected their own long-term financial goals.
Of course, most parents want to provide security and opportunity for their children, but there is an important balance to strike. Supporting loved ones should not come at the expense of your own financial future.
Revisiting retirement priorities
Retirement planning is rarely static. Priorities evolve over time, and so should financial plans. Revisiting retirement goals, reviewing pension contributions, understanding future income needs and adjusting investment strategies can all help ensure plans remain aligned with changing family needs and circumstances.
Importantly, retirement today is no longer viewed as a single end point. Many people are planning for phased retirements, flexible lifestyles and longer, more active later years. That makes ongoing financial clarity even more valuable.
Finding the right balance
Summer can be the ideal moment to step back and reassess. With the right advice and careful planning, it is entirely possible to support children when needed while still protecting the retirement lifestyle you may already have or are working hard to build. The key is ensuring generosity and long-term security sit side by side.
A few positive steps to consider
- Review your retirement goals regularly – even small adjustments to pensions or investments can make a meaningful long-term difference
- Set clear boundaries around family support – helping children financially works best when it sits within an agreed and sustainable plan
- Let’s talk it through – a fresh perspective can help balance generosity today with security tomorrow.
1Standard Life 2026
The value of investments can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. The past is not a guide to future performance and past performance may not necessarily be repeated.
