I’ve just turned 60 and my children are in their twenties. We brought them up to have a sensible attitude towards money: we lived within our means and if something was too expensive, we’d save up or go without. We certainly didn’t live off credit cards and the only debt we had was our mortgage, which we finally paid off this year.
So I’m confused and disappointed that my children don’t share our family values. They don’t seem interested in saving up for a deposit for a flat or house, and have told me “it’s impossible”.
Instead, they spend their money on fancy coffees, expensive brunches and holidays with their friends. They don’t have a penny left over each month; they talk about debts casually; they buy things on finance or pay in instalments and it all seems irresponsible.
Shorts
At their age I was going without to save up for a house so we could have children. We’re not rich but I’d love to give them a little contribution towards a house deposit, but I’d be worried they’d fritter it away on frivolities. So I’ve said nothing. I can’t help but disapprove: they seem a bit stunted somehow. Will they ever grow up?
