Supporting parents and kids while building your future

The sandwich generation refers to individuals who are simultaneously supporting ageing parents while raising children. Managing these competing demands can feel overwhelming, as sandwich generation members juggle various needs such as medical bills for parents, school expenses for children, and retirement savings. Licensed financial planner Goh Chee Keong advises that understanding commitments and setting priorities is crucial.

Realistic budgeting helps support both generations over the long term, as unexpected healthcare costs for parents can arise. Goh suggests dividing the budget into three categories: essentials like food, housing, transport, and insurance; discretionary spending such as gym memberships; and long-term commitments including retirement savings and emergency funds.

When income is limited, families should reassess each category to determine which expenses take priority. Maintaining a retirement fund is essential for breaking the cycle of financial dependence on subsequent generations. Having open conversations with ageing parents about their preferences and needs is important, as is involving siblings in planning for future care costs.

Building an emergency fund covering six to 12 months of living expenses is also vital for protecting against loss of income.