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How Dual-Income Couples Can Optimize Their Retirement Plans
Dual-income couples can strengthen their retirement strategy by coordinating accounts, timing Social Security, managing taxes, and setting shared...
Retirement Planning
EP Wealth’s Shari Greco Reiches explores what it means to SKI (spend kids’ inheritance), and how to strike the right balance between living for today and planning for tomorrow.
To SKI or Not to SKI (Spend Kids' Inheritance)?
I recently woke up to a wonderful surprise. Three couples — all clients — were vacationing together and sent me a picture with the caption:
“Having fun on our SKI (Spending Kids’ Inheritance) trip – thanks to you!”
They were smiling ear to ear.
It made me think about that tricky balance:
Spending less so there’s more to leave behind…
Or spending more on the things that bring joy and fulfillment today.
Many of our “empty nest” clients start to think about this after the kids are out of college, and the big-ticket expenses are mostly in the rearview mirror.
So — how do you know if you’re ready to SKI?
Here are a few important questions to ask:
- Have you taught your children about money?
Financial independence starts with financial literacy. Regardless of how much they may inherit someday, the best gift is knowing how to manage it. - Have you talked to them about trade-offs?
Many parents are surprised when their kids encourage them to spend more on themselves. - Do you have a plan that balances both?
Your financial plan should incorporate your essential needs (housing, healthcare, etc.) and your wants (travel, hobbies, etc.), while still allowing for a legacy if that’s important to you. Are you comfortable with the outcome? - Does the experience align with your values?
Whether it’s travel, a home renovation, or something else entirely, does it reflect what matters most to you? - Should your family be part of the experience?
Sometimes the best legacy isn’t financial — it’s the memories you create together. Consider whether that dream trip or celebration could be shared.
If you’re answering “yes” to most of these, then you might be ready to SKI.
You can start on the beginner slopes if that feels safer, but over time, you’ll get more comfortable. You might even love it.
After all, the goal is to strike the right balance between enjoying what you’ve worked so hard for and supporting the people and causes you care about.
It’s all part of maximizing your return on life.
DISCLOSURES
- EP Wealth Advisors, LLC. is registered as an investment advisor with the SEC and only transacts business in states where it is properly registered, or is excluded or exempted from registration requirements. SEC registration does not constitute an endorsement of the firm by the Commission nor does it indicate that the advisor has attained a particular level of skill or ability.
- Request an appointment with an EP Wealth Advisor when you have a minimum of $500,000 in investable assets – which includes qualified retirement plans (IRA, Roth IRA, 401(k), taxable brokerage, cash (savings / checking) and CDs. Investable assets do not include your home, vehicles, or collectibles.
- Hiring a qualified advisor and/or financial planner does not guarantee investment success, and does not ensure that a client or prospective client will experience a higher level of performance or results. No guaranty or warranty is made that any direct or implied results or projections being represented here will be met or sustained.
