College Next Fall? 3 Things to Do This Summer to Help Your Grad Get Financially Ready

admin • May 12, 2023

You did it! You made it through sleep training, temper tantrums, awkward middle school years, teenage angst, and finally, high school graduation. You’ve taught, disciplined, and cared for your child for many years. Nice work!  

As exciting as this time is, your time, attention, and resources are not off the hook quite yet. It’s now time to propel your baby bird from the nest and help them get financially ready for this next stage of life: college! 

Before they head off in the fall, society would tell you that this should be the summer when they travel in total abandonment, spend time with their friends, and sleep until 11 am. 

But as your friendly neighborhood financial advisors, we think there’s a better use of their time. The summer between your child’s high school graduation and the first year of college is the perfect time to build financial skills and instill healthy money habits. 

3 Things to Do This Summer to Help Your Grad Get Financially Ready

Teaching your kids about money will help ensure they are ready to handle the financial responsibilities that come with college life (and beyond!). To get them ready for this new level of maturity, take these three actions this summer:

  1. Give Them a “Money Management 101” Course
  2. Discuss College Funding
  3. Encourage Them to Work

1. Give Them a “Money Management 101” Course

Plan to give your child their first “101” course in money management. (It can even be poolside!) Here’s a possible curriculum outline for you: 

  • Budgeting 101 . Help your child find a free budgeting app that they like and encourage them to use it. They can track their food, leisure activities, clothing, and even school expenses. They can also track any income they receive from paid work, gifts, or stipends from Mom and Dad. 
  • Saving 101 . Encourage your child to think beyond their immediate desires. Do they have lofty spring break plans? Plan to buy a car soon? Have enough money to put a security deposit down on an apartment? 

Whatever their desires are, they’ll need to be saved for! Remind them to put a sinking  fund category into their budget. 

  • Investing 101 . It’s never too early to start investing. If they don’t know about it already, reveal to your child the beauty of compound interest and how even a small deposit each paycheck can grow and help them achieve their financial goals. 
  • Credit 101 . Tread lightly here because credit cards can be severely misused and cause financial pitfalls. But if you and your child feel like they are financially responsible enough to handle a credit card, apply for one (and make sure it has great reward perks!). 

Your student will need a strong credit score to apply for future apartments, mortgages, car loans, etc. If they are not ready for a credit card, you can add them as an authorized user to your cards and they can piggyback off of your good credit while they build their own. 

2. Discuss College Funding

There are numerous ways to pay for college and you’ve hopefully already discussed who exactly is going to pay the bills coming down the pike. Use this summer to discuss college student loans and financial aid opportunities. 

  • College student loans. If your family has chosen to take out student loans, ensure both you and your child understand the amount, interest rates, and repayment plan. Some parents choose to completely pay for their child’s education, some choose to subsidize a portion, and others don’t offer any financial assistance. 

You need to decide what you can comfortably afford and communicate clearly with your  child about who is going to be responsible for what. 

In addition to the ways to pay for college, talk to your child about taking responsibility for their education. Encourage them to show up for class, schedule proper study time, make connections, leave a good impression, and network. Otherwise, it’s going to be four or more years of really expensive social time. 

3. Encourage Them to Work

Encourage your child to help pay for their college expenses (including the late-night Uber Eats pizzas) by picking up a part-time job.

A college part-time job should be flexible and close to where your child is living/studying so they can walk, bike, or ride the bus. Bonus if it’s a job where they could pick up extra hours during winter and summer breaks and a further bonus would be if it’s work related to their major. 

There are many on-campus job options such as being a residential assistant, teaching or research assistant, tour guide, fitness instructor, cashier, tutor, barista, and more! Venturing off campus can provide even more opportunities such as working at a local restaurant, bank, hotel, or retail store. 

And since it’s 2023, there are even numerous flexible, online opportunities ! Freelance writing, social media management, and virtual assistant jobs can be the perfect fit for busy students. 

Working during college gives your child a practical way to contribute to their expenses and the opportunity to start investing. Even if it’s $25 to $50 per paycheck, investing in low-cost mutual funds will allow your student to see the impacts of investing and create a long-term habit. 

Spend some time this summer helping them create their resume, compile references, and apply for the perfect part-time job! 

4. Bonus: Love and Support Them!

Heading to college is an incredibly special and unique time. While setting them up for future financial success, we encourage you to also have a blast with them this summer.

Your child is becoming an adult and your relationship will slowly be transforming. They’re probably going to make mistakes—as we all do—and that’s okay. Ensure you’re a safe place for them to come to for advice and help. 

You might just be surprised at how well they thrive and excel in their new life and responsibilities.

Get Financially Ready with Five Pine Wealth Management

As customer-centric fiduciaries, the team here at Five Pine Wealth is the perfect match for families just like yours. We know what it’s like to balance a career and family while also responsibly planning for the future. 

Launching your children from your home is a major undertaking and we’d love to help you and your family figure out what it specifically means for your finances. 

To get started today, email us at info@fivepinewealth.com . We can’t wait to meet you! 

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What’s the Best Way to Leave Money to Your Children?

June 17, 2026
Key Takeaways Teaching financial literacy and family values is often just as important as passing down money. A thoughtful estate plan can help reduce family conflict and support future generations. Starting your estate planning early, before you feel like you need to, puts you in the best position to protect your family and your legacy. A trust can help you control when and how your children receive inherited assets. At some point, the question stops being "do I have enough?" and becomes "what do I actually do with all of this?" For a lot of families, that includes figuring out how to pass wealth to their kids without creating a mess. Leaving money to your children doesn't have to be an all-or-nothing decision. A thoughtful estate plan can help you transfer wealth in a way that reflects your values while giving your children the support they need at different stages of life. The most effective plans usually combine smart legal structures with ongoing conversations about money, responsibility, and family goals. Will vs. Trust One of the first decisions many families face is whether to use a will or a trust. A will outlines how you want your assets distributed and who will oversee the process. It’s an important estate planning document and serves as the foundation of many estate plans. A trust, however, can offer additional control and flexibility. Assets held in a trust can often pass to beneficiaries more efficiently and allow you to establish specific instructions for how and when assets are distributed. Depending on your goals, a trust may also help provide privacy and additional protection for heirs. For example, rather than leaving a child a large lump sum at age 25, a trust could allow distributions over time or for specific purposes such as education, housing, healthcare, or starting a business. That doesn't mean a trust is automatically the right solution for everyone. Some families have relatively simple estates and may find that a will adequately accomplishes their objectives. If you have younger children or adult children who aren't quite ready to manage a large inheritance on their own, a trust gives you options that a will simply does not. The important thing to remember is that estate planning isn't just a decision about who gets what. It's an opportunity to decide how wealth is passed on and what guidance, if any, accompanies it. Structured Inheritance Strategies Many parents are uncomfortable with the idea of leaving a significant inheritance all at once. That concern is understandable. Most people can think of examples where a sudden influx of money led to poor decisions, strained relationships, or unrealistic expectations. Structured inheritance strategies can help address those concerns while still providing meaningful support. Some common approaches include: Distributing a portion of assets at specific ages, such as 30, 35, and 40. Allowing distributions for education, healthcare, or home purchases. Creating incentives tied to employment, entrepreneurship, or other personal goals. Establishing trusts that provide ongoing oversight from a trustee. Funding educational accounts for grandchildren as part of a multigenerational plan. These approaches allow wealth to be transferred gradually rather than all at once. There is no universally correct formula because every family is different. A child who is financially responsible at age 25 may require very little structure, while another may benefit from additional oversight for many years. Whatever structure you choose, the goal should be the same: to give your children a foundation, not a crutch. Legacy Planning is About More Than Money When people hear the phrase "legacy planning," they often think about legal documents, account balances, and beneficiary designations. Those items matter, but many families discover that the most valuable inheritance isn't financial. Your values, family traditions, work ethic, charitable priorities, and approach to money often have a greater impact on future generations than the dollars themselves. Consider this question: If your children received your wealth tomorrow, would they also understand the principles that helped create it? Many parents spend years teaching their children how to drive, prepare for college , choose a career, and raise a family. Yet conversations about investing, taxes, budgeting, and responsible wealth management are sometimes delayed until much later. Financial education doesn't need to be complicated. It can begin with simple discussions about spending decisions, saving goals, charitable giving , investing, and how money supports the life you want to live. The earlier those conversations begin, the more prepared future heirs often become. Preparing Heirs for Financial Responsibility Heirs are often better prepared when they understand both the opportunities and responsibilities that come with inherited assets. That preparation can happen gradually over time. Parents might involve adult children in family financial discussions, explain the purpose of trusts and estate plans, or share the reasoning behind major financial decisions. Some families even hold annual meetings where children learn about family values, charitable priorities, business interests, or long-term planning goals. These conversations are not about revealing every financial detail. Rather, they help create context and understanding. When children know why wealth exists and what it represents, they are often better equipped to manage it responsibly. For families with substantial assets, introducing adult children to trusted advisors can also be beneficial. Building relationships before an inheritance occurs can make future transitions smoother and reduce confusion during an already emotional time. Generational Wealth Transfer A successful generational wealth transfer involves much more than moving assets from one generation to the next. It requires balancing financial support with personal responsibility. Some parents worry about giving too much, while others worry about not giving enough. Most fall somewhere in the middle. The answer is rarely found in a single document or account balance. Instead, successful wealth transfers often combine: A well-designed estate plan. Appropriate use of wills and trusts. Clear communication among family members. Financial education for future heirs. A shared understanding of family values and priorities. When those elements work together, wealth has a much better chance of creating opportunity rather than confusion. Start the Conversation Now Many parents want their children to enjoy greater financial security than they had growing up. That's a worthy goal, but providing an inheritance is only part of the equation. The structure of the transfer matters, but so do the conversations surrounding it and the values passed along. A thoughtful plan can protect family relationships, reduce uncertainty, and increase the likelihood that your wealth will continue supporting future generations in meaningful ways. If you'd like help evaluating your estate plan, discussing inheritance strategies, or creating a comprehensive legacy plan, the team at Five Pine Wealth Management would be happy to talk it through with you. Call (877) 333-1015 or email us today to schedule a conversation.  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q: At what age should I leave money to my children? A: There is no universal answer, but many families use a staged distribution approach, releasing funds at specific ages or milestones, such as completing college or reaching age 30, to give heirs time to build financial maturity before managing larger sums. Q: How can I prepare my children to manage an inheritance responsibly? A: Start having age-appropriate conversations about money, investing, saving, and family values. Introducing adult children to your financial advisors before an inheritance occurs is also worth considering; it makes the transition smoother and gives everyone more time to prepare. Q: Do all families need a trust? A: Not necessarily. Some families can accomplish their goals with a will and beneficiary designations alone. A trust is worth considering if you want more control over how assets are distributed, if your estate is more complex, or if your heirs would benefit from some structure around when and how they receive inherited funds.

When Saving Money Starts Getting in the Way of Living

May 21, 2026
Key Takeaways Saving money is important, but constantly postponing meaningful experiences can leave you financially secure and personally unfulfilled. Fear, habit, and identity often play a bigger role in spending decisions than numbers do. A healthy financial plan should support both your future security and your ability to enjoy life along the way. Imagine you’ve saved diligently for decades. You have a healthy income, growing retirement accounts, manageable debt, and investment balances that continue climbing year after year. Yet, somewhere in the back of your mind, a voice keeps saying, “Not enough.” So you hold off on the vacation or skip the kitchen renovation. You tell yourself you will spend more freely later, once things feel more certain. You keep asking yourself the same question, “Can we really afford this?” Sometimes the answer is yes by every objective financial measure, but emotionally, it still feels uncomfortable. For years, personal finance advice has focused heavily on the dangers of overspending. Save more. Spend less. Delay gratification. Avoid lifestyle creep. That advice absolutely matters. Many people would benefit from stronger saving habits. But there is another side of the equation that does not get discussed enough. Some people become so good at saving that they forget what the money was for in the first place. Am I Saving Too Much?  This question sounds almost absurd, and many people feel uncomfortable asking it. In our culture, saving is viewed as responsible and disciplined. Spending often gets framed as careless or indulgent. So when someone continues accumulating wealth year after year, nobody really raises concerns. But over-saving can create its own problems. We have worked with people who consistently save large percentages of their income while postponing almost everything meaningful to them. They delay vacations. Put hobbies on hold. Continue working in stressful jobs long after they financially need to. They keep waiting for some future point where they will finally feel safe enough to enjoy what they built. The challenge is that “enough” can become a moving target. As portfolios grow, lifestyles usually grow too. Concerns about inflation, healthcare costs, market volatility, taxes, and longevity all start competing for attention. Even financially successful people can develop a persistent fear that one wrong decision could jeopardize everything. That fear is often emotional rather than mathematical. In many cases, the numbers support far more flexibility than the person believes. The Psychology of Saving Money Saving behavior is deeply tied to emotion, identity, and the stories we tell ourselves about security. Understanding why you save the way you do is the first step toward making more intentional choices. Fear of running out is one of the most powerful drivers. Even people with substantial assets can feel that their wealth is fragile, particularly if they grew up without financial stability or lived through a major market downturn. The brain tends to overweigh dramatic losses compared to equivalent gains, which means the emotional pain of imagining a depleted account is often disproportionate to the actual probability of it happening. Habit reinforcement plays a significant role as well. If you spent 30 years in accumulation mode, consistently saving and reinvesting and growing, your financial behaviors became deeply ingrained. Transitioning from saving to spending, even intentionally, and when the numbers support it, can feel wrong at a gut level. The habits that built your wealth can work against you when the time comes to use it. Societal pressure adds another layer. High-earning professionals are often surrounded by messages that equate financial discipline with virtue. Spending on yourself can feel indulgent or even irresponsible, even when it’s neither. There is a difference between careless spending and deliberate investment in your own well-being, but the cultural script often blurs that line. For business owners and dual-income households, there is also the identity piece. When so much of your sense of self is tied to building, growing, and accumulating, shifting toward enjoyment requires a genuine psychological reorientation, not just a new budget line. Values-Based Spending Over-saving isn't fixed by spending more randomly. What actually helps is spending with intention — putting money toward things that genuinely matter to you. This is what we mean by values-based spending : aligning how money flows with what you care about. The exercise starts with a conversation about what you want your life to look like. Not the life you think you should want, and not the life your parents had or your colleagues' project, but the experiences, relationships, contributions, and comforts that would make your days feel meaningful and full. From there, a good financial plan becomes a permission structure. When your advisor can show you, concretely, that your goals are funded and your risks are managed, spending stops feeling like a threat to your security. It starts feeling like money doing what money is supposed to do. Values-based spending also helps you stop spending on things that don’t matter to you. Many high earners discover that their default expenditures have drifted away from their priorities over time. Redirecting those dollars toward what genuinely matters often feels better than a raw increase in spending. Signs You May Be Under-Living Financially A few patterns tend to show up repeatedly among chronic oversavers: You feel guilty spending money even after careful planning. Your savings goals continue increasing without a clear reason. You postpone experiences you deeply want because you “might” need the money someday. You struggle to define what financial freedom would look like for you. Your net worth keeps growing, but your day-to-day life feels largely unchanged. You continue working at a pace that negatively impacts your health or relationships, despite already being financially secure. None of these automatically means you are saving too much. But they are often signals worth examining more closely. Practical Steps to Align Your Money With Your Life Making the shift from over-saving to purposeful living does not require a dramatic overhaul. It starts with a few honest conversations and a willingness to examine some long-held assumptions. Start by revisiting your retirement projections with a financial advisor. Ask specifically what your models say about your ability to spend, not just your ability to accumulate. Many clients are surprised to find that their plan supports significantly more lifestyle spending than they had assumed. Build a "permission budget" for discretionary spending. This is not a ceiling on enjoyment but a deliberate allocation toward experiences and priorities you have identified as meaningful. Giving yourself explicit permission to spend in certain areas, backed by a sound financial plan, reduces the guilt that often accompanies even well-deserved expenditures. Consider what you are waiting for. If the answer is a number that keeps moving, or a level of certainty that financial markets will never provide, it’s worth exploring whether the hesitation is financial or psychological. A good advisor can help you separate the two. A Healthy Financial Plan Should Support Your Life A strong financial plan should create confidence, not permanent deprivation. Saving diligently is important, but there is also value in recognizing when enough may already be enough. The goal is for your spending to reflect your values, your priorities, and where you are in life right now. Because eventually, there has to be a point where the money begins serving you instead of the other way around. If you’ve been wondering whether your saving habits still align with the life you want to live, we’d love to help you think through it. At Five Pine Wealth Management , we help clients build financial plans that support both long-term security and meaningful living today. Call us at 877.333.1015 or email us at info@fivepinewealth.com to start the conversation. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q: Why do I feel anxious spending money even when I can afford it? A: Spending anxiety is often tied to the psychology of saving money. Past financial stress, market downturns, family experiences, and years of disciplined saving can condition people to associate spending with risk, even when their financial plan supports it. Q: Can over-saving negatively affect your quality of life? A: Yes. Constantly delaying travel, hobbies, family experiences, or personal goals in pursuit of “more” can lead to burnout, stress, and missed opportunities. Financial security matters, but so does enjoying the life your money was meant to support.