


Many of the accounts were opened within a year of Levi's death, under the pretense that Karl would use them to provide for the granddaughters. Karlsen disguised both deaths as accidents, allowing him to collect hundreds of thousands of dollars in life insurance proceeds, and pocket tens of thousands of dollars more in annuities purchased for Levi's daughters. Karl Karlsen, 61, has been sentenced to spend the rest of his life in prison for the murders of his first wife, Christina, in 1991, and their adult son, Levi, in 2008. "Having an idea of where you want to go together really puts you on a shared vision and a shared goal." A tragic exampleĪt its most extreme, a failure to talk about money can be deadly. Regardless, it is important to be open with one another. Moore said some couples she works with mingle their finances, while others keep them separate. "Do you have a lot of assets? Do you have a lot of student loan debt? Do you have a retirement savings? What does this look like? What does your picture look like?" Then, develop a clear picture of where you are financially. "We're really showing what we value in life." "Do you want traveling to be a really high priority? Is it education for your kids? Is that a top priority?" she said.

"I think about just the importance of clarity, of understanding where you're at," she said.Īs with the conversations among parents and children, the conversation should establish each person's values. While you are planning these frank conversations with your parents and children, don't forget the lines of communication with your spouse or significant other.Įven the happiest couples will argue about money from time to time, but Moore said transparency will always smooth the path. "And what that means for me is that it's on their terms, and so it's their decisions." 'Clear is kind' "My goal with my clients, I want people to be able to age with dignity," Moore said. Letting your wishes be known keeps you in control. After all, you are now leaning on people who always depended on you. "You're just saying, do you have it all in one place? Or, if something were to happen to you, where should I go? Is there a folder in your closet or, is there a person I need to call getting some of that information?"įor the parent, having that conversation might feel like you are giving up some independence. But the main issue at the outset is to understand their wishes, and what role, if any, that they expect you to play. The conversation need not delve into their specific financial situation, though it can help raise a red flag if they do not have a plan. "A great first question is, do you have a plan, and are you working with somebody?" And so, it's really helping get clarity," Moore said. "There's a lot of fear that drives that conversation. Here again, communication is key.Ī basic conversation with your parents can put everyone's mind at ease, even though it can be difficult to initiate. Many people find themselves providing for young children while also looking after aging parents - the so-called sandwich years. Really normalizing some of these ways to build wealth," Moore said. Here's how you use your investment statement. As your children move into adulthood, keep the conversation going. Explain to your teenager how loans and interest work. Having a clear understanding of how that will work, and what your family can afford, is crucial, especially in an era of rising tuitions and crushing student debt. "It's passing down these values that families have," she said.Īs they get older, there will inevitably be conversations about saving for college - and paying for it. If you give to charity, discuss that with them as well.

Consider involving young children in financial goals, like purchasing a new household item or taking a vacation, to teach them the importance of saving, planning and patience.Ĭonsider showing your kids how you keep track of your checking and savings accounts, so they can understand the importance of managing money.
#Awkward conversations about money audio free how to
But Moore said a basic theme should involve how to think about and value money. Personal Loans for 670 Credit Score or LowerĬlearly, they won't be talking about the differences between fixed and variable annuities. Personal Loans for 580 Credit Score or Lower Best Debt Consolidation Loans for Bad Credit
