Show Notes
With housing costs, student loans, and everyday expenses skyrocketing, more young adults are turning to their parents for financial support. Doug Hoyes and Ted Michalos unpack the emotional, financial, and practical realities behind "helping" adult children, including why many parents feel compelled to assist, and break down the real risks of co-signing, lending money, or tapping home equity to solve a child's debt issues.
(00:00) How costs, debt, and housing pressures shape young adults' expectations (03:10) Why parents feel compelled to help financially (06:20) When helping becomes risky for parents approaching or in retirement (10:00) Enabling, dependency, and how money strains family dynamics (12:00) Co-signing explained: what parents are really responsible for (13:30) When support prevents children from developing budgeting or financial skills (15:05) Alternatives to direct financial help (17:10) When to involve a Licensed Insolvency Trustee (18:40) Conditional help vs. open-ended rescue (25:00) Key takeaway: protect your own financial future first
How Can I Help My Adult Child With A Lot Of Debt?
Joint Consumer Proposal – Who Can File Together?
DIY Free Credit Repair Course
Sign Up for the Monthly Debt Free Digest
Hoyes Michalos YouTube Channel
Learn About Debt Relief Options in Ontario
Disclaimer: The information provided in the Debt Free in 30 Podcast is for entertainment and informational purposes only and is not intended as personal financial advice. Individual financial situations vary and may require personal guidance from a financial professional. The views expressed in this episode do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Hoyes, Michalos & Associates, or any other affiliated organizations. We do not endorse or guarantee the effectiveness of any specific financial institutions, strategies, or digital tools/apps discussed.
More from Debt Free in 30
Rounding up your income or leaving debts off a credit application may help you get approved. But it does not give you more money to repay what you borrow. Learn more about credit and rebuilding your credit score with our free online course after the podcast!
If someone asked you right now how much you owe, you'd probably have a number. It's probably low.
If you carry $5,000 on a credit card at around 20% interest, keeping that balance can cost roughly $1,000 a year. Making the minimum payment may keep your account in good standing, but it does not mean you are paying the debt off.
What does it really mean when you max out your credit card?
Why would a lender raise your credit limit when you're already struggling to keep up?