Optimal Finance Daily · Thursday, August 27, 2026
Mike Ballew of EggStack.com identifies financially dependent adult children as the primary reason Americans fail to save enough for retirement. He argues that parents should prioritize their own retirement savings before financially supporting adult offspring, drawing a parallel to birds pushing their young from the nest.
“Still supporting your adult children financially, dependent adult children are the number one reason Americans are not saving enough for retirement.”
“Save for retirement first, then support for your children.”
“Cut the cord and set your adult children free. You'll actually be doing them a favor.”