Seems to me that living within your means, saving money like mad, and forfeiting short-term luxuries in general are vital skills for children to learn, starting...yesterday. They can't be postponed till adulthood. Especially if S.S. collapses.

Besides, as Tolstoy pointed out in a retold fable, the elderly should not count on their children to support them when the latter are likely exhausting themselves by supporting their own children.

You know how I like my countertops and cabinets? Clean, and uncluttered. Same for the bathroom. Toilet works? Hot water in the bath and shower? Check and check