
Although my own children are far from being grown, I’ve seen how the adult-child dynamic can play out in families. When they ask for money, it can stir up some conflicting emotions. Even if you know the answer needs to be “no,” it can be hard to draw boundaries. Many parents feel torn between wanting to help and needing to protect their own financial stability, especially in retirement. What really matters is how you say no. The right wording can make all the difference. Here are seven scripts for saying “no” to your adult-kid when they ask for cash.