The Sandwich Generation faces unique financial and emotional challenges caring for their children and aging parents, as well as planning for their own retirement.
2. Who Are the Sandwich Generation?
• It refers to adults who are financially or emotionally
responsible for caring for both their aging parents and their
dependent children.
• These can be single parents, couples, or even grandparents
raising their grandchildren.
• The term was first coined by Dorothy Miller and Rosalyn Wyatt in
their 1981 book "The Sandwich Generation."
• At that time, the middle generation in the sandwich was Baby
Boomers. Today, the term has shifted to encompass Generation
Xers.
3. The Financial Strain of Dual Caregiving
Increased Expenses:
• Juggling Kids & Care: Daycare, after-school programs, and
activities add up, especially when caring for a senior loved one.
• Healthcare Costs: Medical care, medications, and in-home care can
strain your budget.
• Home Makeover: Modifications like ramps or grab bars to make your
home safe can be an unexpected expense.
• Senior Support: Assisted living facilities can be costly,
impacting your long-term financial plans.
4. The Financial Strain of Dual Caregiving
Reduced Income:
• Work-Life Woes: Cutting back hours or taking leave to care for
someone can put a dent in your income.
• Career Crossroads: Caregiving can limit career advancement
opportunities, affecting future earnings.
5. How to Navigate Caregiving Responsibilities
• Budgeting: Create a detailed budget for all household expenses,
including caregiving costs. Identify areas and reduce expenses.
• Invest in Life Insurance: Provides financial security for loved ones
after you're gone.
• Long-Term Care Insurance: Covers costs like nursing homes, hence
shielding your savings for caregiving.
• RESP: Save for your child's education with tax advantages and
government grants.
6. How to Navigate Caregiving Responsibilities
• RRSP & Tax Planning: Reduce taxable income to potentially qualify for
more government benefits and save more for retirement.
• Emergency fund: Establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected
expenses or compensate for lost income due to caregiving
responsibilities.
• Saving for Retirement: Don't neglect your own retirement savings
plan. Consider flexible options to accommodate your situation.
7. Government Support for Caregivers
• Canada Child Benefit (CCB): Helps with childcare costs for families with
kids under 18.
• Old Age Security (OAS) & Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS): Provides
income support for low-income seniors, potentially easing your burden.
• Employment Insurance (EI) Caregiving Benefits: Offers financial aid when
you need time off work to care for someone.
• Disability Tax Credit (DTC) & Disability Insurance: Lowers tax burden
and provides income replacement for disabled parents.
8. Contact us
21 Greenwin Village
Road, Toronto, Ontario,
M2R 2R9
416-722-9009
contact@sharpasset.com
P.O BOX 74539
Humbertown Centre,
270 The Kingsway
Toronto, ON M9A 5E2
www.sharpasset.com