Helping the Next Generation Invest in Themselves
When it comes to building wealth, few forces are more powerful than time. The earlier someone starts investing, the greater the potential for compounding to work its quiet magic. Yet while many adults understand this, the real opportunity lies in helping the next generation embrace it. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or mentor, introducing young people to smart financial habits isn’t just generous, it’s transformational.
At Open Window, it's our vision to establish financial legacies across generations as a stronghold for your family's finances. Getting the next generation involved is particularly close to our hearts. Our intergenerational team provides objective, transparent advice that empowers families to make informed financial decisions, fostering a legacy of financial confidence and security.
Here are some practical ideas we use, and that you can start using today.
Introduce Financial Literacy
Why teaching money concepts early builds lifelong confidence
One of the best financial gifts you can give a child isn’t just money, it’s knowledge.
Start by talking to your kids about budgeting, saving, and what it means to invest. Review account statements with them to highlight the power of compounding and the benefits of tax deferral. Use the target-date portfolios in a 529 plan to teach your kids about the value of diversification and the power of simplicity. Make them a part of decisions when picking investments for a custodial account or Roth IRA (discussed below).
The earlier a child is exposed to real financial decisions, the better their odds of achieving long-term goals.
 |
Here's an idea:
|
Encourage Giving
How philanthropy sharpens money skills and clarifies values
In the book Intentional Wealth, Courtney Pullen explains that giving money away is a powerful way to learn how to manage it wisely. This approach encourages philanthropic engagement among family and friends, fostering a culture of giving and financial stewardship.
Involving children in giving decisions can teach them real-world money management while strengthening communication and shared purpose across generations. Philanthropy clarifies personal and family values, fosters a sense of stewardship, and builds essential financial skills like budgeting, evaluating outcomes, and making intentional decisions. Ultimately, thoughtful giving helps families align their wealth with their values and prepares future generations to be responsible stewards.
|
Here's an idea:
|
Fidelity Charitable's Gift4Giving program allows donors to allocate a portion of a donor-advised fund (DAF) to others, enabling those you designate to recommend grants to IRS-qualified public charities of their choice. Donors can designate amounts between $50 and $10,000 per Gift4Giving, which recipients can direct to eligible charities.
There’s never a fee for sending a Gift4Giving and you can always see the details of your transaction in your Giving Account history, including when it was sent, if it has been used, or if it has expired. If the Gift4Giving is not used within 180 days, any remaining balance will be moved back to your Giving Account.
Involve Them in Real Conversations
Start with a meeting—yours
Bringing your child to a meeting with Open Window is a simple but powerful way to involve them in their financial future. It helps demystify money, introduces them to foundational concepts like investing and tax planning, and shows them that financial conversations are a normal and important part of life. These early exposures can spark curiosity, build confidence, and lay the groundwork for lifelong financial competence.
|
Here's an idea:
|
Schedule a "Family/Individual Meeting" with us anytime at www.openwindowFS.com/connection.
Schedule a Meeting of Their Own
Start with a meeting—Theirs
Even if they haven’t joined your meeting, consider scheduling one just for them. Consider the power of a meeting where their financial situation is at the forefront.
Meeting with a competent financial planner can be a transformative experience, especially for those just starting their financial journey. A good planner doesn’t just talk about investments or retirement; they help clarify goals, simplify complex decisions, and bring structure and confidence to your financial life. For young adults and mid-career adults, that kind of guidance can be the difference between costly trial-and-error and a strong, intentional start. Whether it’s understanding budgeting, debt, saving, or investing, the right advice early on can set the foundation for decades of smart decisions.
If we already share in a trusted relationship we're happy to extend that value to the next generation. As a courtesy to our existing clients, we offer a free one-hour meeting with your child (or grandchild) to help them get started on the right financial foot. There’s no sales pitch, just real, practical guidance tailored to where they are today. It’s a small gesture with the potential for lifelong impact. For young adults, we can hold separate meetings to foster independence and respect their privacy, while still keeping you in the loop when appropriate.
|
Here's an idea:
|
Whether it's saving for a car, paying off a student loan, or investing their first $1,000, setting a clear goal makes money real and planning relevant. It turns abstract advice into a personal action plan—and that’s where true financial learning begins.
Plant the Seeds Now. Watch Generations Grow.
Ready to give your children (or theirs) a head start that lasts a lifetime?
Helping the next generation build wealth isn’t just about giving them money; it’s about giving them a mindset. With time on their side and the proper guidance, today’s young investors can become tomorrow’s financially confident adults. Let’s work together to give your children (and theirs) a head start that lasts a lifetime.
Our team includes professionals from different generations, making it easier to relate to your children at any stage of life. Let’s help your kids (and theirs) take their first confident step toward a lifetime of smart financial choices. Whether it’s a conversation, a meeting, or setting up their first account, we’re here to help. Reach out at (775) 827-0670 or book a 'Quick Connection' time with us at www.openwindowFS.com/connection.
Schedule a 'Quick Connection' time here.