Money matters and the younger generation

A broken pink piggy bank with notes and coins spilling out of it.

Only eight per cent questioned in a YouGov poll said they felt 18 to 22-year-olds have the financial maturity, with the majority saying the late 20s, early 30s or even older are a more financially responsible age group.

The report, commissioned by wealth manager Brewin Dolphin also revealed that adults in Scotland are less likely than other Britons to think parents should give children equal financial support.

However 41 per cent of adults in Scotland say parents should cover a child’s university costs, compared to 35 per cent nationally.

Legally, once a child turns 18 he or she can access savings and spend it how they like.

A majority in Scotland also felt restrictions should be placed on children’s inheritance.

Commenting on the findings, Rob Burgeman, Divisional Director of Investment Management at Brewin Dolphin, said: “While there is a commitment by parents and grandparents to ensure that their children and grandchildren have the best financial start to adult life, they do not want to see their money wasted or become the cause for financial recklessness and frivolity. Some would rather wait until the recipients of their wealth have reached an age of financial maturity, so that the money is spent in a way that reflects the spirit it was given in.”