Making Cents: What to make of the S.K.I. financial trend?

September 1, 2026 - 17:58

You may have come across the term S.K.I. lately. It stands for "spend kids inheritance," and it is a growing financial and lifestyle trend among older adults. Instead of hoarding every dollar to pass down, retirees are choosing to use their savings on travel, dining, hobbies, and experiences while they are still healthy enough to enjoy them.

The idea is not about being spiteful or cutting children out of a will. Rather, it is a shift in priorities. Many retirees realize that waiting until the end of life to give money away means they never get to see the joy it brings. They also see that adult children often have their own careers and homes, and may not need a large lump sum as much as they need their parents to be present and active.

Financial planners have noticed a steady rise in this mindset. For some, it comes from watching parents pass away with untouched savings, leaving behind wealth that no one truly benefited from. For others, it is a reaction to the rising cost of care and the desire to pay for better assisted living or in-home support later, rather than relying on kids to cover those costs.

The trend does raise questions. Some parents worry about leaving nothing as a safety net, while some adult children feel entitled to an inheritance. But experts suggest the key is open communication. Families that talk about money goals early tend to avoid resentment. The S.K.I. approach is not about being reckless. It is about balancing generosity with self-care, and many retirees find that spending on shared family vacations or memorable dinners creates a different kind of legacy, one built on time together rather than a bank balance.