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Sun, 30 Aug 2026

Sun, 30 Aug 2026 'My parents won't lend me £10k but helped my brother': When families play financial favourites

So-called financial favouritism can cause jealousy and resentment long into adulthood. Here is how experts say you can avoid it

* Around 15% of siblings have had conflicts over money, according to a US study.
* Financial favouritism can cause jealousy and resentment in adulthood and even lead to legal disputes after a parent's death.
* Experts say there are strategies to avoid financial favouritism, including: 1. Recognizing what's behind the row: it may be about feeling valued or treated fairly, rather than the money itself. 2. Avoiding making assumptions about a sibling's financial situation or the reasons behind parental decisions. 3. Encouraging open and respectful conversations where everyone has the opportunity to explain how they feel. 4. Parents should communicate their intentions as clearly as possible, particularly if they are supporting children differently for practical reasons. 5. Considering family counselling or mediation before taking legal action in inheritance disputes.
* Having clear and honest communication about financial support and expectations can help reduce feelings of resentment.
* In some cases, parents may need to consider appointing a trusted third party, such as a solicitor, as powers of attorney to oversee their care and finances if they get ill or lose mental capacity.