MoneyWi$e: Financial Survival Tips for the Sandwich Generation

Host:  Mindy McCulley, MS Extension Specialist for Instructional Support, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension, University of Kentucky Guests: Kristen Jowers, MS Extension Specialist for One Op and Barbara Breutinger, Family Financial Counseling Intern Season 8, Episode 23 Welcome to MoneyWi$e on Talking FACS. In this episode Kristen Jowers (OneOp Extension Specialist) and Barbara Breutinger (Family Resource Management Intern) explore the realities of the Sandwich Generation — adults simultaneously raising children and supporting aging parents. They define who fits this group, share key statistics about prevalence and caregiving hours, and outline the unique financial and emotional pressures these caregivers face, including costs for education, housing, healthcare, and lost work opportunities. The episode presents four practical steps: keep family and parent budgets separate to protect benefits, prioritize your own retirement savings, explore assistance programs (Medicaid, Medicare, SSI, VA, and community resources), and seek professional help while accepting practical support from friends and family. Special attention is given to military families, highlighting relocation and deployment challenges and resources such as VA caregiver programs, Military OneSource counseling, and OneOp Medicaid guidance. Listeners will find actionable tips, resource links in the show notes, and encouragement to start family conversations and create a sustainable plan that protects both loved ones and their own financial future. For more information about this topic and other MoneyWi$e topics, visit: MoneyWi$e Newsletter How Can We Communicate Without Conflict? VA Caregiver Support Program Medicaid and Military Connected Families UK Elder Care Resources For more information about other MoneyWi$e topics, visit: MoneyWi$e Website Connect with FCS Extension through any of the links below for more information about any of the topics discussed on Talking FACS. Kentucky Extension Offices UK FCS Extension           Website           Facebook           Instagram           FCS Learning Channel