JustCurious said:
My point is, as parents, I think we OWE it to our children to provide a small amount of financial education regarding frugality and the importance of LBYM and investing to counteract the daily societal bombardment to the contrary.
You are addressing a whole different issue! Sure, as they're growing up we need to make them aware of the things you mention. But that's an entirely different matter than deciding that it's
"a good time for them to start to get serious" about
"saving and planning for their retirements". We're talking about adults in their 20s here, right? I'm afraid I don't entertain any illusions about my role in determining what my adult children will or will not get "serious" about. And I prefer it that way - for their sake and mine. I'm here if they need me; they know that. And they seek our input when they need it. But I trust them to manage their lives, their time, their relationships, their kids, and their money. They know what's best for them far better than I do.
So all I was saying is this:
1) ERs who eat-drink-sleep this stuff run the risk of turning off their adult children (or other family, or friends) by such things as expecting them to focus on retirement in their 20s, when they may very well not want to do that (I sure didn't want that when I was in my 20s).
2) It's perfectly reasonable (and maybe even desirable) if my kids aren't thinking about retirement in their 20s.
3) While there's certainly nothing wrong with buying financial books as gifts, it could be construed (by the giftee) as criticism, or a push in a direction he/she may not want to go (or need to go) at this stage in his/her life - especially if the gift is given by someone who had great success in all matters financial.
As ERs who frequent a board comprised of other ERs, we run the risk of developing a rigid view: that if only the rest of the world would see the wisdom in our path, they would all want to do what we do... and would be better off for it. Kind of like a religion. There's a fine line we must walk, lest others will view us to be overstepping our bounds. Where to draw the line is debatable, but for me, I don't push retirement planning advice (or books) on anyone, and I won't discuss it with anyone, unless they ask. And that includes my adult children.
Again, none of this directed toward the OP - who is just asking for some book recs for her kids (who may be thrilled to get the books). I'm just making a general comment about what I view as a risk we face as financially successful ERs interfacing with people whose lives may not be nearly as organized, focused, or pleasant as ours. They may not always appreciate unsolicited advice about how they can become more like us.