Multi-Generational Living: Danniebelle Whippy Weighs In

In Australia, our younger generations are encouraged to work towards independence, self-sustainability and financial security, with the goal being to spread their wings and fly on their 18th birthday – but what if there was another option?

Key points:

In this episode of Money, Faith and Finance, Ben McEachen and Pete Burrows are joined by Hope 103.2’s Danniebelle Whippy to discuss the idea of multi-generational living and the effects it may have on one’s finances and family dynamics.

Danniebelle shares that in Fijian culture (as well as many other cultures around the world), young people are encouraged to live in their family home until they get married.

In Australia this may be a confronting concept, to go from living independently to moving back home with our parents, however this episode looks at both the positives and negatives of making this decision.

Danniebelle explains that multi-generational living encourages more of a “We” approach, rather than a “Me” approach.

As Danniebelle shares some details about her life at home with her mum and dad, she explains that the idea of multi-generational living encourages more of a “We” approach, rather than a “Me” approach.

Both parents and children are cared for, bills and expenses are shared between those with an income, and open honest relationships are built between all members of the family – breaking down those financial and communication barriers that can come from living apart.

Danniebelle, Ben and Pete discuss that while living at home with family and sharing the financial responsibilities can slow down your own personal savings for travel or buying your own home for example, this may be a lifestyle that is adopted by many more people in the future.

Having these conversations with your family members might open up new opportunities.

With the housing situation being as unstable and risky as it is, having these conversations with your family members might open up new opportunities to not only look after each other, but better protect your finances as well.

Danniebelle’s key take-away from this episode is “Do your best to keep it about others”, which is a fantastic place to start!

Listen to this episode of Money: Faith and Finance in the player above or wherever you get your podcasts.

Photos of the Whippy family supplied by Danniebelle and used with permission