Julian, If you want to build an app, one that I think most folks would find useful is to provide comparison framework(s) for common financial decisions, such as the break-even point for a particular choice, payoff interval, etc. The framework app should ask all the right questions to get the necessary data, and then provide a financial comparison of 2-3 options. For example, when someone is renting, but considering a home purchase, most want to know how the costs compare and how/if/when they might "get ahead" by choosing either alternative. All markets differ for the monthly cost of rent/buy, interest rates are a major factor, initial cash cost is different, expected length of time in the home is important, etc. It would be useful to have a framework where they could either work forward from the known values (current rent, down payment money in the bank, etc.), or even work backward from one value to find another (at what price would a home purchase be financially feasible, based on my current rent cost?). There are many interest rate calculators and other individual apps that calculate pieces of the financial comparison(s), but very few that provide a larger framework for making financial decisions. Most people don't know how to put all the factors together and make an informed decision, so they just make a "seat of the pants" financial decision. Bruce

DLM, I could not agree more about many parents not being good examples and failing to teaching their children even the basics of fiscal responsibility. I recently retired from teaching high school where last year a new initiative introduced a course in personal finance to all freshmen. The administration was aware that few of our students had the opportunity to learn the basics at home, which became apparent by the number of students who could not pay for driver's education. The school worked hard to assist students in finding part-time jobs and cooperative education, both essential to a mostly immigrant, low-income population. This article came across my news feed yesterday: How does your 401K balance stack up? The key is to fund your 401K as soon as you start working. "Save early, often, and aggressively". It is shocking how many people approaching retirement are not prepared financially. Young people must take advantage of time and compounding to be able to be financially secure retirement age. Yes, that often means delayed gratification, not buying unnecessary items, vacations, etc., living within ones means, judicious use of credit so as not to incur finance charges, obtaining advanced degrees and certifications for career growth. There is no need for a financial adviser at the early stages of investing. In fact, it would be a waste of money. Professionals come into play later with a larger nest egg, homes, saving for children's needs etc. Your relative must trust you DLM. I'm sure you have been a good role model!

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@mtvhike You noted: "I didn't know that any gift over $15k would require her to pay income taxes on that and, if the gift was substantial - $200k - she would be in a high tax bracket for that year." You should speak to your accountant because you are misunderstanding the gift tax rules. First, gifts are not taxable to the recipient, rather they are taxable to the giver. If you give your daughter $200,000 above the annual gift-tax exclusion ($15,000) and elect not to use your lifetime gift and estate tax exemption, then your daughter will have no additional income and you will have to pay gift tax between $36,000 and $80,000. Next, the good news, you are unlikely to have to pay that for several reasons: The first $15,000 you give any is excluded and you can give many different people $15,000. Your spouse can also give $15,000 per person. Once you exceed the $15,000 annually, there is a lifetime gift and estate tax exemption (currently it is at $11.7 million per individual and it increases with inflation). So, assuming you are single, you can give your daughter $215,000 and still be allowed to gift her another $11.5 million (this year's amount) without you or her paying taxes on it. If you are in a situation that you are going to exceed the lifetime gift and inheritance tax exemption you need to see an attorney who specializes in estate planning now. You should be using things like Crummey trust's to move money to your daughter anyway. This is just a quick and dirty explanation and is not meant to replace advice from a tax professional in your area. ----- My 2 cents and guaranteed to be worth half that. I am planning to either buy both of kids' first homes or contribute significantly towards them. It is a different world today than when I was young and I plan on doing everything possible to make their lives a little easier. I understand the value of hard work and both of my kids have demonstrated that ability well, but I also think we tend to glorify what hard work really means. For too many it means being forced to grind away in a career you don't love because you can't afford to quit. I hope my kids can select the career they love regardless of whether it is the best paying one and this head start will help them achieve that. Furthermore, when I moved back to the states my only criteria for a home was school district. Both of my kids ended up in prestigious colleges and both had scholarships. The best investment I ever made was that house in that school district. So kudos to you if you can help your grandkids achieve that and don't hesitate to give liberally to your daughter. Good luck