Why not be frank about it, if they're old enough? Tell them just what you wrote here and be honest about why you make so much and why they should not take that

Why not be frank about it, if they're old enough? Tell them just what you wrote here and be honest about why you make so much and why they should not take that as a "normal" salary. Maybe talk in terms of percentages -- rent/housing this percent, expect taxes to be this percent, food this percent, etc. As a child (rather than a parent), for me, this: 1. Reinforces that saving is something everyone should be doing no matter what their income. 2. Helps reassure me that parent is making and saving enough to retire. 3. Gives me passive reinforcement in knowing that other people are also budgeting [despite whatever they make].