Financial socialization typically conceptualizes influences on children’s financial well-being through modeling, instruction through parent-child discussion, and experiential learning. However, helicopter parenting, which is marked by age-inappropriate parental involvement in emerging adults’ decision-making, does not fit into this model. The present study sought to examine the relationship between financial helicopter parenting and perceived financial well-being and financial self-confidence in 203 college students. Results indicate that financial helicopter parenting is related to having less confidence in financial abilities, engaging in financial strain behaviors, and reporting lower levels of financial well-being, though there was no relationship with student loan or consumer debt. This unique pattern of results suggests a need for modified interventions to improve financial well-being and behavior.
