I think first it depends on the kid and the kid's age. It also depends on how many times they have been in financial trouble. And of course, it depends on how bad the financial trouble is. A couple hundred dollars in CC debt, might be devastating to the jobless college drop out, but that person isn't going to financial drown. In a case like that, it would be best- in my opinion- to let the college drop out find a job or face the consequences.

Then there are other financial messes such as the electricity getting turned off in the dead of winter (I think legally they can't turn it off in the winter anymore, but some utility companies might break the law) or not being able to buy food. In those cases I think that if the parents are capable of offering financial help then they should.

If the problem was caused by the child's own actions, I kind of feel like the parents should sit down and have a talk with their child about finances. And I kind of think that they should do that at any age. I also think that if the problem is self inflicted and reoccurring then the parents should stop bailing the child out, or at least put restrictions on it- like I'll help you, as long as you cut up your credit cards, find a job, etc.

My other thought is- what is financial trouble? So often we think of it as bankruptcy and foreclosure, but I think there is more to it than that. I have a family member that is nearing her 30th birthday and her and her husband (I think he's 35) have been living with her parents for 9 years now!! They don't pay rent, they don't buy food, or chip in for utilities, and they drive one of her parent's cars. A couple years ago they decided that they needed to buy a brand new $35,000 van for them and their children.

Obvious financially they are doing fine since they have their basic needs taken care of- but even if they could afford their car payment, that still spells financial trouble. Even though their daughter is married and has kids of her own, I think that her parents should have stepped in and at least given their two cents. I'll be the first to admit that no one wants to hear that they are making a bad choice, but I think if you are the parent, it is kinda your responsibility no matter how old your child is. I also think that if you are living with your parents without chipping in, then they should be able to voice their opinions about your financial choices.

Sorry this is long. I personally haven't had experience with helping my child financially, it's just my philosophy on it.

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