I haven't really tried to convince them of anything, but I've definitely been very vocal about how we were paying off debt, they know that we're working on paying off the house, and they are just so pleased for us. My mom worried about us a great deal, which is sometimes frustrating, because I'm more worried about them. I gave them a copy of Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover, because I had an extra one. My mom was like, "ooh, this will be interesting to read through and maybe I'll share it with your brother". I am fairly sure that she never read it, and she definitely didn't pass it on.
My parents have had cancer five times between them, and have done every single thing in their power to support and love me unconditionally. They love my husband as if he was their own son, and have offered him a level of love and encouragement that he had never experienced in his family of origin. They help us with our kids, and dote on them more than we ever could. Basically, they're one of our biggest joys in our lives, and we'll do whatever it takes to keep them healthy and solvent in the future. Their house is paid off and my dad has some military income, but I really don't know much beyond that. I know that there is no extra lying around.