at what age were you...

[Mike Mercury]

completely on your own ?

completely = not living with 'rents; paying every penny of your bills/expenses/education/existence with your own money; and parents no longer slipping your 50 dollar bills when you get into a pinch ?

hmmmmm ?

http://ih0.redbubble.net/work.5041429.2.flat,550x550,075,f.hmmm-i-dont-know.jpg

[GS Ragtop]

21. Got married and off the gravy train. Wife and I had $500 between the two of us.

[NB2K]

17.


Married the first time at 23.

But my Dad loaned me $6K after/during my divorce. Paid him back.

[...Whitepower...]

21...

Bought my first place at the same age.

[Mike Mercury]

21. Got married and off the gravy train.

Same here; but there wasn't much of a gravy train - even when living at home. Maybe that's why I worked so hard to get on my own.


A recent Canadian census showed that, of kids aged 20 to 29, 44 percent live with their parents. ..."

[Sea Six]

About 2 months past my 18th birthday.

I got a job with NASA at Kennedy Space Center, FL. Moved in with a girl that was 26. :hurray:

Earned my own money, paid my own bills. Five years later I completed a four year degree in Electrical Engineering, having paid for my entire college education lock, stock and two smoking barrels.

I've borrowed money from my Dad on a few occasions, but paid him back with interest.

[MrPeabody]

18 here.

[Mike Mercury]

http://stuffunemployedpeoplelike.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/still-live-with-parents.jpg

[Nemesis]

22. Laid off at 24.

[OddBall]

I dunno. I've worked since I was 14. Folks helped me out when I needed it, 'till my early 20's. And by needing it, I mean an unexpected repair bill or the like. If I was late on a payment (like an electric bill) I'd just have to live in the dark till I got it paid.


Edit: On the way to my folks house a few weeks ago, my heater hose popped a leak. So I had to borrow mom's car to go get a hose :lol:

[Mark C5]

17th Birthday, enlisted USN.

[carlton_fritz]

21. Got married and off the gravy train. Wife and I had $500 between the two of us.
$500 in 1922 was a lot of money. You old farts don't know how good you had it.:leaving:

[GS Ragtop]

$500 in 1922 was a lot of money. You old farts don't know how good you had it.:leaving:

Why you li'l whippersnapper. :slap:

[ConstantChange]

I'm in my parents basement right now.

MOM! The meatloaf!!!

[MrPeabody]

$500 in 1922 was a lot of money. You old farts don't know how good you had it.:leaving:

And you youngsters don't appreciate how hard it was to come up with $500 when you made a buck an hour.:D

[Mike Mercury]

I don't even have one credit minute of college... and neither did Yvonne when we got married.

She now has a bachelors; paid from our own money and reimbursement from her employer.

I've never missed a paycheck ever... been 37 years straight (but spread out over a list of employers though). Even during my recovery from my kidney transplant... my then-employer continued to pay me until I returned to work - 3 months off.
And Yvonne has never missed a paycheck, for 31 years now.

All those years; without any parental help; nor local/state/federal assistance. If you listen to the nightly news - they think no-one can "make it " on their own.

[Uncle Pervey]

My Dad died when I was 18 by about 4 months later I was 19 and living on my own. :yesnod:

[carlton_fritz]

Why you li'l whippersnapper. :slap:
:D .

[NB2K]

Same here; but there wasn't much of a gravy train - even when living at home. Maybe that's why I worked so hard to get on my own.


A recent Canadian census showed that, of kids aged 20 to 29, 44 percent live with their parents. ..."



I wonder what it is for here?

[carlton_fritz]

And you youngsters don't appreciate how hard it was to come up with $500 when you made a buck an hour.:D
it's hard to come up with $500 with Obama takes it all.

[Kuelblaz]

21...

Bought my first place at the same age.

Wish I'd have been that smart ...

[oyealiz]

19. The only thing my parents paid after that was my senior year of college.

[Mike Mercury]

I'm in my parents basement right now.

MOM! The meatloaf!!!

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bn_ChtzlBcU/TZycChZFjrI/AAAAAAAAAgk/vISgoJZO66s/s1600/simon+howard.jpg

[Blademaker]

Paying all my bills at 16, outta the house at 22.
Guitar Broke, pregnant wife, crappy apartment, crappy furniture, busting my ass at just about anything to provide for my family to be.

[Kuelblaz]

I don't even have one credit minute of college... and neither did Yvonne when we got married.

She now has a bachelors; paid from our own money and reimbursement from her employer.

I've never missed a paycheck ever... been 37 years straight (but spread out over a list of employers though). Even during my recovery from my kidney transplant... my then-employer continued to pay me until I returned to work - 3 months off.
And Yvonne has never missed a paycheck, for 31 years now.

All those years; without any parental help; nor local/state/federal assistance. If you listen to the nightly news - they think no-one can "make it " on their own.

:thumbsup:

That's sayin somethin ... Me neither ...

Seems thats what we're missing a lot of these days ... self reliance and independence.

At 16, my son's generation has learned much about dependence and free-rides from the liberal welfare-pushers. Thank God he seems to get it (and he knows there wont be any free rides here). He doesnt want to be led around by the nose ring. Its just not the way we live ... Thanks for the post!

[Mike Mercury]

I wonder what it is for here?

I can't find stats... and don't trust the ones I posted earlier. All I could come up with:

A new survey released by TD Ameritrade Holding Corporation showed 76 percent of baby boomers say that they would feel obligated to give money to an adult child if asked. More than half (57 percent) said that they were completely willing to support their offspring and 54 percent are actually walking the walk – the latter group has adult children 25 and over who have been living under their roof for more than three months.

Among the adult children who are living at home, the survey finds 42 percent are contributing in non-financial ways, such as cooking, cleaning or child care; but 75 percent are financially contributing to the household, with:
52 percent chipping in toward groceries/other food expenses
34 percent helping with utilities
31 percent putting gas in the family car
29 percent helping with the rent or mortgage


Even if boomerang children have finally moved on, around 41 percent are still receiving some amount of support from parents, whether that means they’re still on Mom’s cell phone plan or Dad is paying the rent.


“While Boomers may have the best intentions, they could be setting the wrong precedent by financially supporting their adult children, particularly when it comes to discretionary items,” said Lule Demmissie, managing director of investment products and retirement at TD Ameritrade. “No parent wants to see their child struggle financially, but assistance should come within reason – and with firm expectations. While food and housing might be reasonable, a data plan for your son’s smartphone shouldn’t come between you and your retirement.”

The bottom line is that your children are all grown up, so it’s time to start treating them like they’re adults.



Women were slightly more likely to pay off their adult child's credit card debts than men (33 percent versus 26 percent). Parents from the Northeast were least likely to say they paid off a child's debt (34 percent), while people living in the Midwest were more likely to do so (52 percent).


http://i.huffpost.com/gen/227056/LIVING-WITH-PARENTS.jpg

[Kuelblaz]

Purdue University at 18 (paid for by Dad), quit at 19 and on my own since, Joined the Navy when I was 22 and retired after 23 years. Never took a dime of assistance, except for a used car loan my Dad made me at 26 for 8% interest.
Didnt do too bad for myself and looking back, I wouldnt change a thing!!

:cheers:

[NB2K]

Damn.

35 years old and living at home?

[Kuelblaz]

The bottom line is that your children are all grown up, so it’s time to start treating them like they’re adults.

Amen Brother!!!

[Blademaker]

Purdue University at 18 (paid for by Dad), quit at 19 and on my own since, Joined the Navy when I was 22 and retired after 23 years. Never took a dime of assistance, except for a used car loan my Dad made me at 26 for 8% interest.
Didnt do too bad for myself and looking back, I wouldnt change a thing!!

:cheers:

Wow......My Youngest son was in a similar situation. Except in community college. Came to me 2 years ago and told me: I hate that damned school, training for a job that won't be there when I get out; I want to see the world. I joined the Navy. Has plans to stay in and retire at 45. taking all the classes the navy has to offer.
His 1st deployment is over 9/7 after 7 mos at sea. Told me he's worked almighty hard, but has had a blast.

Thank You for your service. :USA:

[Datawiz]

23

I have never looked back. Hell, I haven't even spoken to my parents in a decade.

[LATB]

23

I have never looked back. Hell, I haven't even spoken to my parents in a decade.

WOW

that is so sad.

I love my mom & dad like no body's business...just wish mom was still with us so I could call her right now and tell her. :sadangel:

[LATB]

23

I have never looked back. Hell, I haven't even spoken to my parents in a decade.

And your little girl? Any contact there between her and her grandparents?

[VatorMan]

18 here.

:iagree: straight from high school into the Navy.

[polarbear]

On my own since I graduated from college (21 yrs old). But- let's be honest here (is that even allowed?)... my folks were always sliding money my way. B/Days, Christmas, Easter. Not $50 either- add a zero (or two). I never asked for it, just something they liked to do. Same thing with the wife and the kids as they came along.

As my dad was fond of saying, "what good does it do me to know you'll be taken care of someday, while I'm six feet under? It's much more fun to watch you and the kids enjoy some of it now." I strongly suspect, though, that part of the reason they did that was because they knew I was working, making good money, and didn't need it.

[Kuelblaz]

Wow......My Youngest son was in a similar situation. Except in community college. Came to me 2 years ago and told me: I hate that damned school, training for a job that won't be there when I get out; I want to see the world. I joined the Navy. Has plans to stay in and retire at 45. taking all the classes the navy has to offer.
His 1st deployment is over 9/7 after 7 mos at sea. Told me he's worked almighty hard, but has had a blast.

BIG :thumbsup: for your son !! ... Being at sea is a tough life, but it sure does give you a lot you just cant get anywhere else ...
I wish I would have been smart enough to go to college early in my career. I know so many younger sailors now that have their Masters and only have 14/15 years in. I hope he's taking advantage of that!!

Thank You for your service. :USA:

Thank you ! ... I am grateful to have served, it was an honor and a privilege!

... I liked it so much, I'm still working for the Navy as a contractor ... Love the Life!! :USA:

[LATB]

On my own since I graduated from college (21 yrs old). But- let's be honest here (is that even allowed?)... my folks were always sliding money my way. B/Days, Christmas, Easter. Not $50 either- add a zero (or two). I never asked for it, just something they liked to do. Same thing with the wife and the kids as they came along.

As my dad was fond of saying, "what good does it do me to know you'll be taken care of someday, while I'm six feet under? It's much more fun to watch you and the kids enjoy some of it now." I strongly suspect, though, that part of the reason they did that was because they knew I was working, making good money, and didn't need it.

That...

or your dad was/is wise enough to understand death taxes and the concept of legal "gifting"

[polarbear]

That...

or your dad was/is wise enough to understand death taxes and the concept of legal "gifting"

:yesnod: to all of the above.

[LATB]

:yesnod: to all of the above.

PB...I've read your posts for years now...

I have no doubt that your dad is a wise one. :yesnod:

:cheers:

[Datawiz]

WOW

that is so sad.

I love my mom & dad like no body's business...just wish mom was still with us so I could call her right now and tell her. :sadangel:

And your little girl? Any contact there between her and her grandparents?

Last contact my mom had with my daughter was before her 1st birthday. My daughter will be 13 next Thursday. My father stuck it out for a few years after that. I saw both of them at my grandmother's funeral. Hell, I don't even remember what year that was.

My parents don't like my wife.

This November will be 17 years married and 19 years together. My mom told me before I quit communicating with them that my daughter and I are welcome ANY time to come visit, but that my wife is not allowed.

The rest, as they say, is history. :seeya:

And for my little girl? Yes, it's a shame. :( Regardless, she has turned out to be an EXCEPTIONAL human being, at such a young age. She will go very far in her life.

On a side note, I did meet my birth mother when I was 25. (I'm adopted) I have a fantastic relationship with her. In fact, she will be here in 2 weeks to celebrate my daughter and my birthdays.

[Kerrmudgeon]

28, No reason to leave, I had my own place, my own entrance, garage etc.:D

[Kuelblaz]

:iagree: straight from high school into the Navy.

BooYah Baby! Go Navy! :USA:

[Kuelblaz]

On a side note, I did meet my birth mother when I was 25. (I'm adopted) I have a fantastic relationship with her. In fact, she will be here in 2 weeks to celebrate my daughter and my birthdays.

Very Cool!! Enjoy the celebration!!

[Kuelblaz]

On my own since I graduated from college (21 yrs old). But- let's be honest here (is that even allowed?)... my folks were always sliding money my way. B/Days, Christmas, Easter. Not $50 either- add a zero (or two). I never asked for it, just something they liked to do. Same thing with the wife and the kids as they came along.

As my dad was fond of saying, "what good does it do me to know you'll be taken care of someday, while I'm six feet under? It's much more fun to watch you and the kids enjoy some of it now." I strongly suspect, though, that part of the reason they did that was because they knew I was working, making good money, and didn't need it.

Yup, yup! Forgot about the birthdays and such ... I agree, they probably did it knowing they didnt have to!

Thanks for reminding me ... and Thanks, Mom and Dad!

[Datawiz]

Very Cool!! Enjoy the celebration!!

Hell, I met her on the Sally Jessy Raphael TV show. :rofl:

That was nearly 18 years ago.

[LATB]

Last contact my mom had with my daughter was before her 1st birthday. My daughter will be 13 next Thursday. My father stuck it out for a few years after that. I saw both of them at my grandmother's funeral. Hell, I don't even remember what year that was.

My parents don't like my wife.

This November will be 17 years married and 19 years together. My mom told me before I quit communicating with them that my daughter and I are welcome ANY time to come visit, but that my wife is not allowed.

The rest, as they say, is history. :seeya:

And for my little girl? Yes, it's a shame. :( Regardless, she has turned out to be an EXCEPTIONAL human being, at such a young age. She will go very far in her life.

On a side note, I did meet my birth mother when I was 25. (I'm adopted) I have a fantastic relationship with her. In fact, she will be here in 2 weeks to celebrate my daughter and my birthdays.


wow!

what don't they like about your wife? was she a stripper or something? :lol:

[CertInsaneC5]

22. But I was on the road as a construction worker for a good part of that time. During summers and winter breaks.

The rest of the time was in college. Worked full time through the whole ordeal. I hated college. Worst experience of my life.

Total rip off. Except for the math and statistics.

The only expenses during this time my parents had were the laundry and food when I was home. Paid rent, car insurance, and car payment.

When I got my own place. The old man told me "you can have the stuff in your bedroom and that is it." "Oh and you have to find someone to haul it for you" I did both and never looked back until he died 3 years later from cancer.

I moved back in with mom for a year or so. She was a wreck and would probably not be here today if not for that.

Wow. That kinda all just spilled out. :lol: :cheers:

[TabuIsMe]

I'm 21 and living with my parents, They fully support me with school so i plan on being here for a while...:dance:

[...Whitepower...]

Last contact my mom had with my daughter was before her 1st birthday. My daughter will be 13 next Thursday. My father stuck it out for a few years after that. I saw both of them at my grandmother's funeral. Hell, I don't even remember what year that was.

My parents don't like my wife.

This November will be 17 years married and 19 years together. My mom told me before I quit communicating with them that my daughter and I are welcome ANY time to come visit, but that my wife is not allowed.

The rest, as they say, is history. :seeya:

And for my little girl? Yes, it's a shame. :( Regardless, she has turned out to be an EXCEPTIONAL human being, at such a young age. She will go very far in her life.

On a side note, I did meet my birth mother when I was 25. (I'm adopted) I have a fantastic relationship with her. In fact, she will be here in 2 weeks to celebrate my daughter and my birthdays.
Meet my wife in 98, married in 02, have a 2 and 4 year old.


You can count on one hand the amount of times i have meet her mom. I have never meet her dad or any extended family aside from her one aunt and uncle.

[Datawiz]

wow!

what don't they like about your wife? was she a stripper or something? :lol:

Vocal Irish Catholic. Meeting my birth mother was certainly a catalyst, but not a deal breaker. My wife went off on my father once because my mother was a myopic idiot. Went downhill from there.

[NB2K]

I'm 21 and living with my parents, They fully support me with school so i plan on being here for a while...:dance:

That's OK.:cheers:

I hope my daughter stays until she graduates from a college, or even after.

[LATB]

Vocal Irish Catholic. Meeting my birth mother was certainly a catalyst, but not a deal breaker. My wife went off on my father once because my mother was a myopic idiot. Went downhill from there.

Catholic girls make good strippers :D

[Mike Mercury]

But- let's be honest here (is that even allowed?)... my folks were always sliding money my way. B/Days, Christmas, Easter. Not $50 either- add a zero (or two).

I don't know who you think is being dishonest here :mad:
but I can assure you that my parents... and the wifes parents... never gave a nickle after age 21 for me... age 20 for Yvonne and her parents.


Don't fool yourself into thinking that "everyone gets slipped money from parents". I wouldn't take anything from my parents after I moved out; it's their money and they should be spending it on themselves.

I'm perfectly capable of paying my own way... entirely; and that is what happened.

[NB2K]

I don't know who you think is being dishonest here :mad:
but I can assure you that my parents... and the wifes parents... never gave a nickle after age 21 for me... age 20 for Yvonne and her parents.


Don't fool yourself into thinking that "everyone gets slipped money from parents". I wouldn't take anything from my parents after I moved out; it's their money and they should be spending it on themselves.

I'm perfectly capable of paying my own way... entirely; and that is what happened.

Dang, Mike, take it easy.

Old feller like yourself gettin' all worked up, it ain't good for ya.:D

PB was speaking in a general sense, I expect.

[Sea Six]

Catholic girls make good strippers :D

Yeah, but they start much too late.

[khblair]

21

had a husband, house, car, education, good job, even a puppy and the white picket fence

:lol: its all overrated

[Mike Mercury]

Old feller like yourself gettin' all worked up, it ain't good for ya.:D



damn, I'm having chest pains... :eek:

PB was speaking in a general sense, I expect.

I've heard this "lets be honest here..." too many times from people that are in-denial about the reality of their own life; making them feel at-ease by trying to lump as many other people as possible - to make their situation appear to be normal.

But, if I misunderstood the post; my apologies.

[Datawiz]

Catholic girls make good strippers :D

Wife has boobettes, would not make a good stripper. :rofl: Then again, even at 49, she's very thin. :hurray:

[73sbVert]

17th Birthday, enlisted USN.

:iagree: straight from high school into the Navy.

Ditto. Stayed for 20!

BooYah Baby! Go Navy! :USA:

Oh Yeah!!!! BooYah IS the proper term! :lolsmile:


EW1(SW/AW)
USN, Ret.

:flag:

[BuckyThreadkiller]

damn, I'm having chest pains... :eek:



I've heard this "lets be honest here..." too many times from people that are in-denial about the reality of their own life; making them feel at-ease by trying to lump as many other people as possible - to make their situation appear to be normal.

But, if I misunderstood the post; my apologies.

Yeah - I think you're reading too much into a cliche.

I bailed the summer I turned 18. I can't remember. Had a big fight with the parents and took off. Moved to California. Learned I didn't know it all yet and I've been trying to figure it out ever since.

[LATB]

Yeah, but they start much too late.

sooner or later it comes down to fate

[CBonsall]

i got my parents to sign a waver to let me join the navy at 16, been back to their house 3 x in almost 39 yrs and those visits lasted less then 30 minutes each :beat:

[khblair]

i got my parents to sign a waver to let me join the navy at 16, been back to their house 3 x in almost 39 yrs and those visits lasted less then 30 minutes each :beat:

:sadangel:

[prospero63]

18 and then about a week when I was 22 and got out of the military till I got my own apartment.

[bsmith]

Last contact my mom had with my daughter was before her 1st birthday. My daughter will be 13 next Thursday. My father stuck it out for a few years after that. I saw both of them at my grandmother's funeral. Hell, I don't even remember what year that was.

My parents don't like my wife.

This November will be 17 years married and 19 years together. My mom told me before I quit communicating with them that my daughter and I are welcome ANY time to come visit, but that my wife is not allowed.

The rest, as they say, is history. :seeya:

And for my little girl? Yes, it's a shame. :( Regardless, she has turned out to be an EXCEPTIONAL human being, at such a young age. She will go very far in her life.

On a side note, I did meet my birth mother when I was 25. (I'm adopted) I have a fantastic relationship with her. In fact, she will be here in 2 weeks to celebrate my daughter and my birthdays.

Last time I got a dime from my parents was when I was 20 and dumb with money and bought a new car. I borrowed $100 from my mom for a few days because I pretty much wiped out savings to get the car.
Didn't need it, and paid it back two days later.

My inlaws are still attached at the tit at 31 & 32.
They get money constantly from both sides (divorced parents).
Both sides have commented that they "feel bad" that they help out the siblings so much, and we never want/need anything.
I take that as a compliment.

[polarbear]

I don't know who you think is being dishonest here :mad:
but I can assure you that my parents... and the wifes parents... never gave a nickle after age 21 for me... age 20 for Yvonne and her parents.


Don't fool yourself into thinking that "everyone gets slipped money from parents". I wouldn't take anything from my parents after I moved out; it's their money and they should be spending it on themselves.

I'm perfectly capable of paying my own way... entirely; and that is what happened.

My hat's off to you sir. And my wife, who came from a working-class background and had to work since she was 16 to have anything beyond the bare necessities. Where I was going with that comment was very simple: I didn't walk to school in the snow, 5 miles, uphill, both ways. I went to private schools during my entire stint with education, and no- I didn't pay for it. I don't consider my situation "normal" by any stretch of the imagination. "Blessed" would be a much better word. I'm extremely grateful for the loving family and comfortable surroundings I grew up with, but I'm also very much aware that most kids didn't have that.

On the other hand, I've seen folks in similiar situations as mine apologizing for it, like growing up in comfortable surroundings is something to be ashamed of. I'm not buying into that either. I think I wound up being a responsible, hard working adult because I was exposed to some good parenting early on. Ditto the wife.

[CBonsall]

:sadangel:

i havent made the same mistake with my son, matter of fact the granddaughter has been here all weekend. :dance:

[HeatherO]

18.
got a job babysitting when I was 12 or 13, married at 19.
took off a few years (7 actually) to have two kids. had to go back to work when they were 7 and 5 because I was no longer with the husband...

[JRD77VET]

My parents moved out when I was 18 ( yes you read that right. they bought a house and I took over the rent ) and I've been on my own since then.

My dad did help me out stay current on my bills when I was going thru my divorce.

[Dan Dlabay]

When I was 24 I bought my first house. Never lived in a apartment.:cheers:

[Mike Mercury]

My hat's off to you sir.

no need to congratulate me... as what I did - is also what my brothers & sisters did as well; my cousins/nephews/neighborhood friends.

I thought that was "normal" for everyone raised in a working class/poor family.

:cheers:

I remember reading once where a father complained about his unemployed 24 yo son... still living at home.
Somebody said 'make him get a job'.
The father said "he has sooooo many tatoos on his face/neck/arms that no one will hire him". :rolleyes:

I can tell you one thing; had I came home with my first visable tat... I would of been told to move out at the end of the week. And if I didn't leave... my dad would of called the police and had me forceably removed.
All aong... in their hearts it would be hurting them to do this - but they knew I needed to learn a lesson - and right then & there.

There's no excuse - to allow an adult child still living at home - to make themselves unemployable. It's plain & simple pizz-poor parenting.

[LATB]

no need to congratulate me... as what I did - is also what my brothers & sisters did as well; my cousins/nephews/neighborhood friends.

I thought that was "normal" for everyone raised in a working class/poor family.

:cheers:

I remember reading once where a father complained about his unemployed 24 yo son... still living at home.
Somebody said 'make him get a job'.
The father said "he has sooooo many tatoos on his face/neck/arms that no one will hire him". :rolleyes:

I can tell you one thing; had I came home with my first visable tat... I would of been told to move out at the end of the week. And if I didn't leave... my dad would of called the police and had me forceably removed.
All aong... in their hearts it would be hurting them to do this - but they knew I needed to learn a lesson - and right then & there.

There's no excuse - to allow an adult child still living at home - to make themselves unemployable. It's plain & simple pizz-poor parenting.

I like this guy

You are a great American Tim. :yesnod: :cheers:

[...Whitepower...]

I have a couple tatts, but guess what.. A polo and dress pants cover em all. :yesnod:

[AU Eagle]

I'm 22 and still living at home...however putting together plans to move out soon.

My main reason for staying so long is to take care of my father. He has been through quite a bit medically in the last 6 years and he has always been there for me, so it was my turn. He is in a manageable state now and its time to pick up where I dropped my life and get back to the grindstone.

[BADRACR1]

20 years old. I was the first of my friends to get my own place and the oldest of five brothers. My house was party central for a few years!:dance:

I've borrowed from them a few times, and they've borrowed from me. Borrow, meaning paid back every cent. I paid for my first car (69 Camaro) when I turned 16 in 1977 and every one since. Insurance, registration, repairs, the whole bit. You don't learn to support yourself if you're continually getting bailed out. My kids borrow from me occasionally, and I'm proud to say they also pay their loans back. I also gave them their first cars, but after that would help them when it was time to trade up by giving them a loan, which they always paid back. I have just given them money a few times as gifts and a couple of times when I knew they were really down, but these were acknowledged to be gifts and not expected to be repaid.

[LATB]

I'm 22 and still living at home...however putting together plans to move out soon.

My main reason for staying so long is to take care of my father. He has been through quite a bit medically in the last 6 years and he has always been there for me, so it was my turn. He is in a manageable state now and its time to pick up where I dropped my life and get back to the grindstone.

you are a good son...and a good young man. :cheers:

[Fastguy]

A few months after graduating college, I guess I was 22. I still have an excellent relationship with my family. (parents and 5 siblings) We all live in the same town except for one sister who visits frequently.

[polarbear]

no need to congratulate me... as what I did - is also what my brothers & sisters did as well; my cousins/nephews/neighborhood friends.

I thought that was "normal" for everyone raised in a working class/poor family.

:cheers:

I remember reading once where a father complained about his unemployed 24 yo son... still living at home.
Somebody said 'make him get a job'.
The father said "he has sooooo many tatoos on his face/neck/arms that no one will hire him". :rolleyes:

I can tell you one thing; had I came home with my first visable tat... I would of been told to move out at the end of the week. And if I didn't leave... my dad would of called the police and had me forceably removed.
All aong... in their hearts it would be hurting them to do this - but they knew I needed to learn a lesson - and right then & there.

There's no excuse - to allow an adult child still living at home - to make themselves unemployable. It's plain & simple pizz-poor parenting.

:cheers:

[high desert]

‪Alice Cooper - I'm 18‬‏ - YouTube

[joecaver]

in 1976 and at 19 mrs joecaver and I decided we had to be together so with about $500.00 between us we bought furnature and rented our first place. 35 years later we are still together and she has her own law practice and I am a manufacturing engineer. On the day we got married her folks gave us her bedroom set and my folks gave us a pair of the ugliest lamps you've ever seen. That was the last time anybody gave us a damned thing. We earned everything we have the hard way.

[Uri]

16.........1966 was a different world with jobs.

[Barn Babe]

Moved out at 20.

Then got married a couple years later and moved to a nice little house.

Then got divorced a few years later, when my son was 6mos old so back to my childhood home we went at 28. :slap:

It wasn't all that bad and was nice to finally have help with my son. :rolleyes: We stayed for a couple of years, then moved out again, hopefully for good. :leaving:

[Aflac]

18. Joined the AF and never looked back.

[bsmith]

For the record, I have a great relationship with my mom and step-dad.
They just raised a very independent son.
At 23 I moved about 100 miles away, and when we go back home to visit we stay with my parents sometimes. They met us a couple weekends ago and we went to a movie and out to dinner together.

[mrvette]

I can't find stats... and don't trust the ones I posted earlier. All I could come up with:

A new survey released by TD Ameritrade Holding Corporation showed 76 percent of baby boomers say that they would feel obligated to give money to an adult child if asked. More than half (57 percent) said that they were completely willing to support their offspring and 54 percent are actually walking the walk – the latter group has adult children 25 and over who have been living under their roof for more than three months.

Among the adult children who are living at home, the survey finds 42 percent are contributing in non-financial ways, such as cooking, cleaning or child care; but 75 percent are financially contributing to the household, with:
52 percent chipping in toward groceries/other food expenses
34 percent helping with utilities
31 percent putting gas in the family car
29 percent helping with the rent or mortgage


Even if boomerang children have finally moved on, around 41 percent are still receiving some amount of support from parents, whether that means they’re still on Mom’s cell phone plan or Dad is paying the rent.


“While Boomers may have the best intentions, they could be setting the wrong precedent by financially supporting their adult children, particularly when it comes to discretionary items,” said Lule Demmissie, managing director of investment products and retirement at TD Ameritrade. “No parent wants to see their child struggle financially, but assistance should come within reason – and with firm expectations. While food and housing might be reasonable, a data plan for your son’s smartphone shouldn’t come between you and your retirement.”

The bottom line is that your children are all grown up, so it’s time to start treating them like they’re adults.



Women were slightly more likely to pay off their adult child's credit card debts than men (33 percent versus 26 percent). Parents from the Northeast were least likely to say they paid off a child's debt (34 percent), while people living in the Midwest were more likely to do so (52 percent).


http://i.huffpost.com/gen/227056/LIVING-WITH-PARENTS.jpg

That chart is interesting, in that I wonder what it says about the degrees these kids have, and fields studied vs employability.....

but that information is not shown.....ie...my kids with useless degrees and unemployed or working as a auto mechanic ......yeh, they on their own, but I know the ex is chipping in on expenses....gotta be, because the math don't add up in my mind unless she is.....

:confused5::sadangel:

[Bucwheat]

20 got married at 24.

[neece]

I left home at the age of 18, never looked back. Got a job at the University of Georgia, worked my way through college, paid my bills on time, and now my life is about taking care of someone with dementia. You never know what you are gonna get.

[dwjz06]

21. Joined the Army. Got married and moved to Alaska. After my military time moved back here, and had kids, job etc... Life goes on.:cheers:

[prospero63]

And you have how many children again?

What does that have to do with his statement?

[C5SilverBullet]

I lived at home for 2 weeks after college, and it was the longest 2 weeks ever. That's how long it took me to get a job, then didn't go back. I believe I was 24.

[dwjz06]

What does that have to do with his statement?I took it to mean that everybody's situation is different. You would not kick your kids out if they are decent just because they reach a certain age right? Now if they are loafers, druggies etc.. there is cause.

[Will]

Either 20 or 21, can't remember. Instead of doing the smart thing and going to the University of North Carolina, Momma's boy Will lived at home and went to UNF in Jacksonville, FL, a short 5 minute drive down the streets from Mom & Dad's house.


Then they moved backed to the Carolinas my sophomore year. Not only did my little brother and I have to move out, I HAD TO LEARN HOW TO COOK, CLEAN, AND DO LAUNDRY.


The horror.

[Mike Mercury]

You would not kick your kids out if they are decent just because they reach a certain age right? Now if they are loafers, druggies etc.. there is cause.

I hear ya; but if ones adult kids are not "loafers, druggies etc"... then they would want to go out on their own & live their own life; you wouldn't need to kick them out solely due to reaching a certain age (they'd already be gone).

And you have how many children again?

that was a quote from another web site.

[dwjz06]

I hear ya; but if ones adult kids are not "loafers, druggies etc"... then they would want to go out on their own & live their own life; they wouldn't need to kick them out solely due to reaching a certain age (they'd already be gone).


Again I think it depends on the situation. I think it is much harder today for kids to get jobs and do the same things we took for granted years ago. My oldest 22 just graduated college. She might have to move back in for a short while to get her life on track. Does not mean she has any of the above problems, but it takes a lot longer to get a job, money, housing then it did 30 years ago for me. Plus everything is twice as expensive today.
My 20 year old is working saving for a place pays his way for most things. Glad to help if he asks for it which he doesn't. I give the 8 year old a pass:D:cheers:

[Mike Mercury]

Again I think it depends on the situation. I think it is much harder today for kids to get jobs and do the same things we took for granted years ago. My oldest 22 just graduated college.


there's some truth to that, I'll agree..

But.................... I have nephews near that age... that the only help they got out of highschool was free room & board... given with the stipulation they were in college full time & working during the summer

And the free R&B did not include a car, insurance, allowance, clothes, help with college costs. They had to provide this all themselves.

All 4 of them have graduated, had great jobs waiting for them, have all moved out, and have bought houses.

The move from the parents home was not that big of step; they were already well conditioned (trained) while living with parents.

"I love it when a plan comes together"

[MEC5LADY]

Started babysitting at 13 to save for college.... moved out at 18 to go to college. I only moved back for a two week stint to help my parents and while in between apartments.

[prospero63]

there's some truth to that, I'll agree..

But.................... I have nephews near that age... that the only help they got out of highschool was free room & board... given with the stipulation they were in college full time & working during the summer

And the free R&B did not include a car, insurance, allowance, clothes, help with college costs. They had to provide this all themselves.

All 4 of them have graduated, had great jobs waiting for them, have all moved out, and have bought houses.

The move from the parents home was not that big of step; they were already well conditioned (trained) while living with parents.

"I love it when a plan comes together"

IMO TxAg was just trying to stir up shit. I'm not sure how your statement of "treat them like adults" is mutually exclusive to helping your kids out if they need it.

[Entropy]

22.

Got accepted to grad school, found a place to live, and the graduate assistantship provided the coin.

It got pretty bad the summer I decided to leave grad school, find a job, write my thesis and move. Promised myself I would never be that poor again.

[MEC5LADY]

22.

Got accepted to grad school, found a place to live, and the graduate assistantship provided the coin.

It got pretty bad the summer I decided to leave grad school, find a job, write my thesis and move. Promised myself I would never be that poor again.

There is a reason I don't eat canned soup unless I am desperate.

[Entropy]

[/B]

There is a reason I don't eat canned soup unless I am desperate.
:withstupid:

I was down to my last $100 in the savings and was waiting for my first pay check when the rent was due after the first month. I had to call the landlord and beg for 2 days grace. I was horribly embarrassed.

[bsmith]

And the free R&B did not include a car, insurance, allowance, clothes, help with college costs. They had to provide this all themselves.


My BIL had a run of these little princesses that were still attached to mommy & daddy.
One was late 20's and daddy bought her a new Mercedes convertible and breast implants. Still paid for her apartment and most other things. Her salary went for fun stuff and he took care of the rest.
He married that one, and it went badly.

Then he moved onto a slightly younger model and same result.
Daddy pays her bills and bought her a Lexus SUV & a house...her money is for fun.

I would have a hard time pushing 30 and having someone else pay my bills. I would be open to a Sugar Momma, but not letting the parents pay for me.

[polarbear]

Again I think it depends on the situation. I think it is much harder today for kids to get jobs and do the same things we took for granted years ago. My oldest 22 just graduated college. She might have to move back in for a short while to get her life on track. Does not mean she has any of the above problems, but it takes a lot longer to get a job, money, housing then it did 30 years ago for me. Plus everything is twice as expensive today.
My 20 year old is working saving for a place pays his way for most things. Glad to help if he asks for it which he doesn't. I give the 8 year old a pass:D:cheers:

There's a lot of truth to that. Oldest (24 yrs old) just got a place of his own. It took two jobs to accomplish that feat (so much for overpaid teachers, but that's another story). We don't pay any of his bills, including the cost of moving into his own place, but we did buy the pickup he's driving. And no, I don't apologize for that. Our money, our kids, our choices. The kid's had a job since he was a sophomore in HS. Nothing wrong with his work ethic.

I think we need to distinguish between being able to help kids out that are doing everything right on their own and spoiling them.

[dwjz06]

There's a lot of truth to that. Oldest (24 yrs old) just got a place of his own. It took two jobs to accomplish that feat (so much for overpaid teachers, but that's another story). We don't pay any of his bills, including the cost of moving into his own place, but we did buy the pickup he's driving. And no, I don't apologize for that. Our money, our kids, our choices. The kid's had a job since he was a sophomore in HS. Nothing wrong with his work ethic.

I think we need to distinguish between being able to help kids out that are doing everything right on their own and spoiling them.:iagree: 100% If you did a good job they turn out pretty good. I love my kids. Other peoples kids for the most part not so much.:D:lol:

[bsmith]

Those are spoiled kids no doubt.

Spoiled = bad.

No opinion about the parents? :waiting:

[Blue Demon]

17 and never looked back.

[dwjz06]

No opinion about the parents? :waiting:They didn't do it right!:D:cheers:

[RetiredSFC 97]

Worked since I was 14 and paid for everything to include my clothes. Not meals though.

Left home at 18, one week after HS gradiation.

[LATB]

I'll be 52 in less than 6 weeks...

and I'm currently living with mom. :D

serious.

[MEC5LADY]

I'll be 52 in less than 6 weeks...

and I'm currently living with mom. :D

serious.

Damn Lars you gotta learn to use the potty sometime you know.

[LATB]

Damn Lars you gotta learn to use the potty sometime you know.

by the time I learn...I'll be ready for Depends. :lol:

[Chris Fowler]

I graduated college 5/19/1996 at age 23 and was completely independent from that day.

For the prior two years my fiance and I had been paying all of our own expenses save my college tuition, which my parents covered.

[BADRACR1]

As stated earlier, I've been on my own since twenty. We have always been a close family. I have four younger brothers, one of which (#5 the youngest, age 34 in August) still lives with my mom and one (#3, three years younger than me) who is also my best friend and partner in crime. My dad passed in '99.

However, a month ago my mom bought the house next door to me. Now we're very close. I might as well be living there.

"Hey, can you come over just for a minute? I need help with something."

It's all good though. We have always been very close, and now I can keep an eye on her.