Is It Bad to Live with Your Parents as an Adult?
I’ve had enough of the constant negativity towards millennials who choose to stay at home with their parents. I stumbled across a blog post recently suggesting that living with parents equals to financial irresponsibility. Frankly, I disagree.
I’m 31 and I’m proud to say I live with my parents. They’ve got my back – they provide me with food and a place to live. I’m not just freeloading here either. All the money I would’ve splurged on rent goes straight into an emergency fund, a retirement fund, and investments. I’m even putting aside money for a house and a car.
I have lived on my own, you know. I’ve worked in San Francisco and New York City, some of the most expensive cities out there. And, I’ve found that I’m better off financially when I live with my parents.
This isn’t to say everyone should stick with their folks. But throughout history, children lived with their parents until they got married. As the average marriage age rises, it’s natural we stay at home a little longer.
In modern time, we get told that moving out is stepping stone to adulthood. But if you can live with your family while working a good job, why not stick with that?
Does being on your own magically equate to responsibility? I beg to differ. My folks have taught me the essence of responsibility since I was a child.
Now, don’t get me wrong. There are instances of kids returning home with no sense of responsibility at all, oftentimes, parents’ teachings might have fallen short. This doesn’t mean all is lost; parents can still instill responsibility in their grown kids.
Those who are responsible realize the benefits of saving extra money and using their home-staying years wisely. They’re the ones that are going to have a financial lead over those who rush to get their own place right after college.
So, here’s to all the millennials who are choosing to live with family, relishing in the bond, and saving for a financially secure future. If this is seen as a lack of decision-making ability, well, I’m buying it any day.