A growing number of families in the United States are prioritizing support for adult children over retirement goals. Recent surveys and firsthand accounts show that roughly half of parents with children over 18 provide some financial help, often at personal cost. Higher living expenses, stagnant wages, and soaring housing prices have pushed more young adults back home, extending dependence well into adulthood.
In Sherman Oaks, California, a middle-aged couple spends more than $5,000 each month supporting their 27-year-old daughter who moved back home. This story illustrates a broader pattern: what once signaled independence is increasingly becoming a long-term financial obligation. The “empty nest” is disappearing for many families as adult children rely on parental support amid economic insecurity.
Background data support this shift. A 2025 study found that half of parents with children over 18 provide some form of financial assistance, a record high. On average, these parents contribute about $1,474 monthly toward essentials such as rent, groceries, transportation, and even pet care. The rise of “boomerang” children reflects not just personal stories but a society grappling with inflation and wages that lag behind costs.
Data from reputable surveys show that a significant portion of parents with young adults provided financial help in 2023. Most aid goes toward housing costs, technology and subscriptions, and daily living expenses, yet more than a third of parents say the support has somewhat harmed their own finances. Lower-income households are especially vulnerable, with about half of those earning under $50,000 reporting negative effects on their finances.
The roots of this crisis are complex. Young adults face high student debt, a tight rental market, and wages that do not keep pace with living costs. Even with higher education and steady employment, many lack sufficient purchasing power. A sizable share of adults aged 18 to 34 live with parents, a figure that rises during economic downturns.
Financial professionals warn that intergenerational dependency threatens retirement security. Many parents report delaying retirement, selling homes, cancelling travel, or incurring new debt to support their children. In some cases, such sacrifices erode emergency savings and retirement plans.
Experts advise establishing clear boundaries and prioritizing long-term security. Financial planners emphasize budgeting support within one’s means and setting explicit parameters to avoid eroding a safety net.
Despite the strain, many parents continue to help out of care and responsibility. The emotional dimension remains strong: a sense of family togetherness can grow even as finances are strained. Still, open and honest conversations about money, expectations, and sustainability are essential to protect both generations.
The issue resonates beyond the United States. Similar pressures are evident in other developed economies, including Thailand, where rising living costs and housing prices challenge young adults’ ability to achieve financial independence. In Thailand, longstanding cultural values surrounding family care intersect with modern economic realities, making targeted support and housing strategies crucial. Bangkok and Chiang Mai illustrate the demand for affordable homes and stable incomes for young workers.
Cultural expectations add complexity. While adult children are traditionally expected to contribute to household economies and family responsibilities, affordable housing shortages and relatively low starting salaries complicate genuine independence. Researchers warn this dynamic may heighten financial vulnerability among older generations and deepen social inequalities, a concern shared by scholars studying multigenerational households globally.
The trend signals a shift in the meaning of the “empty nest.” Retirement may occur later, and personal savings may become more precarious. Policymakers in Thailand and other nations are urged to pursue reforms that improve job security, regulate rents, and expand social safety nets for both young people and the elderly.
For Thai families facing similar pressures, several practical steps can help. Begin with transparent conversations about money and expectations. Seek guidance from certified financial planners or reputable nonprofit organizations and set clear boundaries on the scope and duration of support. Prioritize emergency funds and retirement savings as a foundation for future stability. Supportive policy actions—such as increasing affordable housing options, improving job opportunities, and expanding financial education—can reduce dependency pressures. Ultimately, balancing cultural obligations with economic realities will foster resilience and long-term wellbeing for both generations.
For Thai readers, the issue highlights the value of open dialogue and prudent financial planning within families. Transparent communication and professional guidance can prevent future hardship, while broader reforms can enable young adults to achieve independence without compromising their parents’ security.
Data and insights are drawn from multiple sources. Research from leading financial and news organizations highlights the breadth of this trend and its implications for families and national aging dynamics. In Thailand, scholars and policymakers stress the importance of housing policy, employment opportunities, and financial literacy to address similar challenges.