From delayed retirements to drained savings, baby boomers nationwide are footing bills of up to $5,000 a month for their grown‑up children.
For Mary, a 66‑year‑old mother in Sherman Oaks, California, the empty‑nest dream evaporated when her 27‑year‑old daughter returned home in 2024. Now the couple spend about $5,000 every month covering food, transport, pet care, and countless “little” extras that add up fast. They’re hardly alone.
How soaring living costs drive adult children back into childhood homes
Sticker‑shock rents, entry‑level wages that lag far behind inflation, and eye‑watering student loans are pushing millions of adults to hit rewind on independence. More than half of U.S. parents give their grown children financial help, and one‑third fully support them—often for years, not months.
Who imagined planning for retirement while paying for cat food again? Before you shrug off Mary’s story as exceptional, look at a single household’s numbers:
| Category | Monthly cost |
|---|---|
| Food & groceries | $1,500 |
| Transportation | $700 |
| Pet care (one very spoiled cat) | $400 |
| Everything else—from utilities to medical copays | $2,400 |
| Total | $5,000 |
That “everything else” line hides expenses like rising utilities, higher auto insurance, and the odd emergency dentist visit. Multiply those figures by 12 and the annual hit tops $60,000—money that could have padded a 401(k) or covered a once‑in‑a‑lifetime trip. How long can families keep absorbing costs at that scale?
Steps boomer parents can take now to shield retirement from surprise costs
Below are some tips that can undoubtedly help protect these individuals financially:
- Set a realistic household budget: Put every shared expense on paper—then review it together each month.
- Define a timeline for independence: Even a flexible end date gives everyone a goal.
- Ask adult children to contribute: Rent, groceries, or utilities—any amount builds responsibility.
- Consult a certified financial planner: A neutral voice helps balance generosity with long‑term security.
- Protect emergency and retirement funds first: Consider separate accounts so short‑term needs don’t drain future income.
On the other hand, adult children can help by boosting income through side gigs, carving out a savings cushion, and respecting household rules. After all, nobody wants family support to morph into financial quicksand.
The return of adult children is rewriting the classic “empty nest” script. Parents who once pictured carefree travel or early retirement now juggle unexpected bills and lingering worries. Clear boundaries, honest conversations, and solid financial advice are the best defenses against turning love into long‑term debt.