After seeing him struggle for months to meet mortgage and child support obligations, Sage's parents finally encouraged their son to come live with them. "Seeing my hard-working son struggle to pay the bills while trying to rebuild his life was heartbreaking. At least now he has some stability and food on the table, especially on weekends when he has his two kids."

 

While moving back in with the folks may be common for the just-out-of-college crew, the median age is on the rise, and not only because of post-divorce refugees. These days, according to lifestyle expert Sherri Langburt, other variables such as job loss, credit card debt and the inability to handle monthly mortgage payments are forcing individuals in their 30s, 40s and even 50s to flock to the nest.

 

According to Langburt, an A.A.R.P study revealed that one-quarter of individuals between 28-39 years old still receive regular hand-outs from family and friends. Further evidence has been documented in an increase in call volume to financial planners from panicked aging parents who now have their grown children, and often time grandchildren, to support.

 

There may be no place like home in the movies, but what if you find yourself back in Mom and Dad's place after a divorce, financial fiasco or career setback? Home may just be the last place you want to be, but the only place you can go to until you build yourself back up again. But before you settle in, let us suggest a few basic pointers:

1. Prepare a Strategic Plan: Before nestling in, be sure to set realistic and measurable objectives. For successful results, define the duration, budget and scope of work you plan to achieve beforehand and strive hard to stick to those commitments.

 

2. Contribute to the Cause: Lest we forget, a parent is only legally responsible for a child until the age of 18. If yours are caring and capable enough to offer assistance anytime past that age, it should not be taken for granted. Consider it a must to assist with home maintenance as well as mortgage and food payments.

 

3. Be Respectful of Boundaries: Remember, while you are living in their house you must adhere to their rules. Yes, this means no traipsing in at all hours of the night, sleeping till noon or smoking pot in the garage.

4. Eliminate the Luxuries: If you cannot afford the basics there is simply no room for frivolities. In fact, spending cash on professional manicures and golf outings is downright audacious when you should be focused on saving.

 

5. Don't Let Pride Stand in Your Way: No job is not good enough. So forget about past titles and paychecks and take work if and when it comes your way.

 

There is absolutely nothing wrong in taking help when times are tough, that is after all what family is for. The last thing you want to do is make it tougher on them.