WATCH: A new survey has some surprising statistics on how many parents are rearranging their financial future to help their adult children. Rumina Daya reports.
Sandro Sgaetti is a full-time construction worker, freelance cameraman and part-time student.
Even though he earns a good salary, the 29-year-old still lives in his parents’ basement.
“I pay in chores and any extra money I can give.”
He’s not alone. According to a new CIBC Survey, one in four parents across Canada say they’re spending more than $500 a month to support their adult children.
A previous CIBC poll found that 51 per cent of post-secondary students tapped their parents for additional financial support last year because they ran out of money.
WATCH: Bank of Mom and Dad draining nest eggs
“We find that parents now are significantly contributing financially,” said CIBC’s Jamie Bolombek. “The concern that we have is that it’s obviously jeopardizing the parents’ own retirement.”
The most common contribution from the Bank of Mom and Dad: free room and board, groceries and other household expenses, even cellphone bills and car payments.
One expert says adult children shouldn’t get a free ride.
“When you’re 10 years old, you’re earning your allowance. When you’re 25 years old, you’re earning your room and board,” said Christina Newberry, author of the book Surviving Adult Children Living at Home.
“I don’t think it’s ever OK for an adult to be living with their parents and not paying any rent whatsoever.”
Sgaetti is slowly saving money for his own home, just like his parents did when they emigrated from Italy years ago.
“It’s tough. Considering what they’ve done–coming from a different country to work here in Vancouver–and I can’t even cut it as a 29-year-old male making good money at a construction job.”
-With files from Rumina Daya
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