Age at independence (vacations, move, gifts, graduated)

[VTsnowbird]

Just curious, how old were you when you achieved total independence from your parents? Moved out, they no longer paid any bills for you or made major purchases for you (cars, down payments on homes,). Gifts don't count, of course.



I was 20, I think, I lived with my dad through 2.5 years of college, then wanted to move in with my sister. Dad said fine, but you can take over paying for your college. I had money saved up, so I did.



Feel free to add observations about your own kids as well as yourself. Please no generational bickering, "kids these days" etc. I have to moderate this forum.

[Pitt Chick]

I moved out at 18.

Both of my kids were out upon receiving their college degrees (in 2006 and 2009).
Out of the house, off our payroll, and both bought houses on their own in 2010.

[Upminster-1]

Left home at 17. Had worked part time in high school, saved up for my first year of college, then worked my way through before graduating and going into the USAF. The USAF paid my way through graduate school.

One of my kids was independent at 18 as she got a full scholarship to college. One was partially independent ( partial scholarship ) until 21. The other we paid for until she graduated from college. All three put themselves through graduate school ( between them 4 x master's and 2 x PhDs ). All finished college and graduate school wihout incurring debt.

[brightdoglover]

18, Worked through two. years of college, dropped out and moved to a new city. They never bought a car or such, as I worked since 16 as a waitress. They also were pretty broke, I think.

[rabbit33]

22. Graduated college, got full time job, rented apartment, done.

[poncho62]

I lived at home until I got married at 23, but was paying my own way since 18

[tarragon]

I was out the door with no more help at age 20. I guess that is why I find it hard to understand this new generation of kids! I lived within my means which meant if I couldn't afford designer clothes etc., then I didn't get them.

[Lillie767]

Age 20: was already graduated from college and recently married.

Moved out but took my bedroom furniture with me to help "furnish" new apartment.

My parents never paid any of my expenses after that date.

[CrowGirl]

I suppose it would have been 21 when I graduated college, but I was almost independent at 18. My father contributed portion of my college tuition, but most of my college costs were paid through scholarships and loans. I worked to pay for books and other costs other than tuition and housing (I lived in the dorms). But my parents didn't help with anything after 21. In fact, it's been the other way around with me helping out my mother from time to time when she's in a tight spot. The first time I had to help her out financially I was somewhere around 23 or 24 years old.

[otterhere]

"Gifts don't count"? Many adult children receive tens of thousands in money gifts from their aging parents every year - as well as free babysitting services, free vacations, and often free housing. I wouldn't call that independence.