re: How old were you when you left the nest ???

17.....rough few years but everything worked out

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You can brand it as "being independent", but if your parents have a half-empty house and you're paying someone else to live in their's, you're just throwing money away so that you can say that you don't live with your folks.

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Well, not everybody has the option to stay with momma until the downpayment is saved up. And independence is usually worth paying for.

If I believed that the launch-failers of this generation were saving up for a house of their own, I might agree with you. I don't think that is happening much. I think they are spending the money on shite.

All that said, you did remind me of a guy I know who lived with his parents until marriage, and I think he did use the chance to save money for a house. So maybe you are right in some cases. But I think he is a pretty exceptional case. If you are reading this, you know who you are. Email me with thanks for the shout out.

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It's a waste. You're paying off someone else's mortgage for them. Work until you have enough for a down-payment then pay your own mortgage.

You can brand it as "being independent", but if your parents have a half-empty house and you're paying someone else to live in their's, you're just throwing money away so that you can say that you don't live with your folks.

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Why buy a house at all if that's the case? Why not just save a ton of money and invest it for your retirement while living with your parents? Eventually they'll die and you can just keep living in their house, then you'll have a fantastic retirement account and a free house.

That sounds awesome!

18. Moved out in August after my Senior year and never spent a single night at home again. My borderline personality disorder stepmother made that a simple decision.

My 19 year old freshman daughter lives in a dorm at LSU. She wants to move home next year because she loves our home/her family so much. She says "I'm so lucky to have you guys" and her Mom gets all teary. All I can do is laugh.

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Well, not everybody has the option to stay with momma until the downpayment is saved up

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Not saying it's for everybody. But from the sound of things on the OT, most folks here didn't grow up in a one bedroom one bath home.

And I know guys in their 40's who are still living with their parents and using their parents' generosity to stay in low-pressure low-responsibility jobs.

But if your parents have lots of room, staying there till you have a downpayment for a starter home or condo isn't a sign that you're a loser.

A couple of years living with mom and dad sounds a lot more adult to me than a decade of living with roommates.

17. College.

Been in and out a few times. Left at 18 when I went to college, but my parents paid the rent for me and my brother.

Moved back in with my parents at 20 because it was getting too expensive and I couldn't stand living with my brother anymore. Stayed there until I moved out for grad school when I was 24. Came back for the summer and once again after I graduated when I was 26. Stayed home for one month until I got my first big boy job and moved to Houston.

I did move back for two months when I got laid off when I was 30. Other than that, been pretty much on my own since then.

With my experience, I wouldn't mind my kids (none yet but will one day) living at home well into their 20s so they can save up money instead of wasting money on rent. Wouldn't let them live at home 'rent free' thought. I would expect them to contribute in some way. Still would be a lot cheaper than being on your own.

17. Left for the military. I hated where I lived (East Feliciana parish) and all I wanted was out.

18. Went to LSU, then bought a condo with my now ex-wife after I graduated. I did live with my sister briefly after I got divorced. That was similar to moving back home. It was only a couple months though.

Still in it. Im 34