Homeward Bound: More Students Heading Home After Graduation

Student loan debt in this country has not only surpassed credit card debt, but by the end of the year is expected to hit $1 Trillion! News sources nation-wide have picked up the story this week, calling attention to this outrageous number. It’s no wonder more and more graduates are moving back in with mom and dad.

In a recent article from the San Francisco Chronicle, Staff Writer Kevin Fagan assesses the current state of living for graduates. In the article he writes,

“The U.S. Census Bureau says that from 2007, just before the recession hit, to 2010, a year after the recession officially ended, the number of adults ages 25 to 34 living with their parents shot up 26 percent, from 4.7 million to 5.9 million.”

26% is a huge number, but it makes a lot of sense when put into context of Trillion dollar student loan debt. If you’re like many recent college students, you might have to adjust your post-grad expectations. Students tend to expect that they will graduate, get a job, and get an apartment right away then live happily ever after. This has been the idealized version of adulthood for many young graduates. Unfortunately, this may not be an option for many. After experiencing the freedom of college, living with mom and dad might not be your top choice, but it can have some benefits. Here are some advantages of living with parents again.

Free Housing- This is a no-brainer. That is, if you’re lucky enough to live at home rent-free. Some graduates move away from home too soon, only to realize they can’t afford the lifestyle they imagine; between rent, cable, car insurance, gas, electricity, and heat, living expenses can eat up your paycheck and fast!Eat for Free- Well free for you, not your parents. Feeding yourself can add up; if you have parents willing to foot the bill while you’re at home, enjoy it while it lasts!Learn Financial Responsibility (before it’s to late)- Going from the carefree life in college to paying all your bills at once can be a huge shock to many graduates. If you move back home, talk with your parents about managing finances, from bank accounts, to 401Ks. Take this time at home to get your finances in a good place, that way, when you are able to move out, you’ll have all of your ducks in a row. Plus, putting some money away for unexpected expenses is a smart move, it’s always good to have some backup!

For many students, living at home is not an option for a variety of reasons. For those who can move back home, make the most of it! While it may be straining at times, your eventual move-out will be that much easier!

How do you feel about living at home after graduation? Leave a comment and let us know!

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