#294 Pay or Stay? Should Grown Kids Chip In or Chill Out?

In this episode, Niall asks, Should parents expect financial contributions from their 18-year-old kids once they start earning, or is it a parent’s duty to support them no matter what? The conversation began after a caller shared that he would never ask his son for money, even once he starts working, arguing that children are always their parents’ responsibility.

Some callers think grown kids should contribute once they start earning. For them, it’s about teaching responsibility and preparing young adults for the financial realities of life. Asking for a small contribution towards household expenses can help them understand that nothing is free, and it’s a valuable lesson in budgeting and managing money. Many parents who ask their children to chip in believe it’s a way of preparing them for independence when they eventually move out. It’s not about being unfair; it’s about helping them grow into responsible adults.

Meanwhile, other callers feel that parents should never ask their kids for money. They argue that if you bring a child into the world, it’s your responsibility to support them until they’re fully on their feet. These callers believe that young adults should be saving for their future instead of contributing to household bills. For them, the early stages of employment should be a time for young people to establish themselves financially, without the added pressure of paying for their keep at home.

Niall wraps up the episode by acknowledging both perspectives, noting the balance between fostering financial independence and continuing to support young adults as they begin their working lives. The debate highlights how different families approach responsibility, money, and the path to adulthood.