Adult Allowance: Are Your Parents Your Cash Cow?

Fork it over! How many times have you (somewhat) shamefully called your dear, dear parents for some cash just to make it through a frugal weekend of pasta and um, "bar food?" You're not alone! About one in five adults — that's folks between the ages of 18 and 34 — need a little help. Even in New York, the city leading the nation towards full employment recovery, it's all too easy to blow a Benjamin (or 70) in just one night. Most parents probably expected to fund their kids as they pursue their dream career (or whatever), even if it takes a while. But how much is too much? With more and more 20-somethings young adults moving back home, can they really expect an allowance on top of free room and board? Talk about reverting back to childhood.

If you're part of the 20% of adults living at home and getting moolah in exchange for mowing the lawn, or even if you're the parent with the joint bank account, tell us about your guidelines for giving (and giving, and giving) in the comments below — we're jealous, kinda.