Boomerang Kids

What Happens When “Later” Becomes “Now”

In 2025, it’s become more common than ever for young adults to return home.

They’re not teenagers. They’re not on summer break. These are grown children—some with degrees, jobs, or families of their own—moving back in with their parents.

According to Thrivent’s 2025 Boomerang Kids Survey, 46% of parents in the U.S. report that one or more of their adult children (ages 18–35) have moved back home. And for many families, this isn’t a temporary pause. It’s a new phase of life that’s forcing everyone to rethink what independence really means.

But while the reasons are wide-ranging, one root cause shows up again and again: a lack of financial readiness.

That’s where HowMoneyWorks for the Next Generation: Act Now or Pay Later comes in. Because the only way out of this cycle is to stop postponing financial education.

What’s Driving This Trend?

The data is clear.

Boomerang kids aren’t coming home because it’s convenient. They’re coming home because the cost of independence has skyrocketed.

According to the Thrivent survey:

• 32% of boomerang parents say the top reason their adult child returned home was unaffordable housing.
• The average federal student loan debt in 2024 was $37,853 per borrower, up from $27,759 a decade earlier.
• Wages have stagnated. For young men without a college degree, inflation-adjusted earnings are still lower than they were several years ago.
• Labor force participation among young men has declined over the long term.
• Divorce or separation is the second-leading cause of adults moving back in, cited by 1 in 5 parents.

These aren’t just statistics. They represent real challenges for young adults trying to launch into the world—and often falling short.

And while the reasons may be out of their control, the preparation doesn't have to be.

What It’s Costing Families

While the return home might create opportunities for reconnection, the financial toll is hard to ignore.

Thrivent reports:

• 38% of parents say the move has impacted their savings for long-term goals like retirement.
• 39% say it has disrupted their ability to save for short-term goals such as travel or home improvements.
• 55% of parents say they’ve had to reduce financial support in other areas.

The impact isn’t just on the young adults. It’s hitting the parents hard, too—especially those nearing retirement age. And as HowMoneyWorks for the Next Generation explains, waiting until "later" to prepare financially can come at a steep cost.

The Real Problem No One Taught Them to Solve

What do all these stats have in common?

They point to a generation that’s been under-equipped to handle financial life in the real world.

HowMoneyWorks for the Next Generation makes one thing painfully clear: most young people were never taught how money actually works. They didn’t learn how to build a budget, manage debt, understand insurance, or prepare for the unexpected. They were pushed toward degrees and jobs, but never given the roadmap to turn income into confidence for the future.

As a result, many of them learned the hard way—through debt, default, and delayed dreams.

That’s why the subtitle of the book isn’t just a slogan. It’s a warning: Act Now or Pay Later.

Because when financial literacy is postponed, the price is almost always paid later. In stress. In setbacks. In moving back home when you were supposed to be building your future.

The Path Forward Starts With Financial Literacy

The TheMoneyBooks series introduces readers to the 7 Money Milestones—a simple, proven framework for financial success. These aren’t buzzwords. They’re actionable steps:

1. Financial Education
2. Proper Protection
3. Emergency Fund
4. Debt Management
5. Cash Flow
6. Build Wealth
7. Protect Wealth

These are the skills that transform boomerang kids into financially independent adults.

They help turn setbacks into launchpads. Confusion into confidence.

And for families currently living through this new normal, there is no better time to learn them than right now.

A Wake-Up Call, Not a Judgment

Let’s be honest—this isn’t easy.

No one dreams of moving back in with their parents. And no parent plans for their 30-year-old to be back under the same roof.

But this isn’t about shame or blame. It’s about opportunity.

If you’re in this season, it’s not too late to start building financial skills that last a lifetime. Whether you’re the parent or the young adult, this is your chance to take control—before life forces your hand again.

Don’t wait for perfect conditions. Start with what you have. Learn what you were never taught. And most importantly, begin the journey toward financial freedom—not just movement, but momentum.

Get Started Today

If your family is experiencing the boomerang effect, now is the time to learn together. HowMoneyWorks for the Next Generation is more than a book—it’s a financial wake-up call.

✅ Learn the 7 Money Milestones
✅ Discover how to avoid common traps like consumer debt and unprotected risk
✅ Understand why budgeting, saving, and investing are non-negotiables
✅ Take action today—so you’re not forced to pay the price tomorrow

Because independence isn’t just about moving out. It’s about moving forward.

Act Now. Teach Now. Plan Now.
Because waiting only makes the cost higher.