Additional Coverage:
As a millennial mother of three, I find myself leaning heavily on my mother for financial support, a situation that I find particularly hard to admit. My father has been supportive over the years, but it’s my 64-year-old mother, a widow since 2023, who’s been my primary financial pillar.
Despite anticipating a life free of dependents years ago, my mother retired early and even though I’m now 39 and living in her townhouse with my children, I struggle to save any money. The rent I pay her is significantly lower than the market rate, and she often covers utilities and internet, sometimes waiving rent if my finances are tight. Her support has included everything from gifting me vehicles to outright cash loans.
When I was 19, I became a homeowner with help from my mother and stepfather, who provided a $35,000 deposit that I eventually repaid. At that time, I was financially stable, working three jobs, and had a promising financial outlook. However, poor investments, unsuccessful educational and career shifts, and personal relationships led to financial setbacks.
Marriage in 2009 and subsequent university expenses, followed by a divorce and shared debts took a toll. Post-divorce, I pursued nursing to improve my job prospects but later shifted to studying psychology, aiming for a better work-life balance. As a single mom, my academic progress has been slower than typical due to reduced course loads.
An unplanned pregnancy further strained my circumstances, making it impossible to maintain work alongside my studies. The financial pressure grew with everyday expenses and the growing needs of my children, pushing me deeper into debt. At one point, overwhelmed by nearly $12,000 in credit card debt, I turned to my mother who helped clear it and allowed me a grace period on rent payments.
Although I grapple with guilt over my financial dependence, I am grateful for the unwavering support from my parents. I am on track to earn a master’s in counseling psychology, a pursuit made feasible by familial assistance. Despite the hardships, I am determined to achieve my career goals and ultimately support others in their pursuits of happiness.