My kid moved to DC (we do not live there). He can afford a one bedroom room of his own in NW and didn’t need a co-signer for his lease. He is still on our cell phone plan (because that actually works to our advantage) and he pays us monthly a portion of the bill. For his graduation gift, we agreed to help furnish his apartment (not fancy at all - IKEA, Costco, items from our house). No car needed so we are selling his car. He has no student loan debt. So while he is on his own now, we recognize that he started from a rather privileged position.

I would if I had the money.

Anonymous wrote:Don’t know yet where DD will land but I would consider helping her get started. I mean our monthly mortgage on a 4br house is what she’d pay for a small one bedroom, graduates today aren’t in the same situation we all were 25 or 30 years ago when we graduated, the relative cost of housing has just gone up so high. I don’t want her to feel like she has to take her first job our of college in Arkansas so that she can afford to live somewhere.

I feel the same way

Anonymous wrote:2k a month.

why?

Don’t know yet where DD will land but I would consider helping her get started. I mean our monthly mortgage on a 4br house is what she’d pay for a small one bedroom, graduates today aren’t in the same situation we all were 25 or 30 years ago when we graduated, the relative cost of housing has just gone up so high. I don’t want her to feel like she has to take her first job our of college in Arkansas so that she can afford to live somewhere.

DC graduating in May with post-grad job in NYC in the fall. First year total comp around 100k. We were just talking about grad gift and maybe kicking in some starter funds for that. 100k seems ok but we are from a fairly LCOL area so we aren’t sure.

We paid the security deposit and the first 3 months of rent. Also bought some initial furniture for things we didn't have to pass down or couldn't thrift. She makes a very good salary and is responsible, hardworking. I'm happy to get her set up so she can start her life with savings/investments.

2k a month.

Paid his own way and apartment in Paris. We miss him dearly but are constantly shocked at his level of independence for a sheltered kid.

Anonymous wrote:Are you supplementing / helping with rent or living expenses? If so how much per month?

Self defense classes / kick boxing

We paid for application fee and security deposit and she is part of our cell plan. We prioritize family gatherings, so we definitely pay for her to show up! The rest of it: her rent, utilities, her fun money, her clothing, gym memberships is on her.

We gave a few grand for a graduation gift. Kid used it for deposit and furniture. Have not given a dime since. Made enough to get their own apartment.

Anonymous wrote:I paid the first and last month’s rent plus security deposit as his graduation gift. He pays for rent, utilities, etc. He is also on my cell phone plan so I pay that. His grandmother pays for his gym membership for his Christmas and birthday gift.

Nice idea for graduation gift.

Mine came back to DC area. We are not helping with living expenses, but would have if needed. She found an apartment with a roommate for a reasonable rent. She's still on our family cell plan and our health insurance (to save money for her and at no additional cost to us since we need a family plan for younger siblings). Otherwise, she is fully independent.

No, our DC is making it work in London. We do foot the bills for travel home, though.