Paying board to stay at home

There are no guidelines to tell parents how much to charge their sons/daughters to stay at home once they are earning a regular income.

Here's what some young people had to say about paying board money to their parents:

"When I got my first job I was earning £89 a week and my parents had £30 of that. I'd say that a third is fair"

"I thought it was a hardship when my parents made me pay £10 a week when I was on the dole, and £20 a week when I was working! I feel such a spoilt brat now, they were trying to teach us that we couldn't expect not to pay anything"

"I had to pay half my wages, and do all my own waashing, cleaning and ironing. I've been good with money ever since though"

"I reckon if three of you live there, take everything that has to be paid, divide it by three and go from there"

"I paid £160 a month and it was a bargain! Cheaper than getting my own place!"

"I used to pay my mum £200 a month and thought it was a bit steep. Then I got my own place and realised why she needed that money!"

"My parents don't charge me anything. I think it depends on the circumstances of the parents and the kids, fortunately my parents don't need any money from me"

And here's what the parents said:

"I think it's important for adult children to understand how much things actually cost, they need to know how the world works"

"I charge a third of their wages, regardless of how much they earn. They should pay a third, save a third and have a third left for spending"

"I put some of the money into a savings account in secret - I'll give it to them when they move out and find out how much things really cost!"

"I need the money to keep the house going and keep everyone fed. Another adult earning money in the family should make all of us better off, and it's still a lot cheaper than getting his own place"

"Ask them how much they think is reasonable. Make sure they know what they're paying for and how that compares to living on their own. Then they can make an informed choice."