GItalians between the ages of 35 and 55 feel like adults, indeed. But chronological maturity does not equate to financial independence from the family of origin. Asking mom and dad for financial help doesn’t make us feel like kids that much. This is what emerges from the latest survey carried out by Moneyfarma digital platform for the management and growth of assets, on a representative sample of citizens born between 1971 and 1991.
7 out of 10 Italians continue to receive financial help from their family of origin
What almost all interviewees have in common is the perception of themselves as adults: 96% of the sample states that they feel like one, indicating on average 27 years of age as the moment of entry into the “world of adults”.
For many, exceeding this threshold coincided with the first stable job (37%) or with leaving the parental home (29%). This is followed by cohabitation or marriage (24%) and the birth of children (22%), which for those who are parents represents the real turning point.
A perception of autonomy and maturity which does not correspond, but a real independence from the family of origin. On the contrary. Its support continues to represent a pillar of informal welfare. Compensating for economic fragility, high cost of living and difficulty in accessing housing.
Help from home: once in a lifetime or even to pay the bills
72% of those interviewed have received significant financial help at least once in their adult lives, to purchase a house, a car or to cover wedding expenses, and almost half received support even for medium-sized expensessuch as medical or health care. Not only that: three Italians out of ten they also received a contribution for ordinary expenses such as bills or food expenses.
Overall, the average value of aid paid by the family of origin exceeds 19,800 euros, with marked territorial differences: ranging from over 20,000 euros in the Centre-North to almost 12,000 euros in the Centre-South.
The support of grandparents for managing their children (and not only)
The transfer of economic resources is accompanied by a practical support, especially for those with children. 57% of parents receive help from grandparents in managing their children, confirming their central role as an informal social safety net.
Alongside support in caring for children, the most frequent help concerns preparation of meals (36%), the management of errands and administrative procedures (28%) and home care (21%), outlining a daily support network that goes well beyond the economic contribution.
Asking mom and dad for money, how embarrassing!
A quarter of those interviewed admit to having felt embarrassed about asking mum and dad for money. A widespread sensation especially among women. And this feeling is accompanied by an ambivalent vision of the future: if 52% look ahead with confidence, 48% say they are little or not at all optimistic.
The uncertain perspective is also reflected in the generational transition: over one in five fears, one day, not being able to support their children as their parents are supporting him or her today.
Legacy chapter: more problems than benefits?
Even the succession chapter does not help to reconcile the sleep of today’s adults. 41% of 35-55 year olds expect to receive an inheritance, to which is added 18% who have already received one, especially among 45-55 year olds. However, in most cases lThe legacy is not perceived as a real turning point: only 7% believe it could change their life significantly, while for 36% it would represent a marginal improvement and for 44% it would make no real difference.
Then there is the component of skeptics: one Italian in eight fears what the legacy could bring more problems than benefits, while 35% do not expect to receive any, confirming how the generational transition is seen more as a factor of uncertainty than as a real lever of economic security.
In this context, this is the advice of Moneyfarm’s Global Head of Investment Advisory Andrea Rocchetti, which can help «conscious and long-term financial planning: to guide choices, integrate the future pension allowance and transform savings into a security and planning tool».
