[MatthewBrum]

I've just read this entire thread and it is all just way too familiar with what I have seen with my generation.

This is my story:
I'm 27 years old and moved out of the house after graduating from engineering school. That was in 2004 and three months after I graduated I moved to CT for my first job, shortly after I purchased a fix-it-up two family and have been living in the second floor apartment. A year later the single family house next door came for sale and I purchased it and had it rented two weeks after I closed on it (never had to personally pay for the mortgage). During this time I met the girl of my dreams we had a small wedding and have been happily married since August 05. We are currently looking for a modest single family house to move into and start a family. It has been 4 years since I graduated and I am on my way to purchasing out third house.

Most of my friends:
Grew up with more money than I ever had. First vehicle cost more than what I drive everyday. Went to expensive schools, graduated, found decent jobs BUT STILL LIVE AT HOME! They do not save any money and spend most of what they make on stupid crap. A lot of my friends have large credit card debt.

I just don't get why my generation refuses to grow up and do things that grown-ups do. Like pay a heating bill, do your own laundry, prepar your own meals...the list goes on.

I am so thankful that I married a women who was not spoiled as a child and realizes that working hard now will pay for itself 10-fold when we will need it to most.

I wish I had some advice for you but I think you do have to make things at home uncomfortable for them to move on.