Is your adult child still clinging to your cellphone plan? It’s a question that’s sparking more conversations—and debates—than you might expect. While it’s becoming less common, recent polls reveal it’s far from rare. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is staying on a parent’s plan a sign of financial savvy or a lingering dependency? Let’s dive in.
Becoming an adult has always been marked by milestones—whether it was hunting down a mastodon in prehistoric times or, more recently, moving out, getting married, or finally deleting that cringe-worthy MySpace page. But today, many argue that the ultimate rite of passage is cutting the cord—literally—by getting your own cellphone plan. CNBC reports that 76% of Americans view this as a defining moment of adulthood, according to an AT&T survey. (Yes, the same AT&T that stands to benefit from more individual plans.)
And this is the part most people miss: Despite the cultural emphasis on this transition, one in five American adults remains on their parents’ plan, including a staggering 43% of Gen Zers. Even more surprising? Half of Gen Xers on their parents’ plans admit they plan to stay put—either indefinitely or until their parents pass away. (After all, if you’ve made it this far, why stop now?)
But it’s not all about freeloading. For 64% of adults on their parents’ plans, it’s a mutually beneficial arrangement—multiple lines often mean lower costs per person, provided everyone chips in. The remaining 36%, however, might be giving their parents a financial headache. Is this a smart financial move or a sign of delayed independence? We’ll let you decide.
Interestingly, the trend is shifting. The number of adults on their parents’ plans has dropped from 34% in 2022 to 22% today, according to WhistleOut. Inflation and rising plan costs are likely culprits, with parents feeling the pinch and encouraging their kids to fly solo. And let’s not forget the natural progression of time—those Gen Xers’ parents aren’t getting any younger.
So, where do you stand? Are your adult kids still on your plan, or are you the adult still benefiting from your parents’ generosity? Is this a harmless financial strategy or a symptom of a larger cultural shift? We want to hear from you! Take our poll or email us at [emailprotected], and your perspective could be featured in an upcoming article.
Peter Chianca
General Assignment Editor
Peter Chianca has been Boston.com’s general assignment editor since 2019, bringing years of experience as a news editor, columnist, and music writer in the Greater Boston area. Sign up for our Today newsletter to get the latest insights delivered straight to your inbox every morning.
