Three people in their twenties told BBC News they are managing life without parental financial support, describing how they are coping with work, housing and everyday expenses on their own. One of those interviewed summed up the feeling by saying: "I don't have a buoyancy aid."
The phrase "Bank of Mum and Dad" is commonly used to describe informal financial assistance from parents to grown children — help that can range from loans and gifts to covering rents or providing deposits for homes. The three interviewees spoke to the BBC about navigating adulthood without tapping into that parental safety net.
They described relying on their own earnings and budgeting to cover costs, and emphasised different practical steps they have taken to stay afloat. While their experiences were personal and varied, each account highlighted the trade-offs that can come with full financial independence at a young age, from constrained lifestyles to decisions about work and housing.
Their stories contribute to a wider public discussion about how younger adults manage economically in the absence of family assistance. The BBC feature presents these firsthand perspectives rather than drawing broad statistical conclusions, offering a snapshot of what life looks like for some who are forging financial independence early.