HOW TO BREAK UP WITH YOUR PARENTS BY TIESE ABIODUN

What do major heartbreaks and financial independence have in common? They both feel like the end of the world until you finally get a hang of it. If you’ve been eaten free Rice and Stew and living rent-free with your parents, something called Adulting is about to spoil it for you.

So when is the right age to break up with your parents? It’s probably somewhere between getting a job that pays well and when your parents start dropping the subtle marriage or moving out comments.

But before you go dancing to “Independent Woman” or singing “Daz How Star Do”; be completely sure you’re ready to strike out on your own. Financial independence is like opening a bottle of fresh groundnut, you can’t just take a little and put it aside, you will keep eating it until you see your reflection on the bottle.

If you’ve considered everything and you’re sure it’s the right time to break up with your parents, here are the steps to consider:

1.Don’t move out yet

Moving out right away might feel like the first reasonable thing to do but it’s not.

Get your finances right, then create a plan to move out and set a reasonable moving-out date. Depending on your financial power, it can be anywhere from 3 months, 6 months, 1 year or a little longer.

2. Budget and save

Live beneath your means. This is the time to budget wisely and save excessively. If it’s not essential, important or grave, then don’t spend on it. Save and budget for your future rent, electricity, cable and other bills. 

3. Escape the debt trap

Loans are not your friend, at least not yet. At some point in your life, the right business loan, emergency loan or mortgage could be good for you. Drowning in debt when you’re only just starting life is a recipe for disaster.

 4. Move out

The moment you’ve been waiting for is finally here. You’re ready to fly the nest and start dropping phrases like “My house is on the Island”, “Come and know my place”, “Wanna come over to Netflix and Chill”. Yes, you’ve earned the right to use these words because you can now support yourself and pay important bills like cable, electricity, rent; so grab your bags and move out. 

5. Don’t go Livin’ La Vida Loca

No one is saying you should live in fear, but just remember you still have to keep budgeting and saving. Next year’s rent and other bills won’t pay itself; well, you could still call your parents but you probably shouldn’t unless it’s very critical.

That’s all folks, adulting is hard but it’s also very rewarding. Good luck with breaking up with your parents.