housekeeping charging???

doorstep

When I lived at home (about 12 years ago!), I paid £30 a week housekeeping. I can't believe the going rate has hardly gone up at all!

Or maybe I was charged way too much back then ..... :rotfl:

lady_fuschia

I think it depends a lot on how much they earn and how much they do around the house. My youngest sister who still lives at home pays my Mum £35 a week, which is a very good deal, considering that if she moved to a flat in the same area she'd be spending at least £60 a week just on rent, before bills etc.

However: She is only 18 and doesn't have a good wage. Also she buys a fair proportion of her own food (Mum buys basics, she buys any snacks and luxuries like sauces or takeaways), cooks the evening meal a few nights a week, walks the dog every other day and does probably around 70% of the household chores. Therefore, I think its a pretty fair deal. If, on the other hand, the sons are earning a good wage and don't generally buy food, I think they should be paying at least £50 a week (about the going rate for most "kids" in their twenties). Its important that they contribute to the running of the household in other ways, they are paying for a place to live after all, not to be waited on hand and foot (I always think many 20-somethings are essentially getting a permanent residence in a five star hotel for less than the price of your average campsite) When you have your "budget meeting" and work out what you expect them to pay, you should also discuss what items you expect them to buy for themselves, and what chores you expect them to help with. Draw up a rota if you have to.

I'm 25 and living away from home and pay around £130 a week towards my "housekeeping". The idea of having to pay only £30 is phenomenal- I could be living the life of Riley! Perhaps you could get some of their friends who have flown the nest to have a sneaky word about how lucky they are!

ceegee

My oldest daughter has just started work, albeit part-time until College finishes next week. I had said 30% with a £30 maximum......am I being too soft?

PS Per week, that is!

lady_fuschia

I think £30 is pretty reasonable if your daughter is only working part time. Make sur eyou review it if she starts full time work though.

ziggy2004

10 years ago i paid my mum 30% of my wages but (best mum in the world) she siad that if I would give her an extra 20% the whole lot would go to paying of my debts!!! Which was great after my debts were paid of I just gave her 30% but as my dad was still paying maintenance at that time (not sure why??) she kept that and paid for a whole lot of stuff when I did move out which was great as it taught me the value of saving money!! (this was all just because my mum was in the fortunate position of not needing the extra money)

X Anne

KatrinaC_2

I used to pay £200 per month to my step-mum 9 years ago (god, that makes me feel old), although she did give me some of it back when I went to Uni. That was food and lodging, although I was out most of the time and very rarely ate at home.

clareski wrote:

Seriously though, it is very awkward as I have moved into the family home and trying to sort out the finances. I don't want to start causing family arguments either.

Could you get their father to do the asking? That way it's not you being the "evil stepmother".

Kat

Lady_S

I give my mum £120 a month and my partner does the same. But we buy all our own food and toiletries.

My sister pays £80, but she is on a lower wage, however, she never buys food etc.

peters123_2

minimum of 50 per week sounds resonable,but if they earn more perhaps do what my parents did(take more and save it for them)

Sunshine_and_Roses

Thanks to you all for your fab ideas. I love the idea of a 'budget meeting' and want a red briefcase now!

They were only paying £20 a week a year ago when I moved in, and the househould budget left a lot to be desired. We are now finally straight(ish) with money, and will be a lot better when I have done some switching of bills and started to buy more own-brand tins. When you have to pay the shopping bills you stop being a label snob.

Apart from the mortgage, the only real debt we have is a credit card with £3000 on it (0% until September, then I will be looking to switch).

I want to be able to start saving some of our hard earned money on a holiday and hopefully our wedding.

Thank you all for taking the time to help xx