Finnish mother in debt still supports adult son with €400 monthly

A Finnish healthcare worker identified only as Sari has accumulated €40,000 in debt and faces debt collection, yet continues to send her unemployed 28-year-old son around €400 each month, Yle reports.

Sari, whose name was changed to protect her privacy, pays her son’s phone and internet bills, bought him a car on instalments, and covers its tax and insurance. She previously also paid his rent. The son, who receives housing and unemployment benefits, says the money goes toward food and occasionally nicotine pouches.

“I’m like an ATM,” Sari said. She transfers money via MobilePay roughly every other day, adding that she wants her help to be rewarded and for her son to manage without her money.

A Nordea survey of 1,007 Finns aged 18–29 found that over 40% turn to their parents when short on cash. Tanja Erosen, deputy head of Nordea’s personal banking, notes sums are usually small—often just tens of euros for items like phone bills or magazines. She advises parents to set limits and avoid funding discretionary spending, as it hinders financial independence.

Sari’s net pay is under €2,000 monthly after €1,000 is seized for debt repayment. She acknowledges the situation has gone too far but struggles to stop, citing her own upbringing where her mother supported her and her children.