Buying a home or even moving into a rented property is becoming an increasingly difficult goal for many young people in the UK. This summer, BBC Your Voice reported that more than 40% of 25-year-olds are still living with their parents. Many of these young adults rely on what is often called the "Bank of Mum and Dad" — financial help from family — to cover rent, bills, and other living expenses. However, for those without such support, life is even more challenging. According to Citizens Advice, an increasing number of young people are struggling to afford basic necessities like rent and food without assistance from their parents. Three women shared their experiences of navigating adulthood without that safety net. Eleanor Bell, 23, from East Riding of Yorkshire, holds a first-class degree but is struggling to find work. She was placed in care when she was 10 and worked hard to earn a degree from the University of Central Lancashire. After graduating two years ago, she expected her situation to improve, but it hasn't. She has applied for numerous jobs, but only had a few unsuccessful interviews. Currently, she is living with her boyfriend in a rural area of South Yorkshire, which helps reduce living costs, but the location makes it harder to find work without a driving licence. "I know a lot of people who've got jobs because their mum or dad worked there before them," she says. Eleanor feels isolated and frustrated, noting that many of her peers rely on family support. "I want to be independent, but I'm hitting a wall," she says, highlighting the emotional and financial challenges she faces. Sam Barrett, 24, from Sunderland, is studying health and social care part-time after leaving her full-time job to care for her mother. She feels frustrated that others her age have a financial safety net that she does not. Her income from Careers Allowance and Universal Credit is insufficient to cover her main expenses, and she relies on her mother's help when possible. "I've always felt it was unfair growing up, seeing others with advantages I didn't have," she says. Sam is also angry about the lack of support for carers like her. "I'm saving the government money by caring for my mum, but they aren't helping me — they're just letting me get into debt," she says. Ezgi Polat, 23, from Cambridgeshire, lost her job a year ago and quickly fell behind on rent and bills. A recent survey by Citizens Advice found that 57% of people in their 20s are behind on at least one bill, compared to 36% of adults overall. Ezgi's family was also struggling financially, so she couldn't rely on them for support. Her Universal Credit payments were not enough to cover her rent and other expenses, leading to a £4,000 debt. After seeking help from Citizens Advice, she was able to clear her rent arrears and now has a repayment plan for her utilities. She has since found work in a warehouse and is working to rebuild her life. Despite these challenges, she feels misunderstood by older generations. "A lot of older people think we're not ambitious enough, but they'd be surprised at how many people are desperate for work and support but have nowhere to turn," she says. The government has pledged to invest £2.5 billion to create more opportunities for young people through apprenticeships, job grants, and training. A spokesperson said they are committed to helping young people "restore hope and deliver opportunity." However, Luke Young, head of policy at Citizens Advice, argues that many young people are being left behind by rising living costs and a difficult job market. He notes that the gap is growing between those who have family financial support and those who don't, with the latter group being particularly vulnerable.