business
The new American dream: Having parents who can help pay for it
By CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7
· July 18, 2026
· 6 min read
By Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN
(CNN) — For generations, the formula for getting ahead in America seemed straightforward: Go to college, work hard, save your money, buy a home and climb the economic ladder.
Today, that formula increasingly depends on something many Americans can’t control: whether...
Key takeaway An almost identical share (49%) of people from that cohort also reported living with parents, according to the survey, which was fielded in October.
Why this matters in The El Paso
In El Paso , where the cost of living is relatively low compared to other major Texas cities, the trend of young adults relying on family support to get ahead is likely to have a distinct impact. As the local economy continues to grow, with a mix of industries such as healthcare, education, and tourism, the ability of families to provide financial assistance will play a crucial role in determining who can afford to participate. For instance, the increasing number of young adults living with their parents may lead to a surge in multigenerational households in El Paso, which could have implications for the city's housing market and urban planning. Furthermore, the reliance on family support may also affect the local small business scene, as young entrepreneurs may struggle to access capital and resources without the backing of their families.
About this story
Original reporting by KVIA ABC-7 . The El Paso surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KVIA ABC-7 . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: business ·
Published: July 18, 2026 ·
Source: KVIA ABC-7 ·
Reading time: 6 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? By Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN
(CNN) — For generations, the formula for getting ahead in America seemed straightforward: Go to college, work hard, save your money, buy a home and climb the economic ladder.
Today, that formula increasingly depends on something many Americans can’t control: whether...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 18, 2026 by KVIA ABC-7 and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7. To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more business coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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