Since the 1970s, changes in the Australian labour market, education and income policies have led to reductions in income for young people aged 15 to 24 years. This paper presents the results of original research that shows how parents share, or 'pool' their income with young people living at home. Australian household expenditure data is examined using new and extended methods to show how different levels of income received by young people and their parents affects expenditure on themselves and other family members.