Parents Helping Out Means My Savings Plan Keeps Getting Delayed

My parents have been pitching in with some bills since I moved back home after losing my job last year. While I’m super grateful, it’s made me a bit complacent about saving on my own. Every time I try to set aside even $50 a month, something comes up that they cover, so I don’t feel the urgency. I want to build a decent emergency fund before looking for a new place to live, but it feels like my progress is stuck.

I’ve tried tracking my expenses with an app and cutting out small daily treats, but when my parents offer to pay for things, I don’t push back because I don’t want to seem ungrateful. The goal is to start contributing more and save at least $1,000 in the next six months, but I’m worried I’m just delaying my financial independence.

Has anyone else dealt with family support that unintentionally slows down saving goals? How did you balance appreciation with pushing yourself to save and contribute more? Are there gentle ways to set boundaries without hurting their feelings?