roommates

Three college roommates who bought an old couch for $20 at a Salvation Army store in New Paltz, N.Y., had the surprise of their lives when they found $40,000 in cash hidden inside.

Having a roommate to reduce expenses is no longer limited to 20-somethings after they've left the nest. The recession and high cost of housing is leading many more people, including those over age 50, to live with a non-spouse.