When I made it through the initial months of the pandemic working in luxury retail, I thought I was safe. I even spent some money on renovating my deck and outdoor space at home. I was stunned when, in September 2020, my position was eliminated.
"This year's increase in undergraduate credential attainment isn't just about more completions-it's also about timing. More students are earning certificates and degrees earlier and that shift reflects how postsecondary pathways are changing and starting sooner than they once did."
Many people successfully purchase homes while still carrying student debt. What matters most isn't whether you have debt, it's how well you manage it.
The original poster (OP) wrote, 'My second child is starting high school next year and is hell-bent on joining the marching band. I was in marching band myself when I was in high school and I wasn't against her joining. The discipline would be good for her. Then I found out how much it costs.'
Dr John Allan stated that Generation Alpha, many of whom are now approaching adulthood, are clear about what they want from their future. However, many do not feel ready for what comes next, particularly regarding the confidence, independence, and practical skills needed to navigate life after education.
Growing up outside Manchester, I thought everyone kept their tea bags to use twice. It wasn't until I was at university, sitting in a friend's kitchen in London, that I realized this wasn't normal. My friend watched in horror as I carefully squeezed out my used tea bag and placed it on a saucer for later. "What are you doing?" he asked, genuinely confused.
Looking back, it's easy to spot the moments where things could have gone differently. At the time, each financial decision felt justified, and sometimes even smart! Whether it was driven by optimism, pressure, or a belief that I could "figure it out later," I made choices that seemed reasonable in the moment but were costly over time. What surprised me most wasn't just the money lost, but how similar the underlying mistakes were.
My goal was to only pay bills. I didn't want to buy anything extra, but I knew things always come up, like my son needing something for school. I told myself ahead of time that I could "break the freeze" for absolute necessities only. Over the 30 days, copays for doctor's appointments and prescription costs were the only unexpected purchases I made.
Ever catch yourself standing in a store, holding something you genuinely want, only to put it back because that familiar knot forms in your stomach? You know the one-that creeping guilt that whispers you don't really need it, that you should save the money instead, that spending on yourself somehow makes you selfish or irresponsible. I used to think everyone felt this way about money.
