Tired of financially struggling? Me Too!

Struggling in adulthood is the story of almost all our lives. We race to become adults thinking we will be on the precipice of doing great things and feeling our absolute freest and best selves. Only to be disappointed that we worked hard on [insert education/vocation/skills] to feel less fulfilled and more stressed than ever. I partially blame the lack of financial literacy taught in schools/homes and consumerism culture, but above all I blame the lack of dissemination of passive income/wealth building. This post will not be a total rant on gatekeeping, I promise.

I grew to a realization that I would face financial struggle even if I did well securing a decent paying job after completing undergraduate studies because I would graduate with student loans and would need to pay for my personal housing, utilities, and other associated personal costs when venturing off into adulthood.

Keep in mind that "decent" pay in 2013 was $35,000 which is still too low and sadly employees are paid this salary to date as of 2023. I knew before I graduated in 2013 that I was making a mistake exiting the comforts of being a college student dependent on my parents for my housing security and personal needs. Real life is scary when you are not actually prepared to at least get your first apartment or how you can afford a life. Period.

I will admit that I was one of those cynical folks who threw in the towel (Almost) on achieving the "American Dream" with 0 debt because when it boiled down to it I thought there was NO WAY I could afford to be debt free, own a home, have a family and enjoy my life. I thought for certain (Not anymore) that I should just accept the credit card debt and keep racking it up, and settle into the drudgery that is corporate ladder climbing for money to afford your life. But there are more options to living the "dream" than preparing mentally to be in constant struggle with your values and finances.

Yes, I am tired of financially struggling but I know a lot more than I did when I was in my early 20's. We all wish for the cheat codes, secret sauce, leg up so we don't have to struggle for so long. Where there is suffering there is exploration that leads to realizations. As humans we want to be free from suffering. Some do find appreciation and gratitude from suffering while others are resentful and feel hopeless. We are entitled to feel our feelings. I chose to not feel steaming mad about the disadvantages I was facing and thought of what can I learn about opportunities in gaining financial acumen. This insight helped me realize I cannot just scrimp and save on a low salary and that I have to listen to and learn from others who have earn more money even if I didn't feel confident that I would ever be at their level of earning power. Imposter syndrome and self-limiting beliefs never helped anyone, and they are not going to help you or I.

So no more tears about how disappointed you are that you did not stick to your budget with 100% accuracy. No more feeling down that you cannot afford a vacation. And Absolutely No More kicking yourself for not being a perfect, financially sound adult even when you are educating yourself to change your views and behaviors around money. So Lets Agree to No More Tears and looking forward to self-discovery and financial empowerment!