Rethinking the Rules of Adulthood
As I approach my 30th birthday, I’m forced to confront the harsh reality that my life hasn’t turned out exactly as planned. I’m not married, I don’t own a house, and I’m still figuring out my career path. According to the Game of Life, I’ve failed.
But here’s the thing: the Game of Life was created by a generation that played by a different set of rules. They didn’t face the same obstacles and opportunities that Millennials and Gen Zers do today. It’s time to rewrite the rules of adulthood and create our own path to success.
The High Cost of Higher Education
One of the biggest hurdles we face is student loan debt. With over $1.5 trillion in federal student loan debt and over $100 billion in private student loan debt, it’s no wonder many of us feel crippled by our financial burdens. But it’s not all doom and gloom. By working with a financial advisor, like those at M&T Bank, we can find a debt repayment plan that works for us and allows us to live a life we enjoy.
Finding the Right Career Path
Gone are the days of landing a high-paying job right out of college. Today, we’re faced with entry-level positions that require years of experience and barely cover the cost of living. It’s time to get creative and find ways to supplement our income, whether through side hustles or savvy networking.
Rethinking Marriage and Family
The Game of Life assumes we’ll all get married and have kids, but that’s not the reality for many of us. We’re waiting longer to get married, and some of us are choosing not to have kids at all. And that’s okay. With smart planning and financial goal-setting, we can achieve our dreams, whether that means buying a house, traveling the world, or simply living life on our own terms.
Creating Our Own Path
The key to achieving our goals is to have a written plan of action. Tools like MoneySmart at M&T Bank can help us organize our resources and explore different tactics for reaching our financial goals. By working with a trusted financial institution and having a clear plan, we can overcome any obstacle and achieve what’s important to us.
So, is it time to declare game over? Not quite. It’s time to rewrite the rules and create our own path to success. With determination, hard work, and the right financial tools, we can achieve anything we set our minds to.
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