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Len Penzo dot Com

The offbeat personal finance blog for responsible people.

Why Millennials Are Struggling Financially And What They Can Do About It

By Sabado Domingo

It is no secret that millennials are struggling financially. A recent study by the Federal Reserve revealed that 44% of millennials have nothing saved for retirement. This is a major problem, and it is something that millennials need to address if they want to achieve financial success in the future. With that in mind, let’s discuss some of the reasons why millennials are struggling financially, and offer some tips on how they can improve their situation:

The average millennial has a lot of auto debt

If you’re a millennial, there’s a good chance you’re carrying a heavy burden of car debt. In fact, according to a recent study, the average millennial has over $5000 in car debt. And that’s not even counting the interest! If you don’t have the best auto loan rates, interest can add up quickly. If you’re struggling under the weight of car payments, you’re not alone.

But there is some good news. By making a few simple changes, you can get your car debt under control. First, take a close look at your budget and see where you can cut back. Do you really need that new car payment? Would a used car do just as well?

Second, consider refinancing your loan if you have bad credit car loans. By shopping around for a better interest rate, you can save yourself hundreds of dollars over the life of a loan. Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you’re struggling to make your payments, reach out to a nonprofit credit counseling agency. They can help you develop a plan to get your car debt under control.

They’re struggling to find good-paying jobs

One of the biggest challenges facing millennials today is the struggle to find good-paying jobs. With student loan debt and the cost of living on the rise, many millennials are finding it difficult to make ends meet.

In addition, the job market is increasingly competitive, and many employers are looking for candidates with experience. As a result, millennials are struggling to find good-paying jobs that will allow them to live comfortably and pay off their debts.

However, there are some things that millennials can do to improve their chances of finding a good job. One is to network with other professionals in their field. Another is to update their resume and LinkedIn profile to reflect their qualifications. Finally, millennials should consider pursuing higher education or specialized training, which will make them more attractive to employers. By taking these steps, millennials can increase their chances of finding a good-paying job and start on the path to a bright future.

They don’t have enough money saved for emergencies

Many millennials are struggling to save enough money for emergencies. According to a recent survey, nearly one in three millennials have less than $1,000 saved. This is troubling news, as an unexpected medical bill or car repair can easily put a person into debt.

One way to help address this problem is to start an emergency fund. An emergency fund should be used for unexpected expenses, such as car repairs or medical bills. It should not be used for everyday expenses, such as groceries or rent. By setting aside money each month, you can make sure that you have the funds available when an emergency strikes.

Here’s how to improve your financial situation

Many millennials find themselves in a precarious financial situation. Student loan debt, coupled with the high cost of living in many parts of the country, can make it difficult to save for the future.

However, there are several things that millennials can do to improve their financial situation. One is to start budgeting. This means tracking your income and expenses so that you can see where your money is going each month. This can be a helpful first step in identifying areas where you may be able to cut back on spending.

Another is to start investing early. Even if you only have a small amount of money to invest, making contributions to a retirement account or stock portfolio can pay off handsomely in the long run. Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help from a financial advisor. They can offer valuable guidance on how to make the most of your money. By following these tips, millennials can take control of their finances and set themselves up for a bright future.

Photo Credit: stock photo

August 17, 2022

Comments

  1. 1

    Karen Kinnane says

    No mention of “Get a part time job.”? Working as a waitress, pizza delivery person, working for a caterer, bar tending, dog walking, baby sitting, part time sales person, house cleaning, the number of companies and individuals who want to hire help is endless. Also if you work in your spare time you don’t fill empty hours wasting money buying stuff you don’t need or hanging in clubs hemorrhaging money on $15. martinis. Use the extra money to 1. Build emergency fund., 2. Pay off debt., 3. Fully fund any company match if available., 4. If eligible open and fully fund ROTH or regular retirement account. 5. Pile up savings and invest.

  2. 2

    Janet says

    Their parents obviously taught them nothing when they decided to give them everything without earning it. Some of the Millennials are the biggest “me” generation ever. Car debt? Everyone has a nice car. Gone are the days of beater cars that you prayed would get you there. As far as jobs? Everyone wants to start at 75,000 a year. Covid 19 was the best thing to happen to them. Yay! Free money. Ever look around and see the actual work force out there? The ones who continue to show up regardless and work multiple jobs? Majority are not millennials.

    • 3

      Len Penzo says

      That’s an interesting observation about the beater cars, Janet. Come to think of it, I don’t see a lot of beaters on the road any more either. Getting a beater for your first car was a right of passage when I was young too. I do see high school kids in my neck of the woods though driving brand new BMWs and other high-end cars.

  3. 4

    bill says

    If their parents taught them nothing about money, it could be because their parents knew very little about money. People in the USA are not educated about money.

    • 5

      Len Penzo says

      Why simple personal finance is not taught in our high schools is beyond me. That being said, when I was in elementary school I do remember an exercise where we were all given phony checks and an imaginary checking account and they were used to teach us how to balance a checkbook.

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