Let’s be blunt — most of our youth don’t know a damn thing about fiscal responsibility.

Not budgeting.
Not saving.
Not credit.
Not bills.
Not rent.
Not mortgages.
Not insurance.
Not taxes.
Not even how much a gallon of milk costs.

And worse? Many don’t even care.

We’ve got a generation who can flawlessly operate iPhones, stream 4K content, order $30 DoorDash meals daily, and rack up $200 tabs on Friday nights — but can’t tell you what their credit score is or how compound interest works. They’ll spend six hours on TikTok watching “day in the life” videos but won’t take ten minutes to figure out how to set up autopay on their phone bill.

Sure, some of this is generational. We didn’t exactly teach them in school. But let’s be real — the information is out there. We’re living in the most accessible information age in human history. You can learn to budget, invest, fix your credit, and buy a home — all from your phone, for free. The problem isn’t just lack of education. It’s a lack of urgency.

“Adulting” Isn’t a Trend — It’s a Necessity

Too many young adults treat adulting like a quirky social media phase instead of a life skill. Paying bills on time isn’t “adulting.” It’s existing. Knowing how to build credit, save for emergencies, and manage debt isn’t optional — it’s survival.

Real-world example: A 2023 study by OppLoans found that 61% of adults live paycheck to paycheck, and 22% have no emergency savings at all. That’s not sustainable — it’s a ticking time bomb. (OppLoans)

If you think your landlord cares that you “forgot” rent was due because your Apple Music subscription hit at the same time — they don’t. If you think your credit card company will cut you slack because “nobody taught you about APRs” — they won’t.

And if you think you can build a life worth having by avoiding this stuff and hoping it all just works out? You’re not just wrong — you’re setting yourself up for years of frustration and regret.

Financial Literacy in Crisis: Real Numbers, Real Problems

Let’s put some hard facts on the table:

  • A 2024 World Economic Forum article noted that financial literacy in the U.S. has hovered around 50% for eight straight years, with a 2% decline in just the last two years. (WEF)

  • According to the National Financial Educators Council, in a financial literacy test of over 1,300 teens, only 27.2% scored over 70%. The average score? Pathetic. (NFEC)

  • Between March 2022 and February 2024, Gen Z credit card debt grew by 62% and Millennials saw a 50% increase. You’re not building — you’re drowning. (Fortune)

This isn’t about being harsh. It’s about waking up. Life doesn’t pause for your learning curve. You either get control of your money or it owns you.

Yes, Everything Is Expensive — But That Doesn’t Change the Game

Let’s address the elephant in the room: things are ridiculously expensive right now. Rent is up. Groceries are up. Gas is up. Even eggs are luxury items these days.

  • According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment increased by 27% between 2021 and 2024.

  • Grocery prices are 25% higher than they were pre-pandemic, and restaurant meals? Forget it — you’re paying 40–50% more than just five years ago.

  • In 2024, the average price for a starter home in the U.S. is over $330,000, with mortgage rates hovering around 6.5%–7.5%.

So yes, it’s hard out here. For many young people, it feels impossible to get ahead, let alone build wealth or buy a home.

But here’s the truth nobody wants to hear:

💣 Just because it’s harder doesn’t mean it’s optional.

You still need to budget.
You still need to plan.
You still need to take ownership of your financial situation.

It’s not your fault that the system is stacked — but it is your responsibility to learn how to play the game, and play it smart.

Complaining won’t fix it. Awareness and action will.

Financial Literacy 101: What You Should Know by 21

If you’re in your late teens or early twenties and want to stop being broke and overwhelmed, start here:

  • Know what you owe. Student loans, car payments, credit cards — if you don’t know your balances and interest rates, you’re already behind.

  • Track your spending. Every dollar should have a purpose. If you can’t account for your money, it will disappear.

  • Build credit, don’t wreck it. One missed payment can haunt you for years. Pay on time, keep balances low, and monitor your score.

  • Live below your means. That means no — you don’t need the newest phone, the biggest apartment, or weekly fast food runs if you’re barely scraping by.

  • Have an emergency fund. $1,000 minimum. More is better. Because life will punch you in the face.

  • Don’t just work. Learn. Read books, watch YouTube finance channels, follow people who teach — not just entertain.

From Renting to Owning: Preparing Yourself for Homeownership

Now let’s pivot — because some of you are starting to get it. You want more. You want stability, wealth-building, and maybe even that first home. Good. Here’s how to prepare:

1. Fix Your Credit

A score of 620+ is the bare minimum for many home loans. 740+ gets you the best rates. Pay off collections, reduce your debt, and NEVER miss a payment.

📊 According to Experian, the average credit score for first-time homebuyers in 2023 was 684. (Experian)

2. Save for a Down Payment

You’ll need at least 3%–5% for a first-time homebuyer loan. More is better. Start putting money aside now — no matter how small.

💡 Want a $250,000 home with 5% down? That’s $12,500 before closing costs.

3. Budget Like a Homeowner

Practice living on a mortgage-style budget now — rent, insurance, maintenance, utilities, the whole deal. If you can’t handle it now, you won’t handle it when it’s yours.

4. Understand Your DTI

Your Debt-to-Income ratio is a major factor in mortgage approval. Lenders usually want it under 43%, but under 36% is better. Less debt = more house.

5. Talk to Professionals

Don’t wait until you’re “ready.” Talk to loan officers, agents, and financial coaches now. Knowledge doesn’t cost you anything — but ignorance can cost you everything.

6. Stop Flexing for the Broke

Don’t go broke trying to look rich for people who are also pretending. Live smart, invest in your future, and let your wealth speak for itself.

Final Word: The Hard Truth

If you’re reading this and feeling attacked, good. That means you’re listening. The world won’t wait for you to get your finances together. But the moment you do? Everything starts to shift. Peace of mind, opportunities, options — they all come when you stop living paycheck to paycheck and start living on purpose.

The economy is tough, inflation is real, and wages haven’t kept up — but you still have power. You can still build. You can still prepare. You can still win.

It’s not just about surviving anymore.

It’s about owning your life — and eventually, owning your home.

Let’s talk about it.  Call me anytime: 540-621-1175