The Modern Youth and Financial Burden: Techniques to Evade Permanent Monetary Troubles
The modern youth confront a broad array of financial problems that were largely unknown to the previous generation. Factors like skyrocketing living costs, expensive real estate, university fees, and costlier consumer goods are outpacing inflation. As a result, dreams like homeownership, clearing student debts, or saving enough for a comfortable retirement seem increasingly elusive. To top it off, a growing number of youngsters are resorting to bankruptcy and consumer proposals to resolve their financial issues.
This article aims to explore why the youth are burdened with such high debts and shaky financial futures so early in life. We’ll delve into some evident and not-so-evident factors that may be contributing, along with some tips to groom the youth in your life for a lifetime of financial wellbeing.
The Urge to Conform
The scrutinizing gaze of society can be harsh, particularly for teenagers who are constantly evaluated on their appearance, attire, friends, and hobbies. It’s often easier to blend into the crowd than to stand out as different.
When a young person’s pals flaunt the latest smartphones, video games, fashionable clothes, and cars, it only intensifies the pressure to fit in. However, acquiring these items is not an easy task and often leads to excessive spending or debt accumulation via credit cards.
How Can You Assist?
Accepting the economic disparities in society is challenging, especially for children and adolescents. Nevertheless, the earlier they gain experience with managing and budgeting money, the better equipped they will be to make responsible financial decisions independently.
Consider discussing with your children or students about the benefits of saving, investing, living within their means, setting financial goals, and prioritizing needs over wants. Encourage these habits continuously, whether they earn an allowance or are applying for their first part-time job. This guidance will help them navigate the peer pressure more effectively and contemplate consumer debt wisely.
Social Media Influence
The modern phrases YOLO (you only live once) and FOMO (fear of missing out) drive many youngsters to emulate the extravagant lifestyles of their digital peers and idols, often at any cost. However, social media seldom reveals the true story behind someone’s material success.
How Can You Assist?
Help the youth realize the time, money, and energy influencers invest to achieve the so-called perfect life or lifestyle. Teach them critical thinking skills that will help them uncover the truth behind what their idols are portraying.
The more youngsters can distinguish their self-worth from their material wealth, the easier it will be to resist the urge to compare themselves with strangers on social media. If they can recognize that the person they’re trying to emulate may themselves be drowning in debt, it’s a bonus.
The Need for Instant Gratification
Strong impulse control is critical for long-term financial and career success. Young people naturally struggle with this, and cultural and technological shifts only exacerbate the problem.
- Computer games provide immediate feedback and exploit a players’ highly sensitive reward response.
- Online shopping offers instant gratification with products delivered to the doorstep within days.
- The easy availability of credit means people don’t have to wait for payday or save up to buy the latest gadgets or clothing items.
These factors amplify the young generation’s innate belief that they should be able to have whatever they want, whenever they want it. Thus, parents and mentors need to be vigilant in encouraging restraint and patience when it comes to spending money.
How Can You Assist?
Help youngsters understand the value of earning a desired result. It’s okay to say no sometimes. Even better is guiding them to find creative ways to achieve their desires.
For instance, instead of outright refusing a young person’s request for a new laptop, encourage them to devise a plan to earn and save the money themselves. This could include part-time jobs, neighborhood chores, or tasks around the house for an allowance.
Solutions for Life-Changing Debt
Today’s youth face immense financial challenges unheard of in past generations. Many struggle with unmanageable debt in silence, either due to lack of knowledge about available options or the fear of asking for help.
If you know someone in this situation, encourage them to consult a Licensed Insolvency Trustee. They can review their entire financial situation, understand their challenges and goals, and identify opportunities to overcome their debt.
These options could include bankruptcy or a consumer proposal, which could help them become debt-free in as little as nine months. It could also include referrals to external services for learning budgeting and life management skills, and counselors to address compulsive spending or social challenges.
The youth have their entire lives ahead of them. There are better ways to spend these years than worrying about debt. Help someone you care about get the financial fresh start they need and deserve today.
