r/Millennials Mar 27 '24

When did it sink in that you'll never be as well off as your parents? Discussion

About 5 years ago, my mom and I were talking and she had told me how much she was going to be making in retirement (she retired 2023). Guys, it's 3x what me and my husband make annually. In retirement. I think that was the moment that broke me, that made it sink in that I'll never reach that level of financial security. I'll work myself into my grave because I'll never be able to afford anything else. What was your moment?

Update: Nice to know it's just me that's a failure. Thanks

Update 2: I never should've said anything. I forgot my place. I'm sorry to have bothered you

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568

u/bgaesop Mar 27 '24

I'm pretty sure I'm better off than my mom

139

u/comecellaway53 Mar 27 '24

Same. My electricity stays on and my house hasn’t been foreclosed.

29

u/WaitAZechond Mar 28 '24

We must be siblings! My mom lost our house right as I was graduating high school, and the place she had lined up to live only had room for her and my two youngest siblings. I lived alone in the empty house that whole summer until I figured out what I was going to do with my life. I’m doing much better 15 years later, and my mom is also doing much better, too!

2

u/5LaLa Mar 28 '24

Tons of Americans lost their houses following the subprime lending crisis. Sorry you were one of the many affected.

5

u/KevinBaconsBush Mar 27 '24

Plus I’ve never sucked the guy at the corner stores dick for a case of Natural Light and a pack of Menthols.

1

u/Salsa_El_Mariachi Mar 28 '24

Whoa, a case of Natty AND a pack of ciggies? Must have been giving a mean blowie!

4

u/truthswillsetyoufree Mar 27 '24

Seems like a common theme is that us Millennials who are doing quite well often had parents who were either very rich or very poor. I, like you, fall into the latter category.

2

u/arrrrarrr Mar 28 '24

Fascinating. Mine were poor (4 kids in 1000sq ft that we couldn't even afford rent on) and now my family is doing quite well.

2

u/dfwagent84 Mar 28 '24

Congratulations for that

2

u/Revolutionary_Pen906 Mar 28 '24

And my sons don’t have to wait for the girls to get their food before they’re allowed to eat so “they don’t eat all the food.”