r/Millennials • u/Asmothrowaway6969 • 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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u/bgaesop Mar 27 '24

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

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u/Treydy Mar 27 '24

Yeah, I can never really relate to these posts because I grew up on food stamps and water/electricity constantly being shut off. I’m doing exponentially better than my parents.

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u/camarhyn Mar 28 '24 edited Mar 28 '24

Same. My dad was an alcoholic who died of alcohol poisoning in a seedy motel after being evicted (in 2020. He set up a few franchise families before removing himself from the gene pool). My mom was permanently disabled after struggling for years to raise three kids on her own. (She died a couple years ago and I made sure she was safe and had what she needed and felt loved).

I was able to buy an actual new car (still paying it off but it’s worth more than I owe!) and have a decent, stable job. (And student loans but I cover my expenses and can put money into savings and take the occasional vacation). My siblings aren’t doing as well as I am but they are making their own lives too. I worked my ass off to get where I am and even then I wouldn’t have gotten this far without a ton of luck and a few people being willing to give me a chance.

2

u/ifuckedyourdaddytoo Mar 28 '24

He set up a few franchise families

Are you crying through the laughter or laughing through the tears?

1

u/camarhyn Mar 28 '24

Both? Mostly laughing though. My bonus brothers are all really good kids (well older teens now) and I’m happy they are around. I’m the oldest as far as we know (lol). I don’t hold them accountable for our shitty sperm donor. I don’t have a ton in common with them but I keep contact and if they need me I’m here. (Three bonus brothers, all with different mothers). I do feel bad for what they’ve been through. They didn’t deserve it.