orangehatter on Nostr: Tuna, Debt, and the Hard Truth: Why Frugality and Hard Work Won’t Save Our Kids ...
Tuna, Debt, and the Hard Truth: Why Frugality and Hard Work Won’t Save Our Kids Anymore
Years ago, as a college senior, I lived on $10 a week. My budget was stark: 1 can of tuna (29 cents) and 1 box of Tuna Helper (89 cents). This was divided up as my breakfast, lunch, and dinner. My college expenses—tuition, books, and room—were fixed; the only expense within my control was my food budget. My plan was to conserve as much as possible and pay off my student debt quickly. I wore this extreme frugality as a badge of honor, believing I was "eating bitterness" to build character. Thankfully, I was able to become debt-free within a few short years.
Fast forward to today. My son is walking a similar path—pasta and canned meat are his staples. But he faces not just student debt that’s many times larger than mine, but also the high cost of a second-hand car and steep insurance rates. This time, he won't be able to starve his way out of the debt cycle. I see troubling challenges that seem almost insurmountable for a young person entering adult life. This time, I see no heroism. I see a troubling cycle:
- Young people trapped in work and debt
- Crippling taxes on entry-level salaries
- Desperate measures to cut living expenses
- A money supply that’s expanding, devaluing the wages they work so hard to earn
Frugality can no longer be the solution it once was. Even the most disciplined budget can’t protect against today’s inflation. The cost of basic necessities has risen drastically, and the value of money earned today buys far less than it used to. The money supply continues to expand, devaluing wages in the process. Our kids are working just as hard, but inflation eats away at every dollar they earn. Where I once prided myself on living on next to nothing, today’s youth face rising prices that make even the simplest meals costly. What’s more, the overwhelming debt many face after graduation means no amount of "belt-tightening" will get them ahead.
On top of that, student debt has ballooned to unprecedented levels. My own debt, while burdensome, was manageable with frugal living. But today, student debt is often many times what it once was, leaving young people with overwhelming obligations before they’ve even begun their careers. This isn't just about budgeting, belt-tightening, and paying your dues anymore; there aren’t enough hours in the day for young people to exchange their labor for income that can keep up with inflation and debt repayment. They now face the difficult choice between paying for basic necessities and paying down their debt.
As parents and grandparents, what can we do? How can we empower our kids? The path forward starts with understanding:
- Why this is happening—understanding current monetary policies and their impact
- How we can make informed decisions based on real financial education
Knowledge is power! But we need more than facts—we need community and action.
That’s why I’m inviting you to join the Orange Hatter Reading Club. It’s not just about books; it’s about parents and grandparents coming together to:
- Discuss books that educate and empower us about money
- Share financial wisdom and experiences
- Strategize together to tackle today’s economic challenges
- Support one another in helping our children and grandchildren find a way forward
Have you or your children faced similar financial hurdles? What strategies worked for you?
Join us at the Orange Hatter Reading Club. Let’s break this cycle together and pave the way for our children's financial freedom.
Comment below with your experiences or DM me to learn more about joining our community!
#FinancialFreedom #WomenEmpowerment #MoneyEducation #OrangeHatter
Years ago, as a college senior, I lived on $10 a week. My budget was stark: 1 can of tuna (29 cents) and 1 box of Tuna Helper (89 cents). This was divided up as my breakfast, lunch, and dinner. My college expenses—tuition, books, and room—were fixed; the only expense within my control was my food budget. My plan was to conserve as much as possible and pay off my student debt quickly. I wore this extreme frugality as a badge of honor, believing I was "eating bitterness" to build character. Thankfully, I was able to become debt-free within a few short years.
Fast forward to today. My son is walking a similar path—pasta and canned meat are his staples. But he faces not just student debt that’s many times larger than mine, but also the high cost of a second-hand car and steep insurance rates. This time, he won't be able to starve his way out of the debt cycle. I see troubling challenges that seem almost insurmountable for a young person entering adult life. This time, I see no heroism. I see a troubling cycle:
- Young people trapped in work and debt
- Crippling taxes on entry-level salaries
- Desperate measures to cut living expenses
- A money supply that’s expanding, devaluing the wages they work so hard to earn
Frugality can no longer be the solution it once was. Even the most disciplined budget can’t protect against today’s inflation. The cost of basic necessities has risen drastically, and the value of money earned today buys far less than it used to. The money supply continues to expand, devaluing wages in the process. Our kids are working just as hard, but inflation eats away at every dollar they earn. Where I once prided myself on living on next to nothing, today’s youth face rising prices that make even the simplest meals costly. What’s more, the overwhelming debt many face after graduation means no amount of "belt-tightening" will get them ahead.
On top of that, student debt has ballooned to unprecedented levels. My own debt, while burdensome, was manageable with frugal living. But today, student debt is often many times what it once was, leaving young people with overwhelming obligations before they’ve even begun their careers. This isn't just about budgeting, belt-tightening, and paying your dues anymore; there aren’t enough hours in the day for young people to exchange their labor for income that can keep up with inflation and debt repayment. They now face the difficult choice between paying for basic necessities and paying down their debt.
As parents and grandparents, what can we do? How can we empower our kids? The path forward starts with understanding:
- Why this is happening—understanding current monetary policies and their impact
- How we can make informed decisions based on real financial education
Knowledge is power! But we need more than facts—we need community and action.
That’s why I’m inviting you to join the Orange Hatter Reading Club. It’s not just about books; it’s about parents and grandparents coming together to:
- Discuss books that educate and empower us about money
- Share financial wisdom and experiences
- Strategize together to tackle today’s economic challenges
- Support one another in helping our children and grandchildren find a way forward
Have you or your children faced similar financial hurdles? What strategies worked for you?
Join us at the Orange Hatter Reading Club. Let’s break this cycle together and pave the way for our children's financial freedom.
Comment below with your experiences or DM me to learn more about joining our community!
#FinancialFreedom #WomenEmpowerment #MoneyEducation #OrangeHatter