$pent Millennial

Dear Reader,

I’m just a Millennial, and life is a nightmare.

If you’re paying attention to the news lately, there are countless ways life feels like a nightmare for so many people right now. But that’s a lot to get into before coffee, so for now, I’m sticking to my own personal millennial nightmare.

I think it’s one that many might relate to—regardless of your generation.

This nightmare was triggered by a pair of headlines that popped up during an early morning doomscroll through a feed of news articles—served up by the algorithm based on my recent clicks and existential browsing history. Each headline more clickbaity than the last:

“Experts recommend having a 12-month emergency fund”

“Americans brace for a summer of layoffs”

And just like that, I was spun right back into my personal Millennial nightmare.

For years, Millennials have been scolded for buying fancy lattes (guilty!) and avocado toast (less guilty), while the reality is that many of us have just been doing our best to get by since we became financially independent from our parents. We came of age in a recession, entered a job market full of unpaid internships and underpaid entry-level jobs, all while navigating skyrocketing rent and student loan debt for degrees we were told would lead us to stable, family-supporting careers.

So yeah—many of us have spent the last decade or more just trying to get by. Trying to stay afloat. Trying to pay off debt. Maybe saving a little bit on the side to build up that emergency fund we all know we’re supposed to have as “responsible adults.”

At least, that’s where I’m at.

I’ve finally paid off my debt. I’ve started building up savings—giving myself a small but growing sense of security in an otherwise uncertain world.

And then—bam.
Twelve months.
Twelve months of expenses saved up, they say.

It hit hard. Not because I don’t understand the logic, but because… will it ever be enough?
Or will I always be just a few steps behind?

I know I’m not the only one who feels this. I know that headline hit hard for a lot of people—from all generations. Because when you’re already stretching every dollar, struggling to keep up with bills, or finally starting to feel proud of saving 3–6 months of expenses…
Hearing that “experts” now recommend double that can feel like a slap.

And then—right after that—another reminder: layoffs.
The very thing we’re all trying to protect ourselves from. And that is largely out of our control. 

After everything it’s taken to get here—the unpaid internships, the job hopping, the late nights and side gigs…

You finally land a role that pays decently, offers some stability, and gives you a little room to breathe… and yet, it can all still feel so precarious.

It’s not just about losing income. It’s about what that income represents.
The progress. The momentum. The hard-won sense of “maybe I’m finally okay.”

And when you’ve worked your way up, it’s not about fear of losing luxury—it’s fear of slipping back to survival mode.

These headlines were enough to knock me off balance this weekend. Spinning me right back into a scarcity mindset I’ve worked hard to grow out of.

As I made a Saturday grocery run, I second-guessed if I should spend the money at all. Wondering if I should cut even more from my spending and funnel it all into savings. Even though I’d already updated my budget and adjusted my spending to increase savings in these times of uncertainty. 

This is where the budget tracking helps me pull myself back in and mindfully connect with my budget and my money. 

The truth is—I didn’t need to worry about the groceries. I’d already made adjustments.

My grocery budget has been trimmed, yes, but I’m still working within it. And I reminded myself that I’ve been making intentional decisions and cutting back in other areas, too, including guilt-free spending on treats. 

So I confidently bought my groceries, but decided to skip the cafe visit. Even though I wanted to walk to the cafe and get a drink, I decided not to. 

It’s not about punishment or the villinazation of the Millennial’s beloved fancy latte. It’s about intention.

A small way of reminding myself: I’ve got a plan. And I’m in control of what I can control.

And that’s what I want to leave you with.

These moments will come.

The headlines will keep trying to shake us.
But the habits we’re building—however small—matter.
They anchor us. They remind us we’re not powerless.

So if you’ve been feeling the weight of it all lately…
Keep going.
Even if it’s one $20 transfer at a time.

Even if it’s just skipping the café and making coffee at home.

We’re not behind.
We’’re building.

Thank you for having coffee with me– whether homemade or cafe-bought. 

Until next week, take care and be well,
Everett