But that’s not typical of the majority of America.
No, most Americans have regret about past financial decisions, are embarrassed about their current financial situation, and worry about their financial future. You certainly wouldn’t know it to look at them. Social media perpetuates the myth that all is well, but consider these scenarios:
What you see: A couple strolling through a perfectly-filtered Italian vista.
Reality: A non-budgeted Italian vacation adding to a mountain of credit card debt.
What you see: A sweet fall montage of the family, including a blooper picture where the dog pokes his head out of a pile of leaves.
Reality: A stressed-out couple that doesn’t know how to pay for their kids’ college educations, fund their own retirements, or care for their parents in the coming years.
What you see: A series of self-affirmations suggesting the world is an oyster and positivity is the greatest force of nature.
Reality: A 24-year-old who has no ability to pay off their student loans or get off their parents’ insurance in the foreseeable future.
Reality rarely matches the highlight reel we see online. As we head toward Halloween, I’d urge you to consider taking off the mask and removing your own financial filters. Have you admitted the struggle is real? Is the cost of transparency greater than the actual cost of your financial burden? It’s difficult to get support if people aren’t aware of your real circumstances.