In good times and bad, some things never change. Among them? The teenage dream of moving out. #Adulting, if you will. But recent years have made that aspiration increasingly challenging to turn into reality. From soaring inflation to the rising cost of living, the journey to independence is no longer as straightforward as it once was. This week, we’re diving into the factors that have made moving out more challenging than ever before.

Inflation

Say it ain’t so. One of the primary culprits behind the rising hurdles to #Adulting is inflation. Inflation is the rise in prices of goods and services, leading to lowering purchasing power than the same dollars in your pocket had yesterday. As prices of everyday items continue to climb, the value of money diminishes, making it harder for teens like you to afford the essentials needed for independent living.

Rising Rent

Rent is one of the biggest items in any budget. And across the country, big cities are experiencing a surge in demand for housing, driving rent prices to unprecedented levels. This makes it especially challenging for teenagers, who often start with entry-level jobs that may not provide sufficient income to cover the high cost of rent.

Stagnant Wages

While living costs are on the rise, wages have not necessarily kept pace. Many entry-level jobs for teens come with low pay, making it difficult to afford rent, utilities, groceries, and other necessary expenses.

Student Loan Debt

For those who have pursued college, the burden of student loan debt adds an additional weight to the prospect of moving out. As the cost of education continues to climb, many teenagers find themselves burdened with significant debt before they even enter the workforce. This financial pressure can delay plans to move out and achieve independence.

Rising Interest Rates

As interest rates have skyrocketed over the last couple of years, some of the bills you already receive have risen as a result. Credit cards and some auto payments may feature rates that adjust after purchase, meaning that yesterday’s calculations may not be the same today. Translation: you may owe more money on last year’s purchase than you expected.

Need some good news? #Adulting may be tough, but we can make it a bit less so. Our dedicated Adulting page features inspiring videos and free content to help you make the moving out decision.