By Solé Scott
Editor-in-Chief
I am currently in my senior year of college, and I am in the process of getting my finances in order.
Money is the root to happiness because without money I would be depressed that I could not buy what my heart desires at that very moment.
I understand that for some people in this world, money is not what makes their day, nor is it the reason they find joy or purpose in their life. For me, money is what makes the world spin.
I have no problem labeling myself as materialistic because that simply is me. This is not to say that I save it all. I have my vices. I love a good shopping spree at Gap, and I also love Marshalls and Burlington, which are a fraction of the price. I am a sucker for Coach and Marc Jacobs bags.
Right now I am building back my savings, and I am realizing how difficult it is in this economy because the cost of living is much higher than average wages.
I am ecstatic to graduate and get my degree because of all the work I have accomplished in four long years, but I am also terrified to live on my own, as I will be responsible for my apartment, household bills, car and more.
Every day, I search for jobs to apply to in the spring, but most jobs expect five years or more of experience for an entry-level position.
The financial system is already in disarray, so some jobs adding this as a requirement is not helpful for students entering the workforce.
After job searching, I look for apartments in Connecticut, specifically closer to New York City, as that is my ideal working location.
The rent is $2,500 at minimum for a studio or one-bedroom apartment that looks like a shoebox. Some apartment complexes do not include one parking spot per unit, nor do they include washer and dryer hookup.
What frustrates me more is when older generations compare their experience, pointing out how they could afford a car and a mortgage while working a grocery store job in the ‘60s and ‘70s.
News flash: federal minimum wage has not increased from $7.25 since 2009, which means we as a nation have lost buying power and poverty and inequality have unfortunately increased.
The value of money has declined over time and does not match basic living expenses.
In this day and age, we have reduced economic power that makes it difficult to save and build some kind of wealth.
I feel like I am always starting at the bottom and rarely increase financially.
Because money influences access to housing, education and even social standing, it becomes closely linked with power. For those who do not feel its weight, it may be a sign of personal financial security.
