It seems that every time I open TikTok, someone my age has just bought a new condo, launched a business, or paid off their parent's debt. Meanwhile, I’m just trying to remember if I paid my credit card, or if I can afford to go to that concert I really wanted to see. The constant stream of success that wanders across my screen and right into the back of my brain is turning the peaceful background thoughts into a never ending question of, “Am I behind?” I mean, how much do my peers really have in savings? Are their parents paying their rent? How did they go to Europe three summers in a row? Is getting married the answer to the painful question of if I’ll ever be able to buy a home?

But really, the traditional timelines we all focus on, marriage, house, kids, and happily ever after, might not be the best option anymore. Social media is exacerbating unrealistic comparisons, making most of us feel like we might be behind. Of course, we know, social media is a highlight reel, but to what extent should we be internalizing the overflow of success from our peers?

It makes me wonder, what about the successes that we don’t share? The ones that are personal celebrations but that we don’t think are big enough to be openly proud of? Maybe you don’t own a home, but you managed to get through university with no debt. Maybe you’re still paying off your student loans, but you’re budgeting well and fully supporting your day-to-day expenses. Maybe you don’t have your own business, but you’re able to work flexibly and travel often. The thing is, as cliche as it may sound, there really isn’t any one set of variables that can define being “behind”. Every person’s personal circumstances, personal goals, upbringing, etc will change their own personal beliefs about where they’re at financially. 

But in general, if your bills are paid, you’re not too stressed, and you’re happy with your day-to-day, you’re likely right on track. If you’re feeling like maybe you need a bit of a push or some motivation, start small. Set up a budgeting sheet and monitor your spending for a month, try attending a financial education session, and plan out some reasonable goals for yourself on a monthly, yearly, and long-term schedule. 

At the end of the day, it’s not about catching up, it’s about looking at your own circumstances and what feels right for you, and making adjustments that align with the future you envision for yourself, whatever that may be!

If you’re asking the question, you’re already doing the work. You’re not behind. You’re just starting to pay attention, and that’s the beginning of everything.

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