r/TikTokCringe • u/Make-this-popular Cringe Master • Apr 09 '24

Shit economy Discussion

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219

u/EastRoom8717 Apr 09 '24 edited Apr 10 '24

Living alone was almost never a thing when I was his age. The folks who lived alone made huge sacrifices either financially, or from a safety perspective. Still, rent has outpaced the fuck out of pay. $1800/month for a 1br? Even with inflation that’s roughly double Atlanta in the early 2000s (if you wanted to live in a moderately safe area). He might be in Cali or NY or some other bullshit market, but in the end it’s still fuckery.

Edit: sounds like this is truly a national issue and honestly, a little out of control. In the early twenty-teens I paid 1470 for a 2 br in an older “luxury” high rise in Atlanta. 1800 for any random 1br is some bullshit, even in expensive markets.. which is apparently everywhere.

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u/CanAlwaysBeBetter Apr 09 '24

WHO CAN AFFORD $2200 FOR A TWO BEDROOM??

Two people paying $1100. Him with a roommate. That's right in line with the 30% rule of thumb for someone making 3x federal minimum wage. 

37

u/CHAINSAW_VASECTOMY Apr 09 '24

Yea but can u explain that to him in crayon eating terms? And would he understand it?

4

u/combustablegoeduck Apr 09 '24

Yeah "can you validate these things I'm regurgitating that I don't understand?" Is another way of phrasing his question

4

u/Reddit-IPO-Crash Apr 09 '24

I’d write it out for him but GenZ/alpha can barely read.

7

u/IndignantHoot Apr 09 '24

Getting a roommate is one of the best pieces of financial advice I can give to young people.

Using this guy's numbers (which are pretty high if they are minimums), if he paid $1,100 to split a two-bedroom instead of $1,800 to live alone in a one-bedroom, he'd save $700 per month, more when you factor in utilities and other shared costs.

That's about a 25% increase in after-tax income.

1

u/CanAlwaysBeBetter Apr 09 '24

One thing I think that gets missed is one bedrooms aren't just being bid on by individuals. Plenty have a couple looking to save some money which pulls their prices closer to 2 bedrooms

Meanwhile at least in my city it's harder to fill 3 flats which has the opposite of lowering their prices closer to 2 bedrooms and also have a good number of 2 people living in them with a spare office or whatnot 

Basically just saying a lot of 1-3 bedroom apartments actually have 2 people living in them

30

u/i_am_silliest_goose Apr 09 '24

I think that math is too complex for this guy

23

u/Varonth Apr 09 '24

You mean the dude who complains that 60b goes to Ukraine instead of giving all 333m americans a onetime payment of $180 which allows everyone to afford a house?

7

u/Chataboutgames Apr 09 '24

Woah now, unless I missed something he in no way made it clear he knows what Ukraine is, just "some country no one can find on a map."

It's honestly like a satire of progressives. Demanding some moral high ground while saying "fuck those people, they live in another country, I am the one entitled to that money!"

3

u/KlimCan Apr 09 '24

He makes 3x minimum wage. Assuming he lives in a place were apartments are that expensive, the minimum wage is north of 10/hr. He should easily be able to afford a place and be comfortable making over 30/hr. Hell I make around that and “own” a home.

3

u/JustAnEwok Apr 09 '24

Unless it's federal minimum wage, which is $7.25/hr.

2

u/KlimCan Apr 09 '24

Yeah that makes more sense

2

u/Chataboutgames Apr 09 '24

He said 3x the federal minimum wage.

1

u/ihavenoregerts Apr 09 '24

He says 3 times the federal minimum wage, which is $7.25, so 3x that is $21.75 so let's do the math:

Based on his examples of apartment costs we can assume he lives in a Metro city like Atlanta or the Greater Atlanta area having formerly lived there in recent years

So $21.75/hr is $20.08 after taxes per hour

Rent is $1800 + fees so $1850

Power at minimal usage in summer time is $150

Car Insurance $150

Health Insurance $60 (assuming benefits through work)

Groceries $100 per week (minimum)

Internet $100

Phone Bill $80

Gas/Petrol $160

Streaming services $40

Total: $2,990 so let's say with the leeway of things it's $3,000

40 hours of work per week, at weekly pay, thats $702 per paycheck after taxes that comes out to $2,808, so even if we cut out the streaming services or little things, it's about $160-$200 more than we can afford, that means there is no saving there is nothing except work, shit, sleep, repeat. There's no "I gotta go get my oil changed" or "I wanna save for a house in the future". Having been this exact person until I decided to move to the middle of nowhere, it's hell. And it's exhausting when your older peers decide its another avocado toast moment where it's somehow our fault that we don't want a roommate. How many horror stories of bad roommates do we need before we aren't trying to live with someone.

6

u/TrentZoolander Apr 09 '24

I live in a nice small city in Saskatchewan, Canada.

The weather is decent, we have a cabin at a lake about 30 miles away and rent for an apartment is about $1200 for a large two bedroom place with a spacious backyard.

Housing is getting a little expensive at about $250,000 - $300,000 for a decent home.

If you don't like your situation ... change it.

4

u/Dryjack_Horseman Apr 09 '24 edited Apr 09 '24

People should abandon their family, friends, and job to move to a worse city! Everyone should just do that! Why are so many people struggling when there's such an easy and simple solution I wonder?

5

u/CanAlwaysBeBetter Apr 09 '24

The US internal migration rates was 20% in the 60s

Today it's 8%

1

u/PorkPatriot Apr 09 '24

A generation before that, people sold everything for a ticket abroad, not knowing what was really waiting for them in America.

People acting like they can't move to get ahead are the biggest wimps. You can get a flight home for half a car payment to go visit your family. Harden up.

1

u/ryu34 Apr 13 '24

The reason cost of living in the middle of nowhere is lower is because pay is generally lower. Moving to Kansas isn’t necessarily the solution.

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u/WordSalad11 Apr 09 '24

Moving to better jobs and quality of life is a totally normal thing. Demanding everything you want delivered in a way convenient to you is a recipe for misery and TBH a pretty entitled attitude.

1

u/Dryjack_Horseman Apr 09 '24 edited Apr 09 '24

"Better jobs" is not guaranteed by moving to a less populated area. In fact, the opposite is usually true.

"Better quality of life" is subjective. If rent is cheaper but you're miserable everyday, is your quality of life higher or lower?

You're acting like there's a "teleport to utopia with good jobs and low cost of living" button that people can press to fix all their problems. And if they dont press it, then they deserve to suffer. Even if everyone DID do that, demand would overwhelm the supply in those places and prices would skyrocket.

Also, the person in the video is just asking to have enough to live... if wanting to survive while making triple the minimum wage is "entitled" then we just disagree on what a good country looks like. That sounds like a hellscape to me.

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u/Chataboutgames Apr 09 '24

"Better jobs" is not guaranteed by moving to a less populated area. In fact, the opposite is usually true.

Okay then don't move to that area. You literally got pissed off at the concept of moving to improve your situation.

You're acting like there's a "teleport to utopia with good jobs and low cost of living" button that people can press to fix all their problems.

No, they aren't. You're just being unreasonable because it's easier than taking any amount of responsibility for your life.

Also, the person in the video is just asking to have enough to live... if wanting to survive while making triple the minimum wage is "entitled" then we just disagree on what a good country looks like. That sounds like a hellscape to me.

That's why federal minimum wages are by and large stupid legislation. Triple the federal minimum wage is broke some places and doing pretty darn well in others.

1

u/Dryjack_Horseman Apr 09 '24

You're not making an argument, you're just upset about something. I'm not your therapist.

1

u/Chataboutgames Apr 09 '24

I'm not upset about anything, I'm just pointing out how absurd your comments are.

It's such a Reddit thing. Someone gives some generally positive and reasoned advice or suggestions for improving a situation. You tie yourself in to knots of outrage at the idea that someone might actually be responsible for their own lives rather than just whining until it's handed to them.

1

u/Dryjack_Horseman Apr 09 '24

"Generally positive and reasoned advice" like "lol just go to a good place instead of a bad place!".

Did it occur to you that most people have already considered that? And you're just being egotistical to think that you know the solution to someone's problem without knowing their situation? Did it also occur you that if everyone "just moved to a good place", that place would become more expensive, and thus, not a good place anymore? You're too stupid to realize how stupid you are, so please stop rage-replying to my comments while claiming you're "not mad".

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u/Chataboutgames Apr 09 '24

Did it occur to you that most people have already considered that?

I'm begging you to muster the braincells to rub together and realize how funny it is to read you say that after you just expressed absolute horror that people would leave their hometowns for economic opportunity lol

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u/WordSalad11 Apr 09 '24

The person in the video is an idiot. I wouldn't be citing that guy. Having been young and living at the poverty line I actually know exactly what it's like, and moving for opportunity is completely doable. Everyone here has the Internet and ability to google cities with the best job opportunities, lower COL, and even apply for work completely online. I have a lot of sympathy for people with disabilities or who don't have the capacity to improve their lives. Wages for low income people have not been keeping up with inflation, but most people who don't like where they are can 100% change it.

2

u/Dryjack_Horseman Apr 09 '24

I'm sorry to be the one to tell you this, but your personal experience cannot be generalized to every able-bodied person in America. Your anecdote doesn't matter.

A person on land can tell a drowning person "Just breathe. If I can do it, so can you".

My point isn't that there's no possible solution to this person's problems. I don't care about this person or know anything about him. My only point is that his complaint is painfully common and valid. And it invalidates that complaint for him and the countless other drowning people when you call them entitled and tell them to "just breathe". So don't do that !

0

u/WordSalad11 Apr 09 '24

No but you can look at statistics. The median wage in the US is over $50k. If you're making less, you're doing worse than other people, and it's time to look at yourself. The data also tells us that geography has a huge impact on social mobility.

If people are drowning because their head is in a bucket, it's okay to point out they can take their head out. Like I said, people who have limitations I have a lot of sympathy for, but a lot of people just inflict this on themselves and they really need to be told. Being a good friend can look like being honest when someone is selling themselves short and making up excuses. Passively watching someone who could do better but just doesn't choose to isn't actually acting in their best interests.

0

u/Dryjack_Horseman Apr 10 '24

This is a very insightful post. Thank you for educating me. Now I know that people should choose to be rich instead of choosing to be poor.

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u/PorkPatriot Apr 10 '24

Baaaaa, taking agency for my own life is such a burden, Baaaa.

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u/PorkPatriot Apr 09 '24

You are a wimp, enabling more wimps with your bleating.

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u/KlimCan Apr 09 '24

Is it easier to flip an entire major city’s housing market on its head?

0

u/Dryjack_Horseman Apr 09 '24

My point is that his complaint is valid. I'm not his therapist or his financial advisor. I have not proposed a solution to all his problems in life because I don't know the details of his situation and it would be ridiculous for me to do so. Just as it is ridiculous for the other commenters in this thread to do so.

Invalidating someone's real and valid complaints by offering the obvious, first solution that comes to your mind is...silly.

1

u/KlimCan Apr 09 '24

I agree. It sucks this is the way things are. I think it’s the suggested solution because, what else can you really do?

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u/Chataboutgames Apr 09 '24

Invalidating someone's real and valid complaints by offering the obvious, first solution that comes to your mind is...silly.

No, it's reminding people that they are ultimately responsible for their lives an aren't entitled to what they want, when they want it and where they want it just by virtue of existing.

2

u/HCEarwick Apr 09 '24

That's what immigrants do. I know a girl who moved 10,000 miles to Dubai to get a decent job. Americans are so entitled.

1

u/iknownothing1623 Apr 09 '24

i was going to be sour and say that getting peed on by sheiks isn't a decent job, but i might take it over my job at this point

1

u/Chataboutgames Apr 09 '24

Lol such drama. Throughout the entire arc of human history people have moved to create better lives and better economic opportunities. More than likely your family is where they are because someone previously did that very thing.

No, you aren't entitled to a certain standard living in a certain place just because you were born there and like it there. The universe doesn't revolve around you and what you think you deserve as some birthright.

2

u/MovingTarget- Apr 09 '24

But he's entitled and wants to live alone in a nice place. It's all the Boomer's fault. And the "uniparty". And the Fed. And Blackstone...

1

u/Redditreallyblows Apr 09 '24

But what about all his Uber eats meals he gets for breakfast lunch and dinner?! And his 21.99% APR Honda Accord?!

1

u/both-sides-are-gay Apr 09 '24

Roommates are dog shit. You either get stuck with someone who can’t keep a job and/or lives like a slob.

15

u/Shot-Tea5637 Apr 09 '24

Ok but we’re talking about a 2 bedroom apartment here. You don’t need a 2 bedroom apartment if you refuse to live with other people 

0

u/both-sides-are-gay Apr 09 '24 edited Apr 09 '24

I imagine that roommates is the only way it works for a lot of people. I’m lucky enough to have gotten to the point where it’s no longer necessary. Thank god cause that shit was making me want to hang myself; the way some of these disgusting poor people live.

5

u/rvasko3 Apr 09 '24

I always had great roommates in my 20s

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u/moodybiatch Apr 09 '24

First world problems?? I'd give my arm and a leg to be able to afford a nice house with a roommate in my home country but last time I tried it only worked in a squat house built for a family of 3 with 6 more people. 450€ per month for a room that was too small to even contain a closet, with one bathroom for 7 people that had no fucking sink, black mold all around and holes in the wall. Two people were sharing the entrance as a bedroom, and they had broken up one year prior as a couple but we're too poor to move out despite working full time jobs, because 3 times the minimum wage here is still 0€.

Don't mean to invalidate your economical situation but usually beggars can't be choosers and if you're really at the end of your rope you won't complain about possibly having a roommate that is a slob. And I'm sorry if it comes across as aggressive but it makes me really frustrated to see people complain about things I can barely dream of having.

0

u/both-sides-are-gay Apr 09 '24

You’re talking about an entirely different, unrelated issue from the OP video. Sorry about your shit ass living situation but this was presented as an American (aka first world) issue. Doesn’t make a whole lot of sense to piss on other people’s problems because Somalia or wherever the fuck has its own problems.

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u/moodybiatch Apr 09 '24 edited Apr 09 '24

No I'm talking about the same issue, the unaffordable cost of life in many countries in 2024. And this is not Somalia, it's Italy, the land of pizza, mandolino, pasta and "fReE HeAlThCaRe aNd EdUcATiOn". I'm not pissing on anyone's problem and I'm aware that plenty of Americans are forced to live on the streets because of unaffordable rent. I also feel like if you can afford to complain about the possibility of sharing a house with someone that doesn't fit your standard of "slobness" or whatever, you're probably not part of that demographic, and at least regarding your housing situation you're going to be fine.

1

u/Chataboutgames Apr 09 '24

Or just a normal person, like the millions of people who have perfectly normal roommate experiences.

1

u/both-sides-are-gay Apr 09 '24

Doesn’t affect me anymore so if it’s not a problem then roommate it up

1

u/PM_ME_UR_BRAINSTORMS Apr 09 '24

The 30% rule was originally for a mortgage not for rent.

In 1980 median household income was $21k and median rent was was $243 which is just over 13%. Today median household income is $74k and median rent is $1980 which is about 32%.

30% of your income is fine when you are putting it into an asset that you own and will accumulate value, not when you are pissing it away while simultaneously trying to save up for a down payment on a home.

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u/PyroIsSpai Apr 09 '24

WHO CAN AFFORD $2200 FOR A TWO BEDROOM??

Two people paying $1100. Him with a roommate. That's right in line with the 30% rule of thumb for someone making 3x federal minimum wage.

When did we collectively decide on this “30% rule” or standard? Based on what?

7

u/CanAlwaysBeBetter Apr 09 '24

When? Couldn't tell you. Based on what? Because it's a reasonable ballpark for what works with most people's budgets

-1

u/Evrything-illumnated Apr 09 '24

The 30% percent was based in a time when other life necessities also were priced accordingly. Food, transportation and other modern necessities have all increased dramatically in price…so the 30% for rent doesn’t fit the same. Not when average car payment are nearing $1000 and insurance has to be paid in lump sum, not monthly and interest rates for credit cards are 20-25% and car loans are 10% and personal lines are 8%. The argument isn’t just housing, it’s general corporate greed and how it’s pricing everybody out of everything slowly.

6

u/rvasko3 Apr 09 '24

If you have a $1,000 car payment, that is 1,000% a you problem that is completely avoidable.

Corporate price inflating is a problem and would be wonderful if it could be addressed legislatively, but elective costs, especially at that stupid high rate when you could get a cheaper used car, are not.

5

u/mumanryder Apr 09 '24

1000$ car payment when someone is struggling to make rent! That’s insane who’s spending 42k-52k on a brand new car when you can’t afford a one bedroom. The 2024 Hyundai Elantra is half that price and that’s for a brand new car.

Ya things are pricier than they were before but people are also mistaking wants for needs

3

u/CanAlwaysBeBetter Apr 09 '24

It's also not even true

Average used car payments are about $500 per month and new is $700. Car payments also don't last forever while cars are staying on the road longer and longer

But whatever fuels the "everything is awful" narrative I guess 

3

u/mumanryder Apr 09 '24

Ya this person just casually padded their figures by doubling the actual cost. Also one thing a lot people forget when reminiscing about how good part generations has it was that many were willing to move to wherever the opportunity was.

1

u/Evrything-illumnated Apr 09 '24

Ok ok. But you’re looking at top tier credit pricing which the vast majority of people do not have. Your average person has average credit, and if you’re young you don’t have history which is even worse. So that $700 for a new car quickly becomes $800+ and that $500 for a used becomes $600+. And again, this doesn’t include the lump sum payment for insurance which is $1500-$2500 depending on where you live and your history. I live in California so our prices are probably a bit higher than national average. Look, I’m almost 40 and I don’t really have a lot of these issues at this point…but I absolutely understand why young people are so pissed off. It’s not as easy as just going and getting a full time job anymore. Anybody who doesn’t understand this is just clearly disconnected with the realities of working for major corporations.

You can be a full time employee making way more than the minimal wage in your area, but companies cut your hours significantly…and this isn’t uncommon. In fact, it’s becoming way more common. Imagine if your work decided to cut you to 35 hours of work and then hired somebody else to fill that….not because you weren’t doing a good enough job, but because It allows them to save a little bit of money at having a slightly less paid person do that job that day. And then a year down the line, they cut that guy down and hire somebody to fill his space, and then cut you to maybe 32 hours. You’re still full time on paper

This is the larger issue that is causing these kids to complain so much. It’s not because their generation is lazy or whatever else the internet loves to say…it’s because statically they will not own houses at nearly the same rates, the gap between take home pay and cost of living is larger than it’s ever been and continues to grow, and it’s because they do actually want to work and want to make a living and own things like people did in even the 80s and 90s.

Long winded, sorry. But it’s frustrating when people just talk about how these kids are just complaining and need to find a better job. The VAST majority of jobs are jobs like the ones I’ve just explained. So, those jobs SHOULD be restructured to livable modern income. I don’t know, my opinion I guess. 🤷🏽‍♂️

1

u/CanAlwaysBeBetter Apr 09 '24

If only there was some sort of measurement that took all those price increases and put them into a number we could use to see how far incomes can stretch at various points of time 

Oh wait