We’ve been told our money struggles are about “bad choices”: Didn’t save enough? Your fault Drowning in loans? Should’ve known better But what if the truth is simpler and harsher? What if the options were rigged from the start? In this week’s post, I’m breaking down how bad financial options (from student loans to credit traps) shaped the paths we were given, why shame keeps us stuck, and the strategies that actually expand your choices in 2025’s economy.

Survival mode has quietly become the default in 2025. Prices keep climbing, wages stay flat, and too many of us are stretched to the breaking point. But survival isn’t supposed to be permanent. In this post, I break down the hidden costs of survival mode and the systems that create breathing room, protect your peace, and help you move beyond just “making it.”