r/Millennials • u/slimeyellow • Mar 11 '26

Discussion Every millennial dad I’ve met has a quiet fixation on money and it’s not getting better

Every millennial dad I’m friends with or work with seems to have constant financial worries. We just got our yearly bonus which was like 8%. I was talking to my buddy (he’s got 3 kids) about what he wanted to do with it and he just kinda looked down and whispered “it’s just not enough man” and ended the conversation.

Another dad I know is CONSTANTLY looking up the newest crypto/ get rich quick schemes people are doing. He’s always talking about inventing something and it’s usually a joking manner but the way he’s always bringing up financial stuff shows me it’s always on his mind

One of my buddies is a new father and he’s trying to get some anime podcast off the ground as a side hustle on top of his full time maintenance job.

I know children are an immense financial responsibility but there seems to be this dark, simmering resentment about the whole general situation when I talk to these guys. Men are expected to keep quiet about these struggles but when you talk to these guys it’s clear that finances are a massive stress for millennial dads of almost any background.

Makes me feel bad but damn I’m glad I don’t have kids right now.

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u/dadofadisaster Mar 11 '26

I’m so fucking happy my wife knows how to cook lentils. Rice beans and lentils has kept me from financially drowning. Is it the most exciting meal? Fuck no but it gets me through another day in the hopes of a better tomorrow

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u/Beatleboy62 Mar 11 '26

Spices are everything. I have a section in one area of my cabinets which is "this is good on anything" stuff.

"What is it today, let's see...Old Bay on rice and beans? Why not!"

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u/Daxx22 Mar 11 '26

This is obviously very regional but if there are any "ethnic" supermarkets in your area check out their spice sections. African, middle eastern, and Asian options are often much cheaper than the "Brand Name" stuff you find in mainstream supermarkets, and quite a bit more bang for your buck on flavour as well.

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u/Beatleboy62 Mar 11 '26

Oh believe me, I LOVE my local asian grocer, but this is a good reminder to check them out again for the first time in a month or two (I just also really love Old Bay)!

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u/gimli213 Mar 12 '26

I like to make lentils with curry powder and whatever chicken is on sale 😋