Those solid middle-class jobs are getting harder and harder to get, or what used to be solid middle-class jobs (file clerks, manufacturing, teachers) are now solid lower class jobs that barely pay a living wage. Folks at the top pulled up the ladder after they reached management. Now they need workers but aren't hiring and are using "lean" bullshit to justify working what few workers they have left to the bone for pennies.
I guess what I'm saying is your kids better have connections, or it doesn't matter how well they budget or plan.
Well yea, I'm not going to assume it's going to be easy.
That's why I prepare them early.
They need to be social, outgoing and make those connections.
They need to identify something they are skilled at, specialize in that role and make money off of it.
At the same time, they need to identify where they can save when others spend a lot of their income with relative value - marriage, travel, cars, more kids.
All of these things are completely within their control to manage and as a parent, it's my responsibility to help them identify those opportunities.
If I rest on my laurels now then it will just compound later when I will have less wherewithal to be able to help.
