If you are a Millennial, odds are you are struggling on one or more financial fronts. Millennials, defined as those born between 1981 and 1996, face a number of financial obstacles that are unique to their generation. What other generations sometimes fail to realize is that these difficulties are not caused by poor judgement or slack work habits on the part of the Millennials, but are instead the direct result of entering the workforce during or after the Great Recession.Here’s a look at four of thebiggest financial problems for Millennials, and the ways they are coping with these challenges:

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High housing prices

The price of home ownership has risen sharply for Millennials compared with past generations. The cost of buying a home has increased 73% from 1960 to 2000 (when adjusted for inflation). A report bySmart Assetfound that home prices are so much higher than average income in some cities that it can take almost a decade to save for a down payment.

How Millennials are coping:Home ownership among Millennials is at an all-time low, according toNBC News. Millennials are delaying purchasing a home, along with other life changes such as marriage and parenthood, in large part due to their financial burdens.

Image Credit:Pew Research Center

Soaring rent costs

Millennials entering the workforce face the highest rents of any generation.Zillowreports that the current average rent in the United States is $1,600, while Gen Xers paid just $850 at the same life stage, according toStudent Loan Hero.

How Millennials are coping:As a result of soaring rent costs and otherMillennial financial challenges, more young adults live at home than at any time since the 1940s, aPew Research Center Analysisfound.In 2014, 18- to 34 year olds were more likely to be living in their parents’ home than with a spouse or partner in their own household.

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Crushing cost of a college education

The cost of attending a 4-year private college has more than doubled over the past 30 years, according to the College Board. Costs at public institutions have increased even more, more than tripling from 1988 to 2018.

How Millennials are coping:The high cost of college has left many Millennials with a steep burden of student loans.Business Insiderreports that Millennials who took student loans graduate with more than $17,000 in student loan debt on average. Graduates in the Northeast tend to carry even more debt, averaging as much as $27,000 in student loans.

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Looming Social Security deficits

Social Security benefits for Millennials are expected to be just 75% of what retirees are paid now. If funding decreases occur as predicted, the average monthly payment in 31 years would be just $1,908. This would leave Millennial retirees so close to the poverty level they may be unable to pay the basic costs of living unless they have their own savings.

How Millennials are coping:Six out of 10 working Millennials have already begun saving for retirement, according to a report byWells Fargo. Millennials will need to save significantly more than workers in past generations, however.Timereports that with inflation rates of 2% per year, $1 million in retirement savings will be worth just $453,000 in today’s dollars and buy less than $2,500 of monthly income for life.

There is some good news when it comes toMillennials and personal finance. Because of compound interest, a Millennial who starts saving 15% of annual income at age 25 will have enough to retire by age 67.If you are a Millennial who would like some help dealing with the financial challenges you face, reach out to financial advisor Matt Logan atwww.MattLoganInc.comor call at (336) 540-9700. We can help you devise a livable financial plan that will allow you to meet your financial goals, including paying off debt and saving for a down payment, while still saving for retirement.

Matt Logan is a Representative with Matt Logan Inc and Summit Brokerage and may be reached athttp://www.mattloganinc.com/, 336-540-9700 ormatt@mattloganinc.com.

Matt Logan Inc. is an independent firm with Securities offered through Summit Brokerage Services, Inc., MemberFINRA,SIPC. Advisory services offered through Summit Financial Group Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor. Summit Brokerage Services, Inc., its affiliates and Matt Logan Inc. do not give tax or legal advice. You should consult an experienced professional regarding the tax consequences of a specific transaction. These are the views of Matt Logan Inc, and not necessarily those of Summit Brokerage Services, Inc. and any of its affiliates and should not be construed as investment advice