Why do most people struggle financially?

I keep wondering, " Why do most people struggle financially"? I thought that after going to school and finishing a degree, I would be better off in the future, but the truth is...

My upbringing

I didn't grow up with parental pressure to get a degree, and I appreciate that my mother respected our choices. Not every parent is the same.

Growing up, I always heard that earning a degree was the key to making good money.

I was born in Curaçao, a beautiful tropical island. However, what I wanted to study wasn’t available there, so I moved to the Netherlands. My parents couldn’t financially support my studies, so I relied on student loans.

After five years, I finished school and started my job search. Through prayer and trust in the Lord, I found a laboratory position, not in my specialization, but I was grateful for an official job after six years.

Paying my debts

For student financing, I have two debts. The first is from Curaçao (SSC); they provided funds so I could relocate to Holland, and each year I also receive money for books. The second debt is with DUO, which covers school, housing, and daily expenses.

I've been repaying my student loans for about 3 years. Both SSC and DUO require 15-year payment plans. While I might pay off SSC early if my income improves, DUO feels too high given my salary. Most of my earnings go to debt and essential expenses, making financial stability feel far away.

My dream

Since I can remember, my dream has been to have my own land and build or reconstruct a house in the forest—a place to meet nature, escape a busy lifestyle, raise my future family in peace, and grow some of our food.

Everything is so expensive. House prices in the Netherlands make it hard to ever own land or a home without taking on more lifelong debt. Saving feels nearly impossible, and financial independence seems out of reach. Are houses as expensive where you live?

More money instream

I'm searching for ways to increase my income, but I lack time and feel I lack marketable expertise. My job leaves me exhausted, so I often spend my downtime unproductively, widening the gap between my efforts and my financial goals.

Time consumers

I often spend my free time scrolling through Facebook or watching dramas and YouTube videos. Even though some videos are educational, most are simply for relaxation. At the end of the day, I regret not using that time productively.

Why are most people struggling financially?

Most people struggle financially because of systemic barriers: high housing costs, student loan debt, and easy access to consumer goods. These factors create constant financial pressure. You think owning more will make you happy.

Making more money will mean paying more taxes. Sometimes feeling like losing privileges, such as a rental allowance or other government subsidies. There are a lot of rules, and it is not easy either. But if we stay like this in comfort. Will we ever reach our goals?

Reaching my goals.

I want to buy land and build or rebuild a house. Each day, I take steps that I believe will help me reach this goal sooner. I want to leave the big cities. Not only because the Lord wants us to, but also because I have always desired a peaceful life in nature. In the cities, I don't really get that.

Looking forward

Looking ahead, I want to stay positive, but I worry the world will only get worse and that the end may be near. I wonder if I'll be able to move when needed. I believe only God can help me move at the right time, even if I fall short of my goals.

Be blessed, and stay blessed.