Mick Tobin

By Mick Tobin

Carolina Journal

The “first of the month” — Nov. 1. Like clockwork, I opened the Wells Fargo app and winced as my balance dropped. I’ve been working full-time for four months, but the sting of paying rent hasn’t eased. I have a college degree and a steady job. Yet, after groceries, gas, savings and rent, there’s not much to show for it. I’m grateful to have a well-paying job out of college, but I can’t help noticing how much housing costs strain my budget or make homeownership out of reach.

Young people across North Carolina and the country share my story. According to Harvard’s 2025 youth poll , more than four in 10 young Americans under 30 say they’re “barely getting by” financially, while just 16 percent report doing well or very well. Housing costs are a

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