Millennials (those aged 18 to 35) have now surpassed the Baby Boomer generation as not only the largest living generation, but also are now the biggest voter population in the country. Millennials are also those hardest hit by unemployment. Which means starting now, politics are about to change dramatically.
Today on ‘Dot Complicated with Randi Zuckerberg’ author of Secrets of Financial Aid Pro, Jodi Okun, and Erin Schrode, the youngest candidate ever to run for US Congress, sat down to discuss Millennials & Money.
“We need to equip our young people to thrive on their own.”
“We are 6 days out from the Primary election on June 7th.”
“I had no idea what this journey is like. I love it.”
“I actually get to speak about solutions that improve our lives.”
“I am usually up around 6am. It’s a lot of meeting with people. It comes down to boots on the ground.”
“We marched with about 30 people on Memorial Day. It’s incredible to see the response.”
“Last night I was at a community meeting, I did a breakfast with parents. We’re going around giving lawn signs.”
“Turning Green started from studying toxins in the environment and how to reduce their effects.”
“As a then 13-year-old and now a 25 year old I’ve been able to help my generation live a more (fill in the blank ) life.”
“Working with kids is the best. We’re not afraid to challenge the status quo.”
“I was never one to say I was going to be a politician. Two and half years ago I gave a speech. It had an influence on my values and career.”
“I don’t fit the mold of who I think of as a politician but others told me that they need my voice in government today.”
“People don’t know how policy affects their lives if they don’t know.”
“What about having the ability to reverse the degradation of the environment?”
“I felt the burden of financial aid loans myself.”
“How do we implement forgiveness programs and reduce debt?”
“It’s our generation who are designing the future.”
“Now getting into the nuances of policy solutions is reinvigorating.”
“I didn’t think I had a snowball’s chance in hell when I first started campaigning. The way our message has resonated with people is astounding.”
“The way in which women of all ages are getting behind the campaign. The way elders are saying you’re the voice we’ve been waiting for.”
“Debt, student loans are carried with us after we graduation.”
“Jobs aren’t so different anywhere you go. How do we equip our students fill more than 20% of jobs right.”
“The entrepreneurial spirit needs to be fostered in our generation.”
“We’re talking about early childhood education. There’s a disadvantage straight from the get-go that needs to be fixed to level the playing field.”
“I’m a digital native so of course I launched my campaign online. I sent a tweet, a Facebook post and the world ran with it.”
“We accrued over 6 million views which is insane for a campaign launch.”
“We’re busting the campaign trail wide open using digital. Facebook Live is entirely unfiltered. That candor is what’s missing from politics today.”
“I got more excited about the Snapchat political team contacting me more than any other platform.”
“The word authenticity is being overused. Unfiltered nature shows you’re a real person.”
“Our country is 51% female, I don’t need a government of all women, but more to represent us and bring our needs into the fold.”
“This role running as a candidate in Congress is where I can best affect change.”
“Action is far too rare in our world today. Apathy is largest problem affecting our world now.”
“When you take that concrete step, people will coalesce around you.”
Erinforus.com @erinschrode #erinforus
“The way I’m looking at the process can start as young as 5 and old as 30. Having that money conversation as early as possible.”
“I took a class in financial aid and I thought I wanted to help students get into college.”
“We need to help our Millennials help learn what money is.”
“Millennials want to know what’s happening with them. They want to be responsible.”
“Millennials wanted to know about money earlier and now their catching up.”
“Anytime you can be at the kitchen table and bring up money is a good idea. Teach kids earlier.”
“When talking about college money you have to be up front.”
“The book isn’t a how-to. It’s a book of stories of how people deal with money and what to do next. It’s warming to hear similar questions from others.”
“We don’t know if college is going to change, but we know students need an education.”
“It’s really hard to talk about money. I want to make it easier.”
“I’m the first single person to be ranked so high on Twitter. The Top 3 were companies.”
“Creating #CollegeCash is about everything that has to do with students and families: Empty nesters, writing essays. Everyone knows someone who is a student.”
“#CollegeCash is more about outreach and communication now.”
“The first secret to being a responsible spender is to be a responsible borrower.”
“If you have extra money make payments ahead of time. If you have a refund or a graduation gift, use that money.”
“Learn about repayment plans. Have a list of all the loans you have.”
“Call your lender and communicate with them so you stay on top of your loans.”
“Financial aid has changed. All applications go live October 1st.”
“The minute we as women, entrepreneurs and find our voices online, we’re going to reach so many more people. Everyone’s on social media.”
“Social media might be uncomfortable at first but people are open and engaging.”
“It’s the tone you use that brings your following.”
“If you work while you’re in college, those working on graduation day are more likely to be employed.”
“There’s a lot of resources you can get online and the more you talk about it the easier money issues will get.”
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