I moved home after graduating from college and worked remotely. I saved thousands, but it came with an emotional cost.
Like many pandemic graduates, my young adult life started not with a bang, but with a whimper.
There was no big celebration, just a diploma picked up from the school office and a new job as an associate editor at a Charlotte-based digital media company.
I graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill in December 2020. My lease, signed with four housemates, ran until the following summer. For the first half of 2021, I worked remotely in the same house I'd lived in during my first semester of senior year. Professional life wasn't much different from my life as a student, but I was content.
When the lease ended, I was faced with three choices: move to Charlotte in anticipation of when my workplace returned to in-person work, find new housing in Chapel Hill, or move back home.
At that time, COVID vaccines had been rolled out, but the pandemic wasn't over. I didn't want to move to a new city under those circumstances. With most of my friends leaving Chapel Hill, staying felt pointless. Moving home was the cheapest and easiest option. I took it.
The savings added up, but I was languishing
I moved into my old room and shared meals with my parents, just like I'd done before college. I worked from home, writing and editing articles about personal finance.
My parents didn't charge me for rent or food. But, I helped out around the house and covered any personal expenses, like my phone bill and miscellaneous purchases.
With no rent or bills, and student loan payments paused due to COVID, I saved roughly three-quarters of my income. I invested some of that money and kept the rest in a high-yield savings account.
But while my savings grew, my personal life languished. My parents were loving but often treated me like the kid I used to be, not the adult I'd become. After four years of independence during college, that was hard for me to adjust to.
I was also lonely. St. Louis was my hometown, but I had no community there. My friends were scattered across the country, and pandemic restrictions made it hard to meet new people.
I knew I didn't want to stay in St. Louis long-term. Building a life there felt pointless since I planned to leave once the pandemic ended, but I didn't know when that would be.
Moving to Charlotte was the fresh start I needed
After eight months of limbo, I finally found the motivation to leave home when my workplace reopened for hybrid work. With my parents' support, I moved to Charlotte in February 2022.
When I left home, I had about $15,000 saved. That money was invaluable in kickstarting my new life, which came with a surprising amount of upfront costs.
I had no problem paying for my apartment's security deposit and first month's rent. When I couldn't find a suitable car due to the 2022 car shortage, I could up my budget and keep the monthly payment manageable with a higher down payment. I felt comfortable buying supplies for the apartment without second-guessing every expense. I even had several thousand dollars left over for an emergency fund.
I didn't spend extravagantly, but it was incredibly freeing to know I could pay for the things I needed — now and in the future, thanks to my emergency fund — without going into debt.
Starting my young adult life without credit card debt and with a financial buffer made everything less stressful.
Was it worth it?
I'm incredibly privileged — and grateful to my parents — to have had the choice to return home while working full-time. Not everyone has the chance, and not everyone has the choice. I was also lucky to land a job upon graduation, a privilege many pandemic graduates didn't have.
But was moving home worth it?
From my personal finance journalist's perspective, unequivocally yes. The money I saved set me up for long-term financial stability and made my first year in Charlotte so much easier.
From a personal perspective, it's complicated. Those months at home weren't exactly the happiest time, but I don't regret them. They taught me that in order to build a life that made me happy, I needed to stop taking the cheap and easy way out.
The year after I moved to Charlotte was one of the best in my life. My expenses ballooned, but I had freedom, community, and a better relationship with my parents despite the distance — all things worth more to me than money.
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USA Today
4 hours ago
- USA Today
Trump agenda survives key Senate vote but final outcome still uncertain
The GOP-led Senate has agreed to begin a marathon floor debate that's expected to go overnight and culminate with a final roll call - where the outcome still remains uncertain. WASHINGTON – The Senate voted to begin a marathon debate about President Donald Trump's package of legislative priorities − stuffed with tax cuts, Medicaid reforms and border security funding – despite lingering Republican concerns about the legislation. Majority Leader John Thune, R-South Dakota, has said he is uncertain whether enough Republicans will support their version to send it back to the House. "We'll find out," Thune said. But the 51-49 vote to proceed signals that there is enough GOP support to at least begin the hours-long debate and expected voting on dozens of amendments. GOP Sens. Rand Paul of Kentucky and Thom Tillis of North Carolina each voted against debating the bill as written. The vote that began at 7:30 p.m. EDT was held open for more than three hours as Thune scrambled to find a majority of votes to kickstart the debate. If the Senate is ultimately successful, the House would have to vote on the upper chamber's changes in order to reach Trump's desk by his self-imposed deadline of July 4. The Senate has trimmed the House version from about 1,100 pages to 940 − and still faces votes on what are expected to be dozens of amendments. The success of Trump's domestic agenda for tax cuts and border security hangs in the balance. Republican approval of the spending blueprint would allow a majority of the 100-member Senate to approve all of Trump's priorities included in it through legislation later in the year, rather than needing 60 votes to overcome a filibuster for each measure. Here's what we know about the legislative package: Senate voting on whether to debate Trump's bill A long wait, then a vote to begin debate With little fanfare, the Senate began voting at about 7:30 p.m. EDT on whether to begin the debate on Trump's legislative package. Majority Leader John Thune, R-South Dakota, simply asked the Senate to vote on a motion to begin debating the bill. The move came after hours of inaction – interrupted by the occasional speech – since the Senate gaveled into action at 2 p.m. - Bart Jansen Nevada senator votes despite COVID-19 The vote was close enough and important enough that a Nevada senator voted despite testing positive for COVID-19. 'After experiencing mild symptoms, I have tested positive for COVID,' Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nevada, said in a social media post. 'I'll continue to follow my doctor's guidelines and wear a mask while voting this weekend.'- Bart Jansen Lee drops provision for public land sales from bill Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, agreed to drop a contentious provision for public land sales from the legislative package. Environmental groups had criticized the provision for opening lands to logging and oil, gas and coal production. A fellow Republican, Sen. Tim Sheehy of Montana, threatened to vote against the bill unless the provision was removed, which could have scuttled the entire bill. Lee announced on social media that he wasn't able to secure safeguards that the land must be sold to Americans rather than the Chinese or investors. 'I continue to believe the federal government owns far too much land – land it is mismanaging and in many cases ruining for the next generation,' Lee said. - Bart Jansen Trump blasts Tillis over opposition to legislation Trump criticized Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina, one of three Republicans to vote against debating the legislation, as 'making a BIG MISTAKE.' Tillis had voiced concern about steeper Medicaid cuts in the Senate version of the bill than in the House version, and said he would have to oppose it. But Trump noted he won the state in three presidential elections in the Tarheel State, where Tillis faces reelection next year. Trump highlighted provisions in the legislation to eliminate taxes on tips, overtime and Social Security. He argued taxes will rise if 2017 tax cuts aren't extended, and that the country needs to increase the limit on borrowing. 'Thom Tillis is making a BIG MISTAKE for America, and the Wonderful People of North Carolina!' Trump said in a post June 28 on social media. In another post, Trump said he would be meeting with 'numerous people' who have asked to run in the GOP primary against Tillis. Trump said he is 'looking for someone who will properly represent the Great people of North Carolina.' - Bart Jansen Democrats force Senate to read entire Trump bill Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-New York, forced Senate clerks to read the entire bill out loud, further delaying the start of debate on the bill. While typically a formality, Schumer objected to waiving the reading of the bill. His objection forced clerks to read the 940-page document. Then senators will begin hours of debate followed by hours of voting. A vote on final passage could come June 30. - Bart Jansen 'No cause for alarm' on vote delay: Sen. Mike Rounds South Dakota GOP Sen. Mike Rounds told CNN that he thinks Republicans will ultimately have the votes to begin the floor debate but were working on ensuring commitments for concerned GOP lawmakers that they'll get the chance to offer amendments to address their issues. "No cause for alarm," Rounds said, adding that the lengthy delay from the plan to have a 4 p.m. EDT opening procedural vote stemmed from the wait for the Congressional Budget Office to analyze late changes to the Senate bill. Looking ahead, Rounds outlined a floor plan that would start with Democrats forcing a full reading of the 990-page bill, something the Republican said he hoped they would not do so that congressional staff can go home for the night and get rest before resuming debate on June 29. Once the floor debate begins, Rounds said Democrats and Republicans would get 20 hours equally divided - with the GOP likely surrendering a considerable amount of that time. Only then would the Senate begin to hold what's known as a "vote-a-rama" where they consider scores of amendments."We've got a long couple of days ahead of us yet," Rounds said. - Darren Samuelsohn Business Roundtable endorses Trump bill Business groups endorsed Trump's legislative package for its anticipated economic benefits as the Senate prepared to debate it. 'This critical legislation would protect and enhance the transformative economic benefits that President Trump's historic 2017 tax reform delivered for American businesses, workers and families,' Business Roundtable President Kristen Silverberg said. 'We urge the Senate to swiftly pass this measure.' - Bart Jansen Democrats to force reading aloud of the entire Senate bill Senate Democrats unified in opposition to the legislation plan to force the chamber's clerk to read the entire 990-page GOP tax, policy and spending bill aloud if Republicans vote to open the floor debate. "Future generations will be saddled with trillions in debt," said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-New York. "Under this draft Republicans will take food away from hungry kids to pay for tax breaks to the rich." Schumer's plans mean that the Senate is sure to be in session late into the night, if not past dawn - presuming Republicans vote to begin the debate. - Darren Samuelsohn, Reuters Elon Musk opens fire, calls Trump bill 'utterly insane and destructive' Billionaire Elon Musk, Trump's former adviser on cutting government spending, fired off another set of attacks against the president's legislative package for potentially killing millions of jobs. The latest Senate draft bill will destroy millions of jobs in America and cause immense strategic harm to our country!Utterly insane and destructive. It gives handouts to industries of the past while severely damaging industries of the future. Musk had quieted his harsh criticism of Trump and the legislation the week after his departure from government May 30. But he blasted the bill again as the Senate prepared to debate it. 'The latest Senate draft bill will destroy millions of jobs in America and cause immense strategic harm to our country!' Musk said June 28 on social media. 'Utterly insane and destructive. It gives handouts to industries of the past while severely damaging industries of the future.' As the Senate vote remained in limbo, Musk added another post warning the GOP of the electoral risks if they vote for the Trump-backed legislation that is not polling well with Republicans. Polls show that this bill is political suicide for the Republican Party - Bart Jansen Paging Vice President JD Vance: The Senate might need a tie-breaker Coming out of a GOP lunch June 28, Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Missouri, said he's 'under the impression' Senate leadership has the buy-in to advance Trump's bill. But, 'I'm thinking we need the VP,' he said. Republicans need a simple 51-vote majority to pass the bill. But with a tight 53-member majority and ongoing disputes, every swing vote counts. If they hit 50, Vice President JD Vance, in his capacity as Senate president, can break the tie in Trump's favor. -Savannah Kuchar Environmental groups criticize bill's support for fossil fuels Environmental advocates criticized the Senate version of Trump's legislative priorities for not just ending incentives for renewable energy but setting taxes on wind and solar power generation. The advocacy group Natural Resources Defense Council estimated taxes on some projects could grow 50%. The bill could also trigger the largest sale of public lands in history for logging and oil, gas and coal production, according to the group. Trump campaigned on boosting domestic energy production with the phrase 'drill, baby, drill.' "The new budget reconciliation bill text is a shocking fossil fuels industry fever dream come to life,' said Christy Goldfuss, the council's executive director. 'The bill has gone from fossil fuels boosterism to an active effort from Congress to kill wind and solar energy in the United States.' - Bart Jansen GOP senators join Trump for golf President Donald Trump had no public events on his calendar, but he had a couple of key allies join him for golf at his Northern Virginia course: CIA Director John Ratcliffe and Republican Sens. Eric Schmitt of Missouri, Rand Paul of Kentucky and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina. Looking forward to beginning the One Big Beautiful Bill the day with @POTUS and thanked him for his Go! After posting a picture with Trump on the golf course, Graham added that he partnered with Trump and Paul to beat Schmitt and Ratcliffe. "Proud to announce no casualties," Graham wrote. "A lot of fun! Big Beautiful Bill on the way.". - Bart Jansen Saying 'no' and voting 'no' two different things: Sen. Markwayne Mullin Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Oklahoma, a supporter of Trump's legislative package, told reporters at the Capitol that lawmakers warning about voting against it and actually voting 'no' are two different things. Sens. Ron Johnson, R-Wisconsin; Thom Tillis, R-North Carolina; and Rand Paul, R-Kentucky, have each said they were opposed to the bill that is still changing. Sens. Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, have voiced concerns about it. 'Everybody's got concerns, but saying you're voting 'no' and when you get to the floor and voting 'no' is two totally different things,' Mullin said. 'I don't believe in losing and we're going to get the votes.' - Bart Jansen Budget blueprint debate could be 30 hours of 'nonsense': Sen. Brian Moreno Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, a supporter of Trump's legislative package, said a final vote would likely come after 30 hours of 'nonsense' from Democrats voting on proposals to change the contentious bill. 'It's an absolutely historic and transformative piece of legislation that reverses four years of an assault on American workers,' Moreno said. 'I want everybody watching this to remember this as you listen to probably what's going to be 30-plus hours of complete nonsense from the other side.' - Bart Jansen Senate meets before debating Trump legislative package The Senate gaveled in at 2 p.m., in anticipation of beginning debate on President Trump's legislative priorities, but lawmakers haven't yet voted to begin talking about the measure. A majority of senators must agree to begin debate, which can sometimes kill legislation before it begins. With 53 Republicans and 47 Democratic caucus members, just a few GOP lawmakers could prevent a debate. But the hurdle appears a mere technicality because wavering GOP members such as Sen. Susan Collins of Maine have said she would support the debate even if not necessarily the final bill. -Bart Jansen Sen. Josh Hawley says Republicans have 'soul searching' to do Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Missouri, had been one of the leading voices among Senate Republicans raising concerns about proposed cuts to Medicaid and how that would impact his largely rural state. But after studying the latest, finalized bill text — which delays pushing costs onto states and establishes a $25 billion rural hospital fund — Hawley said he's a yes on passing the bill. Beyond this weekend's vote, though, Hawley said he intends to keep pushing back in effort to prevent the delayed federal spending cuts from ever going into effect. 'This has been an unhappy episode, here in Congress, this effort to cut to Medicaid,' he said. 'And I think, frankly, my party needs to do some soul searching.' — Savannah Kuchar Sen. Susan Collins remains a wildcard Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, said she'll support Senate leadership bringing the mega bill to the floor and kicking off presumably hours of debate. But she cautioned reporters that she remains uncertain how she'll side when a final vote gets called. 'That does not, in any way, predict how I'm going to vote on the final passage,' Collins told reporters while walking into the Capitol for the start of the day's events. Collins said her final vote ultimately will depend on what the bill looks like after lawmakers — including herself — introduce and potentially tack on further amendments. 'There's some very good changes that have been made in the latest version, but I want to see further changes,' Collins said. - Savannah Kuchar What is in the Senate bill? The largest provisions in the legislation would extend expiring tax cuts and create a few new ones, and a dramatic increasing in spending on border security. Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, a Republican holdout on the bill, said he wouldn't vote for the bill unless the debt limit gets a separate vote. But Republican leaders want to keep the unpopular vote within the overall package. −Bart Jansen What's not in the Senate version of the bill? Republican support in the Senate waned after Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough ruled several significant provisions would have to be removed to avoid a filibuster. Republicans removed provisions to curb environmental regulations; restrict federal judges' powers; bulk up immigration enforcement; and cut funding from a consumer protection agency. MacDonough also ruled against provisions that aimed to reduce Medicaid spending on health care programs for undocumented immigrants. −Bart Jansen What does Trump say about the Senate version of the bill? The Trump administration 'strongly supports' the Senate version of the bill, in a White House Office of Management and Budget statement June 28. The statement isn't intended to favor the Senate version over the House version on any particular provision, but to signal Trump would sign it if approved by Congress. The two-page statement highlighted provisions for tax cuts, border security, energy and defense. 'President Trump is committed to keeping his promises, and failure to pass this bill would be the ultimate betrayal," the statement said. −Bart Jansen Is there really a July 4 deadline? Trump has told congressional Republicans he's want this thing wrapped up by Independence Day. But the due date is less procedural than it is political. The sooner the president can tout legislation that makes good on several of his 2024 campaign promises, including a tax limit on tips and overtime wages, plus extends his 2017 tax cuts for high-income earners, the better. The more impending deadlines are sometime in August, when Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has said the federal government is at risk of hitting its debt ceiling, and the end of the year, when Trump's first-term tax cuts are set to expire. The legislation up for a vote in the Senate currently contains a provision to raise the debt limit.− Savannah Kuchar
Business Insider
9 hours ago
- Business Insider
Meta Platforms (META) to Run AI Data Centers on Wind and Solar Power
Technology giant Meta Platforms (META) is planning to power its artificial intelligence (AI) data centers with renewable energy sources such as wind and solar. Confident Investing Starts Here: The Silicon Valley-based company run by CEO Mark Zuckerberg has signed a deal with privately held clean energy provider Invenergy to supply its AI data centers with 791 megawatts more of solar and wind power, the companies announced in a news release. This is the latest deal that Meta Platforms has signed to help meet its soaring power needs as it races to bring data centers online that can power its AI technologies and applications. This is Meta's second deal with Invenergy. In 2024, Meta signed a contract with the Chicago-based renewable energy provider for 760 MW of solar electricity. The combined deals bring the companies' total partnership to 1,800 MW. Surging Power Needs Meta has also inked deals with several large solar power providers, a geothermal start-up company, and is seeking proposals from nuclear power developers. The moves come as Meta rushes to bring AI data centers online and keep up with rivals such as Microsoft (MSFT) and Amazon (AMZN). The electricity from Invenergy's solar and wind projects situated in Ohio, Arkansas and Texas will be delivered to the local grid, while Meta will receive clean energy credits associated with the new generation capacity coming online, said the companies. META stock is up 25% this year. Is META Stock a Buy? The stock of Meta Platforms has a consensus Strong Buy rating among 46 Wall Street analysts. That rating is based on 42 Buy, three Hold, and one Sell recommendations issued in the past three months. The average META price target of $714.26 implies 0.79% upside from current levels.
Miami Herald
12 hours ago
- Miami Herald
HBCU experiences record-breaking application surge
Edward Waters University, the first Historically Black College or University (HBCU) established in Florida, has officially broken its all-time record for student applications. The Jacksonville-based HBCU has received nearly 11,500 applications for the Fall 2025 term-more than at any other time in its 158-year history. Steady Growth in Interest and Enrollment Compared to this time last year, applications are up by 6.2%. Additionally, the university has seen a 17.6% increase in enrollment deposits from new students. These numbers show strong momentum and clear intent to enroll. More importantly, they reflect Edward Waters' growing reputation not just among HBCUs, but across the national higher education landscape. Factors Behind the Surge Several key factors are driving this growth. Innovative academic programs, strategic outreach, and effective institutional leadership all contribute to Edward Waters' upward trajectory. The university has become a competitive destination in the HBCU space, offering both undergraduate degrees and an expanding selection of graduate programs. Leadership Celebrates Milestone "This historic milestone speaks volumes about the growing momentum, relevance, and reputation of Edward Waters University across the state, nation, and globe," said Dr. A. Zachary Faison, Jr., President and CEO of Edward Waters University. "We are thrilled to see this record level of interest and are committed to building on this foundation by continuing to provide an accessible, rigorous, and mission-driven education to all students who choose to join us." Graduate Programs Signal Strategic Growth The university's expansion into graduate-level education marks a significant step forward. This move aligns with a broader trend among HBCUs to serve a more diverse and advanced student population. By broadening its academic offerings, Edward Waters is opening doors for students seeking both career-focused and research-driven degrees. Dr. Jennifer Price, Vice President of Enrollment Management and Strategic Matriculant Services, credited the university's success to the enrollment team. "This is more than just a numbers game-it's about the work we've put in to tell the Edward Waters story," she said. "Our team has worked strategically and collaboratively to ensure we are attracting and enrolling students who are ready to thrive, persist, and graduate. We're incredibly excited about what this means for the future of our institution." Looking Ahead to Fall 2025 Registration for the Fall 2025 semester is still open. Classes will begin on August 4, with regular registration ending August 15. As Edward Waters prepares to welcome a new class, it remains committed to its mission of delivering high-quality, values-based education within the HBCU tradition. The post HBCU experiences record-breaking application surge appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
