In Joensuu, 18-year-olds Tinja and Milja are experiencing significant financial anxiety as they navigate life after moving out of a child protection institution. The stress of managing their finances looms large, particularly when shopping for groceries, as they often feel guilty for making any purchases, even for basic necessities like sandwich ingredients. This concern highlights the challenges faced by many young adults who transition from state care to independence, where financial literacy and budgeting become crucial skills.

The situation is exacerbated by a recent reform in social assistance that came into effect in February, which is particularly hard on vulnerable young adults like Tinja and Milja. With the new regulations tightening the provisions for social assistance, these young women find themselves under increasing pressure to manage their limited income. Such reforms risk pushing young adults deeper into financial distress, making it likely that they may have to resort to loans just to afford food, which could lead to a cycle of debt that is hard to escape.

Through sharing their experiences, Tinja and Milja shed light on the broader issues facing young adults in similar situations. Their story underscores the need for more supportive measures and better financial education for young people transitioning out of care, in order to help them cope with the realities of independent living and financial management. As they embark on this challenging journey, the potential consequences of financial stress and its impact on their mental health and well-being cannot be overlooked, making advocacy for improved systems and support crucial to their success and stability.