For years, a common narrative has painted millennials as entitled or lacking in ambition, particularly when it comes to financial success. Yet, for many, the reality is a constant uphill battle against rising costs, stagnant wages, and economic structures that seem designed for a bygone era.
 

Janine Rogan, a respected Certified Public Accountant and advocate for financial literacy, steps onto the TEDxYYC stage to deliver a compelling and empathetic counter-narrative. In her renowned talk, "Millennials aren't lazy – their boots just aren't as big," Rogan fearlessly dissects the systemic challenges that define the millennial financial experience.
 

She doesn't blame individuals; instead, she meticulously illustrates how the "boots" – the pathways to homeownership, stable careers, and wealth accumulation – have shrunk significantly. From the overwhelming weight of student loan debt to an unprecedented housing affordability crisis, Rogan illuminates the profound differences in economic realities that separate generations. This insightful presentation is a crucial call for intergenerational understanding and a deeper examination of how we can build more equitable financial systems for everyone.