Dear Aunty...

I noticed something scary. I made a resolution to fix my finances and relationships, but I realized I’m doing exactly what my mother did at my age. I feel like I’m stuck in a loop. How do I stop this ‘New Year, Same Struggle’ cycle so I don’t pass it to my kids. Am I Repeating My Mother's Patterns? — Breaking the Chain

I’ve lived much of my life by someone else’s standards and rules. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been doing what was expected of me—pleasing my family, following the advice of teachers, and walking the straight line that seemed safest. Now I am 25, fresh out of college, and looking at the world with new eyes. The degree I worked so hard for is solid, practical, and secure. It promises stability, a steady paycheck, and a path that many people would consider “successful.”