Living On $33K A Year In Chicago | Millennial Money

Britt Dorton, 25, is a paralegal making $33,000 a year in Chicago, Illinois. Britt is preparing to go to law school to become an attorney who focuses on disability and prisoner's rights.
This is an installment of CNBC Make It’s Millennial Money series, which profiles people across the globe and details how they earn, spend and save their money.
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Living On $33K A Year In Chicago | Millennial Money

[@myelasticheart]

Hi there! This is Britt - I wanted to thank y'all for all the kind words! :') It really means so much to me. I'm so grateful to Jenn, Beatriz, Alex, and the CNBC team for allowing me to be a part of this series and bring attention to how chronic illness and disability impact a person's finances! ❤️

[@niravnikunjpatel516]

Thank you so much for sharing your story!

[@StreetsAhead120]

Britt, thank you for sharing your story. You have a awesome positive outlook on life and please achieve your dreams and continue to be positive and kind!!

[@row_timi]

Omg the legend herself! What an inspiration!!

[@trailer1210]

Hey Britt!!! Its very inspiring to hear your story! Your resilience in face of difficulties and your passion to succeed at Law school....its so moving. If you have an etsy store where you sell your handmade products, please share the link!!! Godspeed!!!

[@sambounnharaj801]

Thank you for sharing your story. ❤️

[@oco987]

I’m also glad that Millennial Money is profiling people who aren’t super wealthy

[@Nachos237]

Yup

[@felixf4378]

Right? I'm honestly tired of the "I'm 19 years old and make 250K a year" videos.

[@chan_5786]

I know right. Something realistic

[@shineayandrews1869]

@@felixf4378 Those are people who went to college and got a degree of value as well as networked. You’re lack of success is your own doing 99% of the time.

[@heyychi]

@@shineayandrews1869 not true.most of the millionaires they show here have NO college degree or use it as a coaster

[@yumjuicebox]

THIS is the content we want to see on Millennial Money. By far one of the most relatable people I've ever seen this channel cover.

[@alp.9672]

Most relatable is your subjective opinion.

[@jessicaevans2564]

I do appreciate seeing people who have life challenges that influence their finances.

[@tdsora]

i sincerely doubt you have a disability like here that changed the course of her entire life. you're just poor too lol

[@candy2325]

@@tdsora this comment is so unnecessary

[@honeybdream]

Definitely ‼️💙

[@yaserchow]

"It's very expensive to have a disabled body to have a sick body," is a sentence no one should ever have to make.

[@alp.9672]

Who said life is fair?

[@renerivera6150]

@@alp.9672 amen

[@taylorstep8135]

@@alp.9672 People want have a contest.

[@mickylord21]

@@alp.9672 Who said life can't be?

[@sidehustletips]

@@mickylord21 I have aEDS, know life is unfair, and refuse to make EDS my central identity like this chick. Everyone is lavishing priase on her but all I see is a female disagnosed with classic EDS who acts like a victim.

[@mailxhyvonne]

I am blown away by how well she manages her finances in face of such adversity

[@mimiwallen]

I do too! I also find her positive outlook admirable.

[@mickylord21]

Impoverished people are often the best budgeters

[@spants1058]

Yes! She’s very disciplined.

[@789raiden]

@@mickylord21 I'd argue that wealthy people are often the best budgeters because it's easy to spend money and often make educated spending decisions.

[@iteshahairston7]

@@mimiwallen I love u dor

[@poetryaddict1]

America's healthcare system is an absolute embarrassment.

[@CyclingMartialartswithMusic]

As a Healthcare practiioner. I super agree. It is also a cycle that will lead to more embarassment.

[@claressalucas8922]

"Do I have enough money saved to go to the emergency room?" Is not something ANYONE in the richest country on earth should EVER say. Great job Britt! Really crappy job, America!

[@mikegee8875]

The many that continue to cross our border illegally never say it!

[@odioaleman]

@@mikegee8875 Leaving aside the fact that illegal immigrants also suffer the same problem, most western countries do have public health care and illegal immigration and can manage it at the same time, don't see how both issues conflict each other

[@claressalucas8922]

@Mobile Phone If the service isn't vital, then I really don't see the problem in waiting a couple months to receive it. We have to wait months for appointments with our doctors too. In Atlanta, you better schedule your Pap smear at least 6 months in advance and pray your cycle cooperates so you don't have to gamble 6 more months. In more rural parts of GA, you may have to drive a couple hours then pay for parking (no public transport AT ALL!!) and it will likely not be in your insurance plan so expect to pay at least a couple hundred out of pocket. Thus, the US system encourages people not to address small issues until you wind up in the emergency room with something hopefully *only* near fatal. I'm healthy, don't smoke, and not obese but I pay ~$6K/year for insurance that doesn't include dental, vision, medications, or mental health. I have one of the better and cheaper insurance plans through my employer - one of those "gold plated plans" - unlike ~30M (~1/10th of the population!!) of my fellow Americans. This is why people keep dying in our emergency rooms of completely treatable things like dental abscesses - people wait too long to treat something minor until it becomes major then no doctor will touch you until they've established your means of payment. I lived in London for 18 months out of college and have experienced both systems. Y'all definitely have it MUCH better.

[@claressalucas8922]

@Mobile Phone Last I checked, y'all got hearing, vision, dental, and mental. So, I'm paying at least twice what you pay and I'm one of the lucky ones.

[@claressalucas8922]

@Mobile Phone Hearing, vision, and mental are covered though? And everyone gets it at that price? Still not making your point here.

[@kphillip92]

Is it just me, or was this the best episode to date?! Someone in a pricier city, isn't overly wealthy, has the cards stacked against them, but is making it work! The title alone had me but her story is also incredible. She manages a lot better than most. Even her medical debt I was surprised by how low it is given the cost of things in the US. Best of luck to her in all she does. She's gained at least one supporter.

[@honeybdream]

Yes definitely eye opening‼️✨💡

[@megaprimegamer1184]

Absolutely is. This definitely brings to light the issues in this country. Hopefully, she gets to become the lawyer she wants to and deserves to be. Some people have life paving the way for them while for some others it just keeps throwing curveballs and forcing us to duck and pave our own ways. Hopefully, we come out stronger. 💪

[@misslondon5102]

She sounds so sweet. Hope she achieves everything she wants to. Edit: Oh my, 1.2k people agreed - thank you guys😊.

[@banshee1133]

Yeah she is really likable right?

[@BenShope]

I would guess she has Munchausens. She seems quite practiced at trying to get people to feel sympathy for her

[@FTWAznPride]

Sorry but EDS is not something that you get through munchausens…please learn to have more empathy

[@misslondon5102]

@@BenShope that’s right, you guess.

[@sidehustletips]

@@BenShope As someone with a very, very rare form of EDS- aEDS, I agree with you. The part that really bowled me over was when she stated she loves making things with her hands. I'm youngish and had to stop doing things my hands because that's something that really is impacted by EDS for vast majority of us. I'm constantly popping out my hips and shoulders, but keep caring on. I have never mentioned it to most acquaintances because it feels like a play for sympathy. I feel like she's made EDS her central identity. Also, CNBC threw up info on screen that it's hereditary. That's only true in some cases. It can arise on it's own.

[@MrMasterNorris]

Anyone else a little mad our society lets her live like this?

[@ariwilliams130]

@@IIII...... That is not the point he is trying to make. He saying that it's sad that this kind of injustice is deeply ingrained in our medical system. In the United States, if you you do not have great private insurance (or somehow qualify for Medicaid/medicare) then you're just left to defend for yourself. A lot of people end up with medical debt that they do not have the means to pay back.

[@richardshipe4576]

Yes, but for other reasons. I won't simply and myopically blame high prices as though that's the end of it.

[@sidehustletips]

She's living like a queen compared to other people in history. She's living a FABULOUS free life unlike my female friends in Kabul.

[@cityguyable]

She could get married. You know, how most poor people got ahead.

[@jasminecontreras7341]

@@sidehustletips I get what you’re saying, but comparative suffering isn’t helpful

[@spants1058]

She’s getting screwed over for work because of her disability, and is getting screwed over by her health insurance company because of said disability. She’s in a lose-lose situation. This made me so sad. And angry at our health insurance system! That being said, she is amazingly resilient and frugal!

[@noahremnek3615]

Healthcare will bankrupt our government. We can’t keep up with the ridiculous price gouging from hospitals and pharmaceutical companies

[@knockeledup]

I’m surprised she isn’t on Medicaid. That would bring her medical costs to nearly $0.

[@noahremnek3615]

@@knockeledup She makes 33k a year so she doesn’t qualify for Medicaid but does qualify for Obamacare subsidies.

[@cu7695]

She has a very powerful light in her spirit. She donates to different causes despite debt and medical payments.

[@jackhoff8574]

Yea tax deductions

[@BrothersOfRome]

@@jackhoff8574 if you take the standard deduction (which she definitely would considering 9 out of 10 Americans take it) you can't take but $300 off as a deduction from giving, which would save her around $30-$40 dollar on her tax bill. So no, she is not doing it for a tax deduction. Mind you, still costs money especially at such a low tax bracket to give money even if she was itemizing (which she is not).

[@juuuzer]

Being from Europe, I find it mind-boggling and scary that in the US you have to pay your medical expenses although you are insured. What kind of government allows insurance companies to cherry-pick which illnesses get covered and which not? Don't let them do this to you! Demand universal insurance for all!

[@tic857]

the kind who spouts the nonsense of "let the companies compete one another for better prices" when in reality it's really companies seeing "oh that company is charging more than us and still getting getting customers? we can raise our prices too!" and because Americans have such a throwaway culture. Many times you're looking for the fastest service but maybe subpar or the most expensive thinking it will deliver exponentially better service or quality when in reality nothing is further than the truth. Also the type who complain about people being sick having pre-existing conditions and how expensive it is to care for these people but continually making it more difficult to get routine preventative care available and blaming them for getting sick in the first place. Because if this, people stay sicker longer or hold off until the illness has gotten so bad that it can bankrupt someone. Everyone in the US knows preventative care is cheaper in the long run, but the government keeps it expensive that's why so many fall for the so-called holistic scams, spending money on snake oil or making them sicker. we have but it's the same government who is so afraid of the concept of communism and socialism it's like the whole idea of teaching your kids to share is a moot point. It is also the be same country where you can have such a profit driven boss that when you ask to take some days off they ask why, and when you tell them that you need to have a meeting with an oncologist to talk about your health they respond with, "why? you look fine"

[@IL_Bgentyl]

Our medical system is flawed but there’s a reason private care does so well in socialized countries. Also eye surgery is a prime example of how effectiveness and price will drop once you remove all the tape.

[@pb4ugo19]

And the insurance we do have sucks.

[@Thebreakdownshow1]

This is a very heartwarming story I hope she gets the permanent position with a higher salary soon.

[@TomNook.]

33k is high...

[@nt4659]

@@TomNook. not in Chicago or most places in the US..

[@JohnSmith-iw4qs]

@@TomNook. that’s starvation wages in the us

[@frugaldutchmom1359]

@@TomNook. I challenge you to support yourself with her budgets for food, transport, medical and neccessary purchases etc while studying and working with two severe conditions.

[@ThePerksdeLeSarcasmeSiorai]

@@TomNook. You need to make about $55K-$60K annually in order to live in Chicago comfortably. However, the number is much higher in other US cities such as New York City ($80K-100K), San Francisco ($110K), Seattle ($70K), Miami (77K), etc.

[@annatran4268]

She's a ray of sunshine, but you can also hear the pain in her voice. As someone who also struggles with invisible illness, i really enjoyed watching this episode. Many people literally DO NOT understand that it affects EVERY ASPECT of our lives. School, work, finances, relationships, hobbies, or even limited apartment choices in her case. The struggles that comes with Invisible illnesses are an everyday battle that people tend to overlook because we appear "normal" to them. Getting the "why are you always tired?", " It's not that hard", being called "flakey" cause you have to cancel plans after being in and out of the ER. People with invisible illnesses sometimes are also seen as being lazy or incapable when we're literally ALWAYS in pain and have flare ups on top of it now and then. Our bodies are very unpredictable and a lot of situations are out of our control. Anyways,I am really excited for her to be a lawyer someday and advocate for others with similar shared experiences. People like her are going to make her clients be heard becuase people with invisible illnesses rarely feel understood.

[@adrivoid5376]

Im so glad they are going back to chronicling more regular people, most Americans do not make 100,000+ a year. And I like seeing how other people are managing. Also way to reignite my hate for the American medical system! I wish you best Britt

[@pedrozatravel]

She is definitely putting her best foot forward, but the US medical situation is ridiculous.

[@dollarboy500]

Was a pun intended there?

[@pedrozatravel]

@@dollarboy500 no, just a compliment

[@PranjalAwasthi]

Mad respect. Makes you wanna rethink the entire "needs vs wants" debate and reassess one's expenses

[@impressionsofjapan8683]

"Can I afford to go to the ER?" is not a question anyone ever should have to ask.

[@matthewdower5383]

As a European the its so sad to hear about her worrys concerning going to ER because she will get in debt 😔

[@sidehustletips]

My friends in UK wish they were in America, because we have the best EDS specialists.

[@jesandybolano774]

@@sidehustletips I bet your friends have money, because she said she had to go for the less effective treatments and wait to get procedures done because she couldn't afford it. The idea that American's have freedom to choose healthcare because it is private is such a lie.

[@matthewdower5383]

@@sidehustletips is it your "friends" in Canada or your "friends" in the UK. Make up your mind. Better yet stop living in denial. You have been lied to your whole life, its not the greatest country in world.

[@lexm17]

@@sidehustletips Brit here and we all hate the US system, nothing amazing about it

[@hansonel]

As an American I wish we had Universal Healthcare (as do around 71% of other Americans) so we wouldn't have to worry going into debt due to a hospital stay, expensive surgey or medications.... basically anything related to health. It's a system that needs to be changed asap.

[@alexl0890]

Wish hospitals and medical care was not so expensive and wouldn't be such a burden on all of us. Sigh

[@geekedmaxx]

Is free if you get medicaid thats what i have

[@alp.9672]

@@geekedmaxx you have to qualify for medicaid, so what are you saying? Good chance you’re full disability/poor. Live with family.!

[@JohnSmith-iw4qs]

@@alp.9672 they need to implement a marginal cutoff instead of outright saying you don’t qualify if you make above a certain salary. 33k is barely enough in most major cities. She’d be screwed if automotive expenses were a part of her budget.

[@alp.9672]

@@JohnSmith-iw4qs absolutely

[@spants1058]

@@geekedmaxx she makes “too much” money to qualify for Medicaid.

[@oco987]

It’s really sad that she’s has to deal with so much. But she’s doing great given the card she has. And I wish her well

[@OneNewHope]

Chicago is a great city for upward mobility. Basically the cheapest major city in the US with tons of career opportunities. It's also easy to move out to the suburbs and commute to the city if you don't want to live downtown. And no, it's not a warzone. Lots of great areas with places to see!

[@lindab2323]

TOTALLY agree!!!

[@adorabellenamigadde6605]

Preach! I love living here

[@12thpls]

As Seattle local, I was pleasantly surprised by Chicago when I visited in January 2020. The people were generally nice and it had perfect blend of city and parks. I would move there if I could find a reasonable job.

[@heyychi]

This! I’m leaving California

[@ag-bk5wf]

Property taxes

[@MatrixPlays]

Someone set this incredible soul up with a gofundme?? Shes great with money, so if we just pitch in $5 each , we can help her with her medical costs for years to come. C'mon CNBC?!

[@ClawrifficTv]

@@IIII...... not all programs offer help, even a 30k salary, at least in California, I asked for help and the agency said I make “enough” and could afford insurance through covered California

[@TomNook.]

33k is above average salary?!?

[@jillismyname]

That's what I was thinking. This girl seems unstoppable despite major setbacks!

[@wizirbyman]

id love to help!

[@spants1058]

@@IIII...... I sincerely hope you never run into any hardships in your life 🙄

[@bv4449]

Man, she never gave up. Always positive and living life to the fullest.

[@simbax710]

What a ray of sunshine. Despite all these obstacles, she's resilient, taking care of herself and working towards helping those in need. I hope she finds all the happiness in the world because she deserves it. We need more people like Britt, her optimistic spirit is so inspirational.

[@thisiszw]

it's crazy that a first world country like the US, isn't able to provide free healthcare for its people. medical debt shouldn't even be a thing.

[@failz1213]

found the european

[@MrTmenzo]

It's only cheap or sometimes free for folks making an income below the poverty line.

[@geekedmaxx]

Healthcare is free its called medicaid , people just say stuff off the top of there head

[@lexm17]

@@failz1213 socialised healthcare is one the best things a country can provide for its ppl. Idk why some see it as a terrifying prospect when ppl go into mass amounts of debt through no fault of their own or die because they can’t afford an operation

[@thisiszw]

@@geekedmaxx correct me if i'm wrong- based on a quick google search, medicaid is only given out to the lowest income groups. someone like her does not qualify for the program as she makes over 17k pa. so how is she going to afford her own healthcare???

[@shannonjohnson4314]

God bless her and everyone living with health issues. More videos about the health system and finances please so we can promote universal healthcare.

[@deetee609]

from one UChicago alumna to another, you are a ROCK STAR! Keep going, Britt!

[@ivyang0815]

God bless this girl! My eyes were full of tears when she was describing her health condition. Everyone who's whining about nothing should watch this video.

[@stephane1623]

Enjoyed every minute of this. Her parents raised her WELL.

[@brightbluesmurf]

She's so positive given her health issues l wish her all the best in becoming an attorney

[@situated4]

Yes, we definitely need more lawyers! Excellent.

[@TheCXBbudget]

Invisible chronic illness warrior 🙌🏼👏🏼 well done for spreading the message and doing so with a beautiful smile

[@GoatTHEGreat]

Such a beautiful soul. I hope she achieves all of her life goals. Living in pain like that, cannot be easy, yet, she thrives.

[@guitarsamurai1906]

I'm impressed on how well you handle your finances, especially at 25. I remember when I was 25, I didn't even know how to handle monopoly money. I hope you accomplish everything you want. Best Wishes to you..

[@DemetriPanici]

As someone who is from Chicago, I know it's getting crazy expensive. Cool to see a millennial money from my home town tho

[@MattSezer]

Chicago is incredibly affordable compared to places like NYC, and in many cases, salaries are pretty comparable. People just don't want to live in certain areas of the city.

[@geekedmaxx]

Its getting expensive because of all the immigrants from mexico overcrowding it

[@bloodwargaming3662]

@@geekedmaxx Lmao this is an example of how blame game works

[@geekedmaxx]

@@bloodwargaming3662 lol its the truth look at all the places with majority mexicans ,there the most expensive places to live , california is a good example, of people overcrowding the housing and job market, california is the most expensive state and has the most mexicans

[@MattSezer]

@@geekedmaxx Areas like Pilsen, where Mexicans were living, were extremely cheap until the while gentrifiers moved in.

[@dusk5956]

Her story needs to be shared everywhere I’m sick of hearing about the others. Someone who is going through REAL hardship and actually making it.

[@dazzlinggene]

Wow this was such a heartwarming story. I hope that this lovely woman gets the funds she needs to be debt free soon as well as becoming an amazing lawyer!! ♥️🥰

[@msthing]

Medical Debt -- outrageous. After all this woman is going through, to charge her for these struggles is inhumane. This topic overshadows in my mind whatever else we can talk about here. US: Right to education? Maybe, just to basics tho. Right to legal representation? If you're not poor. Right to NOT DYING? Only if you're ok with crippling debt for the rest of your life.

[@heyychi]

Right

[@kelvinsparky3745]

she genuinely seems like a nice person and with a very positive outlook towards life. She's so inspiring, I hope she achieves all she sets out for

[@gregoryvierra6114]

Keep going, Britt! Kudos to you for being so open and honest and never giving up.

[@bijoubijou7500]

Thank you for featuring Britt!!! I am in awe of her ability to work, budget, manage a chronic illness, and be remain positive. Her smile shines so bright! I wish her good health and success as she applies to law school.

[@jae6506]

As a fellow chronic illness warrior, seeing her story made me feel seen as well. Keep it up✊🏾

[@alastairhewitt380]

Wow, I don't know how she does it all. I paralysed my left hand when I was 20 & at 29 still feel like it is holding me back in a variety of ways, even though I can now move it, I still need 2 more surgeries to repair some chronic weakness & instabilities (which I cannot afford in terms of both time & cost). Good for her for taking a year to treat herself. I am truly impressed that she is able to do so much given so many daily challenges she must face. Shame on the US though for making treatment & education so expensive.

[@sidehustletips]

She says she loves using her hands. That's something that me, as someone with aEDS, and other people with EDS never get to say! Something very off with this woman. People who seem tooo nice rarely are.

[@colorfulcodes]

Every invisible illness is different. The worse thing people in the community experience is not being believed. It sucks.

[@coochiedestroyer5000]

@@sidehustletips You are very odd.

[@andrewholland5004]

I am so so so so so so much more interested and proud of this person than the other videos this channel makes like "20 Year old living on 280k in NYC"

[@trailer1210]

Thank you CNBC!!! This is one of the best stories you've ever shared with us!!! So inspiring!!!

[@nk2682]

Thank you for showing someone with invisible chronic illnesses. I feel seen. Also Britt is doing really well. I think she will be a wonderful lawyer.

[@eting248]

So happy to see your story on here. I had a good friend pass away from complications with his EDS. These internal diseases do not get the attention they deserve because they aren't as visible as others. Thank you for sharing everything on KZbin.

[@zachgh6111]

What an absolute force of nature - no doubt she's going onto even greater things. Also, this is really relatabe content. More of this, please!

[@Penlandadam]

Hey Britt Dorton, nice job on Millennial Money. My name is Adam and I have a disability called Aniridia. It is a very rare birth defect. I had to learn to live what I was birth with. By the state of Maryland, I am legally blind. I can never be able to drive. And yeah, other people who do drive tell me, I am not missing out on anything. My mom was my rock you can say. My mom made me to try hard to be normal. I am close to it as I can. When you see me outside, I look so normal, but come to seeing something small that is far away is hard for me. I have to wear sunglasses, when it is too bring or outside. I am so proud of you and I am glad CBNC Millennial Money has someone that has a handicap to tell there story. I would love be on there myself. My story is an inspiration. Thank you for sharing your story.

[@samanthajoy5143]

Definitely my favourite one so far! I absolutely love her spirit!! So heart warming It’s definitely eye-opening to watch coming from a country where I don’t ever have to think about medical bills and not get financial supplements for being unwell. Bless her soul ❤️❤️❤️

[@angelacedillo6705]

Dope including people with disabilities. We often don't know how medical costs effect a budgets

[@infini.tesimo]

She's got a great head on her shoulders. The only advice I could give her is since she's planning on becoming an attorney and I'm sure is opening her own practice is to find some opportunities on the side to develop a sales skill which she can do remotely in the comfort of her home for a company on commission only. That way, she can actually hit six figures and save that money to open up her practice or do whatever she needs. I recommend she sells something like life insurance or software. Outside of that, she's doing everything pretty well and I have zero complaints. Great episode CNBC.

[@infini.tesimo]

@@sirmadam8183 it's not the motivation to make money, it's skill. I think you misread into what I'm saying. If you have ever been in a major city, you'll see lawyer ads plastered everywhere for marketing. That in turn gets people to call their firm. Lawyers and firms need to sell themselves to potential clients. Selling yourself is one of the most important skills everyone - whether an attorney or not - should have. In order to bring in business, lawyers need to sell their own skills, their firm, their experience, their colleagues, and even their personality. However, lawyers need to be careful not to oversell, which often results in overpromising, so as to not give clients an unrealistic expectation which in this case she doesn't strike me as that type. Regardless though, if she doesn't learn it now, she'll be forced to later and it's better to learn it now so that when it comes to the judge and jury you can stand out with facts presented. You may not realize it but both sides have their facts and it's about convincing others to a degree and you can't deny me on this. It happens all the time.

[@NoirInColor]

I am truly humbled by Britt's story. She is doing amazing and a true inspiration.

[@goldie249]

I am watching all the CNBC series and this one right here moved me. I cried and I am so inspired by her. All the best Britt!

[@monicamccue6483]

Go Britt! I love her. She seems so sweet and positive and STRONG in the face of all the adversity. And she's turning it into a purpose to help others. So inspiring. I wish her much success, with health and finances!

[@jowitbeats2000]

This is inspiring. Trying to be independent and budget is one of my goals. I hope all goes well for Britt😁

[@ParsaUndead]

This was the best video on Millennial money ever! Thank you for sharing your story with us Britt!

[@ronijr4918]

This is what I love to watch. Mad respect to her just because she has a " disability " doesn't stop her from succeeding in life!! Many people I see just give up on life because of their " disability " I would love to show them this video and be like ANYONE can be successful it's just a matter of HOW BAD DO YOU WANT IT!

[@AHalz]

Given her situation, she’s doing absolutely amazing. Really an inspiration to everyone. I know people who are perfectly healthy yet aren’t willing to do anything productive, and she has health issues yet is willing to not only give back to the world AND doing so in a financially responsible manner. Double wow!

[@careeryoungpros7269]

This is my most favorite Make It video so far. Despite all the adversity, she's still optimistic and diligent in working towards her passion and financial goals. Standing ovation and respect!

[@chedbeckford8067]

This was such a good watch! Thanks for sharing your story with us Britt

[@tarody3953]

Thank you for helping to raise awareness about EDS and CRPS and people living with chronic conditions in such a kind and positive way. ❤️

[@jessicalim4938]

As a Canadian, it makes me so sad to see someone have to think about if they can afford to go to the ER. Shameful.

[@wrxzboost]

at least we get good healthcare if you can afford it.

[@asadiqbal7398]

She’s a wonderful person. Is there a fund going around to support her??

[@mimiwallen]

I hope she starts one. Many ppl would be so happy to contribute.

[@raynbeauxjackson7399]

I was just thinking about that too I wish I could help her

[@dollarboy500]

Let's get this to the top so she see's this and starts one. And pins it too!!

[@asadiqbal7398]

@@dollarboy500 totally… I hope CNBC did something about it too

[@vamieses]

She commented on the video and I asked her to drop her cash app/Venmo!

[@_Jai_]

Wow. The fact you kept going is so inspirational. Thanks so much for this.

[@LivingLifeWithDeeDee]

Wow! Britt, thank you so much for sharing your story. You are so inspiring!

[@aadjoow]

Very inspiring. What a strong, determined and yet kind woman. CNBC should feature more stories like hers rather than more six-figure-income real estate investors. Also, the US medical system makes it look like a developing country.

[@khg3235]

She's so strong and intelligent, what an INSPIRATION for us all, God Bless her continually

[@FinanceDee]

Really inspiring story! Her positivity can be felt through the screen. She will achieve her goals/dreams because she is not letting anything stop her. Love it 😊

[@MMchezziscoo]

Aa absolute inspiration!...I come back to this video every once in a while

[@ConnieDube]

Kudos to you Brittany you for being able to take care of yourself 🙌🏾🙌🏾💖

[@Ariel.Fortele]

You are a strong girl ... you will succeed ... always be optimistic and you will be fine .... God bless you!

[@jeannettezaatari8673]

Loved this video, so proud of this girl. Thank you CNN make it for featuring her, I think we need more stories like this ❤️❤️

[@brittanyholloman5693]

So proud of you! Thank you for sharing your story!

[@FinancialShinanigan]

Wonder if she thinks of moving away from Chicago. The cold weather can't be good for EDS.

[@sanazs6285]

I was just thinking the same thing. Maybe she is staying because her family lives down there. But there are cities with better weather & lower cost of living like Austin, Tx

[@frugaldutchmom1359]

It's more the humidity according to my physical therapist, november and december are the worst she has said. Many people with EDS have a comorbid condition that causes heat intolerance. The people that have that, will not exactly thrive in a warm climate, some have to lie down after taking a warm shower.

[@VHale-yz7hc]

@@sanazs6285 lower cost of living in austin? Where? Bc she would def need a car here so that’s an expense and to find a building with an elevator if she could not find a first floor would cost her just as much as she pays now MAYBE if she moved RR or somewhere way out side the city she could save a couple hundred but that would go towards her car

[@ShadowRaptor8]

The US medical system is in such a mess. We need to end Employment based healthcare, and either bite the bullet and adopt single payer, or embrace true free market healthcare. Because no, we don’t have a free-market system now, and never will until we can achieve price transparency, allow people in smaller states to buy policies across state lines, and more. But ANY solution or half measure that ties healthcare to your job is doomed. Like, imagine you could only buy car insurance from your company. You couldn’t keep your car insurance if you switched jobs or wanted to start a business. If you lived in a small state with one provider that insurance company could charge whatever they want. It’s absurd, and wouldn’t be tolerated.

[@MusiKo14]

Universal Catastrophic Coverage would be nice. We could just set deductibles at 10% of your income above the poverty line ($13,000 of income) and cover everything that goes over. In her case, that would ensure that she never has to pay more than $2k/year out of pocket. It would be cheaper than single payer and prevent overuse and wait times while still making things affordable.

[@r2c955]

I love this kind of encouragement in this era. Thank you very much

[@kingluTV31]

Shid im 30 an homeless stuck in poverty. God bless this young lady for being strong to share her story.

[@gubzs]

Why do I get the feeling that this is meant to encourage us that being 25, skilled, and getting paid $33,000 per year is okay. It's not. Pay a living wage America.

[@clairbear1234]

Right- 135$ a month for food is just … basically nothing these days

[@chelseamurray1678]

Oh gosh that is not enough money for food for a whole month.

[@amandadean3948]

Wow, what an inspiring young woman. She’s dealt with a lot but if she continues to let her adversities make her better and not bitter-she will go very far.

[@FableCountry]

this was heartwarming. thanks for sharing this. britt is awesome.

[@hr2079]

Incredible story. Sending you positive energy and wishing you the best :)

[@MrsBrownCreole]

She managing her finances really well and super disciplined! Saddened to hear about her health issues and debating on going into debt vs getting quality medical care. Good luck in law school. I’m sure you’ll be great!

[@phs2Chelsea]

I am happy to see diversity in this series. She’s awesome sharing her story and with her finances as well

[@sidehustlevikki1066]

Love this story! Thanks cnbc

[@samniecoleman1311]

This is my favorite thus far … I love the fact that that you emphasize on the importance enjoying life even when things might not be going as planned. Praying for you dear ❤️

[@OM-PeaceE]

She’s Very inspiring & uplifting !!! Hope she gets all that she aspires.

[@audreyellardwalsh3368]

What an inspiring woman. I can't imagine how much stress worrying about paying for all of her healthcare must create. With her experiences and clear compassion, she will make a fantastic lawyer.

[@Gorevet]

I am very proud of and inspired by this person. Rooting for you from Missouri!

[@p.t.9709]

Thank you so much for sharing Britt. I think you're amazing.

[@paulinasoto2048]

You’re amazing Britt!!

[@alyssahoover8521]

It's sad to think that she had to work two jobs to get through college while being disabled. Of course we don't know her parent's financial situation but it seems like she deserves more. She seems like a very strong person.

[@shangtaowu]

Super inspirational. I’m rooting for you!

[@mollyrhodes4545]

Very happy to see diversity in the millennial money series! Love hearing Britt's story and her perseverance! As a low vision/ disabled person I am so proud of persons bringing more awareness and voice to all the incredible achievements and potential whether abled or disabled! Cheering you on for law school! We all need you making life altering policy changes! 🦾

[@dp9324]

Very inspiring, thanks for sharing your story Britt! Love that positive attitude :-)

[@clairedubiel6226]

The American healthcare system is an embarrassment. We are a first world country and yet our citizens have to consider forgoing or delaying treatment to avoid going into debt. 😠

[@BruceWP]

Responsible, articulate, resilient, charming. As a retired lawyer, 70+ now, I think Britt will bring something good to the profession, and herself. Note: Law school can be tough, and being a lawyer tougher, but paralegal work should have attuned Britt to some of those realities. Good luck.

[@juliekostas7322]

Love love love her story. Such a positive and proactive woman. Wishing her an outstanding future full of happiness and success!

[@drakeblessum3466]

Your optimism is so inspiring. Keep up the amazing work in Chicago!!