There's no way around it: The average American millennial is financially behind.

Faced with a high cost of living, staggering student-loan debt, and the fallout of the Great Recession, American millennials are trying to make ends meet in the midst of The Great American Affordability Crisis.

The financial crisis split the generation into two distinct groups. Older millennials, who bore the brunt of the financial crisis dealt with a tough job market and wage stagnation, making it more difficult for them to save. Younger millennials, who experienced the recovery period, entered a better job market and became risk-averse by watching the recession unfold.

The generation overall, however, is plagued by financial problems that baby boomers didn't have to face at their age. From saving to spending and financial behaviors in between, here's what life is like as the average American millennial.