When I got my first home, we had 'hand me down' furniture, a 15-yr-old car, didn't have a holiday for 5 years, and our only treat was one drink in a pub on a Friday. And we were both scientists in well paid jobs. Had to be done to pay the mortgage and bills. Not all of them of course, but a lot of youngsters won't give up nights out, attending festivals, having latest gadgets, and holidays....then wonder why they have no savings. I think they'd be amazed if they added all those things up. You can have one thing or the other....your choice, but don't whinge about it.