Another 20-something here, and I think the whole "we'll never be able to retire" complaint is a complete falsehood.  I plan to retire in my mid-late 40s and am on track with savings.  No inheritance planned, no counting on social security, very national average income.  Just living below my means, and saving as much as...more

It varies month to month, since DH's income is largely seasonal, but annually, we save 55% of our income in retirement accounts, taxable stocks, bonds, and a liquid emergency fund.  DH and I are both aiming to retire in our 40s.  We are currently in our late 20s, so many things could change, but we are already homeowne...more

Take your money and run.

I'm surprised that the writer didn't also throw in the cost of a full purchase of spices, cooking pots and pans, and tableware.  EATING OUT IS CHEAPER!! BY $200!!

So dumb.  Do they think people who don't make $250,000 a year don't have student loans, childcare, housing, utility, and other bills?  Costs are lower in lower cost of living areas, but incomes are also substantially lower.  It's all relatively proportional.  Sounds like someone is trying to justify not living within t...more

Yet another sickening example of people who don't have enough personal responsibility to live within their means.

Or you can buy the more expensive home and go out less, which will actually become preferable because staying in your luxurious new home is no hardship.  It IS all about trade-offs, but that does not mean that everyone will come to the same conclusion.  I chose the larger house, and I could not be happier.  Finances ha...more