s, they just missed out on $5-10k plus investment returns that could have been used on a down payment. Throwing another $1-4k in vacations per year and you are starting to get in the ballpark of meaningful downpayment money. Now throw in coffees, eating out, etc and it is even more.

I just think back to my own childhood. We had the same TV from before I was born until I turned 16. Its replacement (a tube TV) is still in the TV room 30 years later (though my mom did get a big flatscreen for the new “family room” in the addition she added after my dad died.

The only times I remember going out to eat as a kid were (1) weddings or graduations, (2) when on vacation, (3) a handful of other times.

I agree that many have come to expect things as part of life and deny themselves less to save/pay for more important things.