I made <20K/yr last year (2 part-time jobs). This is an average of $1650/mo. For being 28, this is god awful, I know.

This is my monthly budget: Rent (I have two roommates): $540 Very nice neighborhood, which is what sold me on the place. Gas/electric/internet: $110 Phone (tracfone): $30 Food (I eat very little): $150 Gas: $100 School after FA and tax credits: roughly $200 I feel like I’m missing something... but if not, this leaves me about $530/mo for my pleasure or for unexpected expenses. (I had to pay an extra $500 each the last two months due to car and roommate trouble) Basically I’m not saving anything because school is screwing me up.

I lived with my parents up until age 25. My first permanent job was age 21 and I saved up 20K with that job and my previous summer jobs by doing very little with my life. No vacations, few concerts, rarely dined out. Just hung out with friends at our houses mostly.

I didn’t have a smart phone til I was 25 years old (used an iPod touch I bought), bought my first car cash for $7,000 when I was 23.

I’m on my fourth semester (started 2017) attending the cheapest state University near me part time (~$1200/class) and have yet to take out a loan thanks to my savings and financial aid.

Also with the leftover money I saved, I invested in stocks (just one - super risky, but it’s working out great so far. I expect big returns).

I plan to take out a loan next semester because I have no savings left to spend on school.

And it’s not like I’m not doing anything with my life. I went to Ireland for a week in 2018, went to Hawaii for two weeks in 2015, Hiked the Appalachian trail in 2014. And I have a social life.