So between not being able to afford a mansion, and not being able to live within one's means, where did I lose you?
Consider the case of two of my former employees, both on a similar wage. One (mid to late 20s) loved her job, didn't waste her money like most young people, owned a nice but years old model car, lived at home for a few years and saved like crazy until she could put down a deposit and move into a house of her own. She also had an investment property after being 7 years with us.
The other (early 30s) was unprofessional but otherwise a loveable larrikin, would complain bitterly if we were a day late with the wages, was thinking about putting her used undies on the internet for $150 a pop, ended up buying a new $40,000 4WD, had a partner, a baby, no property.
If I've condemned anyone to living under bridges, it's because they've made a habit of failing to take personal responsibility somewhere along the line, or they cannot delay personal gratification.
