Zach...you are wise far beyond your years my friend.
My husband and I always lived within our means. I was fortunate enough to be a stay at home mom, which I wouldn't trade for the world. My husband worked as a machinist in a Research and Development department of a hospital/university in Philly. He is an excellent machinist (dying trade) and often did some side work. I worked part time a few nights a week as a lab tech for a doctor and hubby watched our two girls those nights. We saved every extra dime. Our family vacations were camping in our pop up camper at places like Lake George, NY, Hershey Park, Jersey shore. Those were the days it only cost ten bucks a night at a campground. Unfortunately, times have sure changed. At least we were able to make money on investing in CD's, bank accounts and savings bonds.
Young people have it very rough these days...loads of stress. Could this be one reason we see so many young people with IBD???? I have no idea how I contracted UC. I know my paternal grandmother died from cancer of the bowel and dad had diverticulosis. One thought is that years ago, my family doctor over prescribed antibiotics.
Anyway.....take time to smell the coffee, or roses...whatever...but take account of the important things in life,....family...sharing special moments. We're not always dealt a Royal Flush in life, but there is always someone dealing with worse than what we have. Remember the man who lamented because he had no shoes, until he met a man with no feet.