<prompt> Human: I know a lot of people our age feel inadequate about what they achieved. I guess I just want to know if I should feel stressed enough to try to effect some changes, or be content with things as they are:- Both 25 and finishing graduate work. Not the kind of graduate work that lands high-paying jobs, unfortunately. Husband wants to do a Ph.D next. No student loans yet due to scholarships.- With some help from family we managed the down payment on a nice little house last year. Valued at about 55,000 - 3 bed, 1 bath, safe neighborhood cost of living is low here. 30 year mortgage at 500month.- One kid here, another planned soon. A joy to have, but expensive little critters. First kid has about 350 in custodial savings - I divert 10 from every weekly paycheck to that account.- We have lousy health insurance, kid is covered by CHIP.- Together netting about 30k year. Husband works at a church no retirement plan or benefits. I teach a class at the university, also work retail. One of us stays home with our daughter at all times.- My 401k is a pathetic 200. Its been at 3 - company matches 40 up to 6; Ive been thinking about raising it.- Our cars both work well, but are about 10 years old.Im content with our life, but dont know where to start thinking about the future.Edit: Well, thanks for yalls help and input. Even the opinions I didnt want to hear are still mostly helpful. This is a nice subreddit - I may just subscribe.Assistant: My SO and I are about 2 years older than you guys. Mine is pursuing his PhD and will hopefully be done within the year. Personally, Id strongly recommend your husband to think long and hard about it. My SOs PhD program is in STEM and at an Ivy League school, but hes still worried about his futurecareer prospects. Academias competitive enough, and even more so for the humanities. Furthermore-- you guys just bought a house! What if he does get into a prestigious-enough program to make a PhD actually worth it, and its halfway across the country? Also, after he completes his PhD, what about when he goes for his post-docs? Post-docs are hard enough to come by, even more so if he geographically limits himself. Really-- have him think long and hard before pursuing a PhD. It can be a world of opportunity costs 6 years, especially that youre already in your mid-twenties and still not financially stable. And with a kid! I only have about 45000 in my 401k and feel like thats not nearly enough for my age. I guess if you feel fine, then fine. But personally, Id be concerned. Looks like you guys are currently in a low cost of living area, which is great 55000 would barely be a down payment for a place in my area!, but that can change if your SOs Phd program brings you guys elsewhere. Human: Honestly, part of me has begun to hope hell change his mind. Life is good where were at - family is close and our support system is there. But if he gets a good offer to do what he wants to do, well go - either sell the house or retain it as a rental property.Ive had friends whove done the PhD thing with kids and regretted it later. But assuming theres a job to be had, the university environmentculture is an appealing one.Im glad your situation is relatively solid.  <response>: You guys seem to have great heads on your shoulders-- Im sure that you both will make the right choices for your family and careers. Another poster pointed out you guys not having any debt, which is a point I had missed earlier. Despite the somewhat low income for the time being, you guys not having any major debt is a BIG BIG plus, and actually puts you ahead of many people in our peer group. Not too shabby! :D 