<prompt> Human: I just had a thought provoking realization that so many people are worth nothingyet they have:-big house, with a big house payment and expenses-3 cars, all financed -creditcards, high running balance -kids in college, all on student loans its almost like its easy to have a lot if you can accept the high debt life. Thoughts?  <response>: Its all keeping up with the JonesHonestly that is fine for some people. If you can make the payments on everything, then you do what you want IMHO. I grew up with parents this way. It taught me that I dont want to live that way.Sure, I have a nice house with a mortgage. I carry very little debt otherwise. Use a credit card 100 percent of the time. Pay it off 100 percent of the time. I dont live like a monk. I go out, drink with friends, vacation. I just budget and plan accordingly. I have a personal vendetta against debt. I just hate that I have to pay for something month in and month out. If I want something so badly, Ill save up for it and buy it. At the same time people take it to an extreme of being frugal, which may be just as harmful. Paying an extra 8 dollars in gas to save 5 bucks at the grocery store is an exaggerated example.I am not a financial planner or even try to be. Most people dont get a basic financial or investing class. Ever. And its apparent in their spending habits. The best I can try to do is help when I can, offer advice, teach those willing to learn.Cheers. 