<prompt> Human: I dont really get how all the people around me afford what they have. Expensive cellphones and plans, houses, cars, nice clothes, a social life where they go out all the time, expensive alcohol, vacations, etc. You get the point. My Elders say I dont get it and wont explain it to me.I am a 28 year old Engineer who makes around 80Kyr. I bring home around 4.4Kmonth. Per month I spend around 100 on Transportation to work. 50 on a cell phone using the most basic free phone they gave. 50 on Internet. 300 on lunch. I live at home so I dont pay rent and utilities but do have students loans I pay.I dont really buy anything, no desire to. I wear clothes until they cant be worn any more Multiple holes to maximize utility. I wear shoes until they become dangerous. I use electronics I buy until they break and dont replace them until they actually do.I dont really want anything or want to go anywhere. The utility of it doesnt really appeal to me. But on the same side I dont understand how people have all these things and only work at the cell phone store.So after my expenses I have 3989 which usually totally goes to student loans or helping my parents. I have no better use for the money. I am trying to figure out what I dont get. Am I missing something? Im not sad, in fact I have never been happier. Once the student loans are paid off I guess Ill just save for retirement for us.  <response>: Many most? Americans have remarkably poor impulse control and little to no personal finance education - formal or self-taught. The saving and frugality mindset has long been wiped from our culture, thanks partially to billions of dollars poured into marketing and advertising symbols of wealth.People who cannot really afford iPads and Lexuses are among the largest segments of the population to purchase said luxury items. In contrast, many of the very wealthy drive vehicles and own homes that are far less than what they could afford.If youre looking for positive reinforcement: youre doing everything right. Congratulations. Keep on living well below your means and youll go far in life.Still, I cant help but fear another rpersonalfinance circlejerk... this post seems arranged as a big leading question. 