Being a liberal as well as an elected official, I and my wife controlled our debt. House paid for, cars paid for in cash, children's post high school education at private colleges paid in cash. I retired at 57 and my wife will at 55. We have two homes, one for sale the other, larger home, sits on twenty acres with a trout stream and the roads WI developed because of the dairy industry.

Do we fly to Mexico in the Spring? No.
Do we vacation a couple of times of the year in N, WI or the UP of MI. You betcha,

Do we enjoy top shelf meals every night because I cook? Yup.

Last night I had a discussion with my 23 yr. old daughter. She needs a new bike. She has adopted the family standard and is concerned about accumulating debt. "Abbie, are you going to use the bike to commute to work?" "Yes, dad." Well, then use your credit card and get the bike that meets your need . It is not a vacation, short term consumable or out to lunch expense. It is transportation. Bite the bullet, charge the remaning you can afford and move one. Pay off early. Good financial decision.

Ya think my daughter will retire to a simple life? Live simply and yet with purpose and you too can live your dream. Saddle yourself with debt? Why should this liberal bail you out?