@lind9650 wrote:
It was tough at times, but we made do with a lot of things, and besides the morgage we did not owe a penny to anyone. We saved for things we wanted and paid with cash.
Today people want to have everything NOW. Maxing out the credit cards before they even get married, having lavish weddings and overseas honeymoons, then getting over their ears into debt with a huge morgage, because a smaller, older place would not do. No wonder people can not manage even if they have good paying jobs. They have not learned to budget and live within their means. Not many young people know how to make do with what they can afford.
I just need to pull you up there a little there Erica. That's a pretty sweeping generalisation you make. Not all young people today are as you describe.
I have three sons in their mid to late 20's early thirties.
The eldest undertook a mature age apprentiship a few years ago so is a bit behind the play with regard to property etc. He lives with his girlfriend in her house which she has a mortage on. They are saving hard to have an overseas holiday later this year which will all be paid for in advance - not on credit. As far as I'm aware I don't think they even have a credit card between them.
The second lives on the smell of an oily rag (although to be fair I think that suits his personal style - he's an artist), even though he is a third share owner in a successful business. He has no other debt than is needed in the operation of the business, and is now undertaking further study in his particular field of interest.
The youngest got married late last year. He and his now wife saved and worked incredibly hard to pay for their wedding. They budgeted extremely well and put on a fantastic "do", all be it with a little help from both sets of parents. They have a half share in an investment property, with her mother, and are now building their own home. They would like to start a family but are putting it off until the house is settled and they can afford it.
I don't tell you these things to boast about how great my kids are. In fact they nothing unusual amongst their sets of friends. They are all just trying to get ahead and I don't think they are living beyond their means. I think it's a bit unfair to paint all young people as wasteful spend thriths who can't budget. They can and do.
End of Lurkers sermon 
All childless couples, she-ele. "What, you have no children? Mrs Smith has 4 - one more than the designated amount - so you can have one of hers, and we'll allocate two more from Mr Jones who has 5 children." Problem solved. 
I had two kids[out of wedlock] so I guess I would end up being allocated one more.
I don't begrudge anyone receiving financial assistance to help with raising children. Times have changed.
On the topic of young people have no money sense, I have to disagree. My kids and their friends live within their means and have good money sense. Generational generalities are myopic.
