anyone who manages to hold down a steady job (not always easy so I really admire them!).... and is frugal... does not rush out and buy all the latest krap
usually can save something every month.
it may look small.
but just keep doing it!
after awhile, invest a portion of it PRUDENTLY in, say, low cost Total Stock Market index or something like that, it will go up and down in value but over TIME it is likely to go up...
leave the rest of your $ in an insured bank account
and keep saving every month.
you do NOT need the very latest iphone.
you do NOT need a new car every year or two.
you do NOT need expensive vacations (go camping or find a cheaper vacation you will enjoy)
you do NOT need fancy new clothes from expensive stores.
just keep saving what you can each month.
Advice we follow and also you do not need a home you can not really afford. If you have to take out a 30 year mortgage on a home, you cannot afford that home.
Yes, I know people will tell me they will make double payments, pay it off early, etc...it almost never happens.
Buy within your means, in the end, you will be glad you did. I was given this sound advice and I am glad I took it as it has kept me out of debt!