Modern life is rubbish?

I assume a lot of people live a more aspirational life using credit and can service their debts. My parents were buying things with the intention of paying it off with the pension lump sum about 20 years before dad retired.

This has never been me though. We don't live a life which looks aspirational in terms of house, cars, holidays or even careers. I imagine my parents think we earn half what we do because otherwise we'd surely have newer cars and a larger house?

I'm not on social media much sk maybe thats it. I do think in years hind by you c I ukd only compare yourself to neighbours and friends who in general had a vaguely similar income but now people como are themselves to influencers and celebs and seem to think they should have the same lifestyle.

I agree.

I would really love a much more simple existence.

I work long hours in a stressful job. I'm paid well but we live in an expensive area due to wanting to be in catchment for good schools. So we have a large mortgage and I feel like I'm on a hamster wheel sometimes - working so hard to bring the money in, to build a good life for our kids, but they money flows out every month and I'm just exhausted.

I'd love to work less and spend less, and have a really pared back existence.

But it's hard.

We already don't have flashy cars or go on exotic holidays etc. we don't wear expensive clothes, are not into brands at all.

But lots around us are, and it means the kids are growing up very brand-conscious.

Everyone these days seems to have their immaculate, fashionable houses all over insta etc and it all just seems so futile.

I actually deleted instagram a few weeks ago and planning to delete fb as well. I think the less I see of that stuff, the happier I will be.

I guess it depends if you live your life ‘keeping up with the Jones’. You clearly do and now you’re in a difficult financial position, instead of building savings and buying things when you can afford it. I guess you need to sit down and discuss how you can sort things. Do you need expensive cars? Can you downsize? You need to step away from the life is a competition mode, and think what’s really important to you. You can’t carry on like this.

I have a lot of sympathy.for people who bought houses not long before covid. I think the whole cost of living, interst rate rise etc since then must have made the affordable, very tight.
Never been fussed about keeping up with cars etc though.

No. There has always been pressure to keep up with the Joneses. Credit just makes it easier than it was before.

We live in a hugely consumerist society where billions is spent on telling us what we need to be younger, happier and more content.

I remember the move towards minimalism in the 80s and 90s because people were drowning in debt and possessions.

I think I've stepped off the treadmill. I retired early, live on very little, cook from scratch etc. I'm not bothered about fancy cars, fashion or expensive gadgets. I have a great life with plenty of travel and activities, friends and interests. Modern life can be good if you ignore the pressure to buy stuff you really don't need.

We are conditioned to want more and more in this consumer society. People chase higher wages to pay larger mortgages and finance newer cars.
It's sad really

We never bothered about keeping up with others. That’s a hole you need to avoid.

I think you may have messed up. currently life is ok with us, both working in full time jobs, kids now adults. But when the dc were younger, life was interesting, but doable.

It's a choice to not live within your means surely.