In my early 20s (single): spending every penny, renting, overdraft chipped away and then spent for emergencies.
In my late 20s (single) earning more, saving for emergencies and holidays, renting.
In my 30s (married, small children) 11% mortgage, spending every penny, buying big things on installments, drove a second hand banger, relying on food parcels from MIL, no holidays, childcare. No credit cards.
In my 40s (married, school aged children): better paid (x2), lower mortgage rates, better standard of living, more holidays, only new car on installments, everything else budgeted for, credit card paid off monthly.
In my 50s. Paid off mortgage, no loans, savings and investment plan. Our inheritances were invested in bricks and mortar (one for DC1). University fees are the only large expense. 2 or 3 holidays a year under normal circumstances. CC paid off monthly.
So, like most people, we were living hand to mouth in our 20s and 30s, especially with small children and a high mortgage. Our income went up due to better jobs. Fortunately money left to us wasn’t essential to improving our circumstances.
But I clearly remember those early days and the worries we had about unexpected bills etc.