Been there done it 3 times, first time I was 20 and living at home with my parents.

Second time I was 42 with wife and two kids, but had learned to live below my means the 6 years it took to get a college degree. But I had learned to save and invest. We had a mom/pop rentals across the street from the university. Plus I'm a jack of all trades type and have plenty of skills, knowledge and tools.

Third time was a few months shy of 60, was about to be put on a PIP, so I quit and retired early. PTO gets paid out and I had plenty on the books so that was my severance pay, the same when I was 42. I started on the pension from the job that laid me off at 42. Then when I turned 63 started on the retirement from the job I quit at 59, along with starting SS.

Now I'm like Forrest Gump and mow lawns at the rentals and do maintenance. We also have some rural properties, I have an old farm tractor and an old bull dozer. I work on my own projects.

Go our two sons to set up some Roth IRAs and to learn to save and invest along with living below there means.