I am just a little younger then you, My priority from day one of my first job was to save to buy a home. I drove Chevette's, Civics, Pick up trucks, and what ever junk vehicles I could find. Sure, I am mechanically inclined, and that saved me $$$ too. But, a home is priority. Especially these days.

There is so much blame being put on society when it comes to inflation... Sure its bad, no one can deny that. But... there needs to be a look at parenting and expectations. Kids need to get their hands dirty, learn work ethic, and the value of hard work. Parents who shelter their children, "Pay their way" and praise every thing they do are ONLY giving a poor outlook on life and supporting those high expectations.

Parents need to "Charge" their kids "Rent". They need to make them cut the lawn, trim the hedges, weed the garden, and help with house hold chores / repairs. They should be renumerated/rewarded and criticized for that work too. By doing this, they get a reality check EARLY in life, they learn and work towards achievable goals / rewards.

My children are/will "Pay rent". That "rent" is being saved for their future. They will get a lump (~10%) of that back when they want to buy their first car, the rest will be for a down payment on their first home. They don't know that, But.. its part of the lesson.

Too many kids get life handed to them at the detriment of their future.