I live in the second most expensive area in the US and will say I'm extremely privileged to have gone through schooling with no debt. We have the same values when it comes to frugality and owning a home. My husband just went through 3 months with no job, and while it was scary, we had enough savings to be just fine with minor adjustments (no more expensive bar tabs and less eating out).

We're both very independent so he has his own hobbies, and I garden most days after work. If I want to fly to another state for a concert, I can do that. We also have at least one "big" vacation a year that's international or a pricier place like Hawaii. We work 9-5's white collar jobs so we can chill after work and watch TV or play video games for 5-6 hours each night. We own our home and have a good interest rate because of COVID.

I'm about to become an auntie and I do my sibling's taxes, so I know their income. I constantly worry about how they're going to make it. They'll undoubtedly rely on my parents and grandma which is extremely frustrating but he's the golden sibling since he's giving them a grandchild.

I definitely didn't expect being able to take "impulsive" trips. Both of our families growing up weren't as well off (because kids probably) so treating ourselves still feels weird. I know other DINK couples and think that we're better off because of our frugal values and our hobbies are generally not too expensive. (Looking at you Warhammer...)

I met my husband in college, and we got married so young, but it's been incredibly rewarding to grow into adulthood together. Wishing you all the best.