Look at the shape of the entire country. Most don't realize how much sacrifice it takes to have nice things, and are not going to deny themselves anything since they seem to think that people that have nice things had them handed to them. I'm all for a good deal, but I'll destroy something first or donate it to the needy before caving in to bottom feeders. Even though I retired early, there will be lots of things I won't be able to have, and I really don't care. I did without a new car till I was 44 and had no credit card till I was 45. Maybe it worked out for the better.