I believe it. I've gone from paying zero attention to the cost of things... to cutting extras/budgeting in the last five years; with just as many raises!
It really feels like my career leaps have been nullified. Unless I find a similar joint income, I don't know if I'll own a home. There's no family windfall to expect
I know, woe is me. I feel for everyone that doesn't have this padding.
Aside: The down payment stories I hear have been absurd. What's reasonable, on the low end?
