I grew up in abject poverty. I've lived below the poverty line a good half of my life, if not more. Being above the poverty line and making sure my kids don't need to live like that is amazing. But even they notice stark differences between when Eldest was little and now.
Eldest grew up with very few toys. We didn't eat out very often. We did not stop for fast food. I sewed a lot of her clothes because I could get fabric for $0.25 a yard.
Youngest has mostly brand new clothes and regular shopping dates.
They're ten years apart.
My sister waited longer to get married and have kids. She lived frugally and paid her student loans off before 35.
Her kid is growing up spending Decembers in Mexico and traveling across the country because his parents can afford it. He'll go to a private school. It's wild.
@LianaBrooks I can relate. I have one big excuse for living within my means, though.. I am a creative, an artist.. and that gives me some wiggle room to hover the line. took me 12 years to get out of debt.. 20 years later, still out of debt. That, to me is huge. ain't got many dollars and 6 tee shirts, but boy howdy.. I sleep good.
As much as you shouldn't attach your dreams to money, money does make a difference.
Being uber-wealthy won't make you happy. But living above the poverty line sure will!