Are you better off economically than your parents were at this point in your life?

[RobinA]

40. Couple Ways

I can look at this. I am over 40 and doing way worse than my parents (plural) financially. In fact, I live with them because, although fully employed with a Masters degree, I can't afford rent in my area and have enough left over to make it worth getting out of bed except to go to work.

On the other hand, I am WAY better off then my mother, who, in the absence of my father, is unable to support herself either by working or, since she is well past retirement age, with social security.

Sooo...I am not dependent on anyone for survival needs and should be able to cobble together a retirement that does not involve a steam grate or cat food. I will be employable in my field way past age 65 as long as I am reasonably healthy. My parents together have a comfortable retirement and should not ever have to worry about money given that they are conservative spenders. My mother is totally dependent on my father's financial holdings for everything.

I feel I have done about as well as I can given that I am in a low paying field in a very expensive part of the country. Had I married I might be in a much better position, but I might be in a much worse position, marriage being a double edged sword financially. One thing I don't have to worry about is the guy who puts a roof over my head taking a hike. On the other hand, I have to worry about my job taking a hike, which it has several times, but I've gotten about as secure a position as I can under the circumstances.